Toyota Prius C gets minor makeover, adds Crossover variant, JDM only



Right after the launch of the facelifted Lexus CT200h, another Toyota hybrid gets updated, though strictly only for the Japanese market. The Toyota Prius C gains minor nip and tuck as well as an interesting new Crossover variant.

New to the Prius C are the front and rear bumper design and reworked headlamps and taillights. The standard Prius C also rides on 185/60 tyres for improved ride comfort, while retaining its 15-inch wheel size. 

The TFT multi-information display is the biggest change on the inside, and it’s offered as standard. The new soft synthetic leather is applied on the seats and trims.

Now, onto the Crossover. It’s basically a Prius C with “active lifestyle” trimmings which add wheel arch mouldings, roof rails and 16-inch alloy wheels. Toyota claims to have tuned the ride and handling characteristic to make it more “crossover-esque”.

Mechanically, it soldiers on with the same 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 99 hp. The updated Toyota Prius C, available in 14 different hues, is priced from 1,785,240 yen (approximately RM69k) onwards, with the Crossover commanding a price tag of 2,062,800 yen (approximately RM80k). 

It wasn’t clear if the “C” is this Prius means “Compact” or “City”, but in Japan it’s commonly known as the Aqua. Its closest competitor now would be the Honda Jazz Sport Hybrid.


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