Prius c tops Prius family sales in Australia in 2012

Canada's seen the same thing. Small car for raw efficiency and wagon for cargo-carriers having more appeal. The Prius liftback isn't perceived to offer enough for its price and class.

 

I think hybrids are finally becoming acceptable as mainstream vehicles, thanks in part to the successful Camry Hybrid. I get far fewer questions about the Prius these days as most people seem to have a basic understanding of how they work. I do think there is a local perception that the Prius liftback is overpriced - this might explain the success of cheaper models like the Prius C and Camry Hybrid.

The motoring press is generally clueless when it comes to hybrids - they'll catch up, maybe.

 

Is it because the traditional Prius is seen as a 'statement' car? People who want to be seen to be green?

Yet the other hybrids such as the C and the Camry (why won't they sell the RHD Camry hybrid in the UK?) look like normal cars with all the benefits of a hybrid, without the statement baggage of the Prius. This has been discussed on the UK forums due to a fall in Prius sales despite record high fuel costs. The Auris hybrid is now selling in great numbers despite it being fugly and too small. The new Auris hybrid just released looks the business and has Prius beating fuel economy figures.

Is it a market thing? In America the Prius is seen as green and people want to be seen to drive one but in the rest of the World many like the benefits of the Prius but not the statement it gives? That's why hybrid alternatives there are selling in greater numbers that the Prius?

 

I think this is a major factor in Australia, yes. We have a tradition of large, powerful cars in this country and there are segments of society who would never consider anything that makes a "green" statement. Smaller, more economical vehicles are finally selling more than larger ones, which indicates a general change in sentiment.

I have several friends who have said they want a Prius, but feel they would be laughed at. So vehicles like the Prius C (which looks a bit more mainstream) and the Camry Hybrid have much broader appeal.

 

funny i don't see much Cs that often on Sydney roads. maybe 2 or 3 a week. It would be interesting which states bought the most hybrids per capita.

 

It clearly shows how new Prius model raise overall sales of hybrid vehicles, dont just take Prius liftback sales.

I think Corolla and Camry models in Aussie have a lot more chances to sell well... Corolla Hybrid is rumored to come later this year with new gen.

 

Australia already has a slew of diesel cars that get great mileage without being overpriced. They also have many compact cars with small petrol engines that are very affordable to drive. Hybrids aren't a fad there.

 

Toyota Camry Hybrid Surpasses Prius In Australian Sales | Reviews | Prices | Australian specifications

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I think you're selling more Prii than in the UK where we have double the population and more expensive petrol. I wonder how the price compares as the base Prii is only £100 less than the base Lexus CT200. I know which I'd go for out of the two. A nice Lexus badge

 

Now we know: "Consumer Reports" must not be published in Australia . . . or believed!

Bob Wilson

 

Since I put my gen III on the road as a taxi a year ago, there have only been two other liftbacks appearing as Sydney cabs. In the same period, there have been four v's appearing as cabs, and a whole slew of Camry hybrids. In fact, if the 2012 Camry hybrid had been available when I was buying the Prius, I would have gone for the Camry as my cab. There is one Toyota dealer trying very hard to get more Prius v's and Camry hybrids on the road as taxis, offering very good prices. They are not offering the same incentives for the liftback.

I still average 2-3 queries on the Prius each day from my passengers, and most people are interested in the fuel costs.

 

Doesn't the Camry have a really small boot? How could that be any use as a taxi? I'd have said the Prius was borderline for luggage, whereas the V or + is fine.

You had any negative comments once they find out your fuel consumption?

 

Hi Grumpy,

The boot space is generally not an issue as most other cars (e.g. Ford Falcon) have a LPG tank in the boot. In fact, I would argue HyCam has a much larger boot compare to a converted Falcon.

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