2017 Prius c Mild Refresh, Lower MPG estimates

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by That_Prius_Car, Jan 13, 2017.

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  1. That_Prius_Car

    That_Prius_Car Austin Kinser

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    IMG_9130.JPG IMG_9131.JPG IMG_9129.PNG Via AutoBlog: Safety first, sales to follow. That's what Toyota is hoping for after releasing details about the safety features it's including standard on all Prius C compact hybrids for an update for the new model year.

    The Japanese automaker's Safety Sense C system will be included on all 2017 Prius C models. The car's collision-avoidance system includes automatic braking in the event of an impending frontal collision, while the car's sensors detect yellow and white lane markings for lane maintenance. Additionally, the system automatically deploys high beams during night-driving conditions. The car's standard features already include nine airbags and a stability control system.

    Toyota is looking to complement such increased safety with some styling improvements. That means a redesigned rear bumper and side rocker panels as well as a blacked-out rear spoiler for this year's model. None of those improvements will make gearheads forget that the car delivers 99 horsepower (which makes the inclusion of traction control as standard equipment kind of funny), but the car will at least look a little sportier.

    The safety features and appearance updates compliment the model's already-substantial green cred. The Prius C was listed at No. 8 (just ahead of the standard-hatchback Prius) among the country's "Greenest" vehicles by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) last January. Once again, the model gets a 46 miles per gallon combined fuel-efficiency rating by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

    Toyota is hoping this update will spur sales of the compact hybrid. Last year, Prius C sales in the US fell 47 percent to about 20,000 units. Model sales in the US reached a high of almost 42,000 vehicles in 2013.

    I also noticed the MPG estimates on the website are lower. Instead of 53/46/50 it's now 48/43/46. Maybe do to the added body cladding?

    And the base price is also higher.
     
    #1 That_Prius_Car, Jan 13, 2017
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  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    #2 Tideland Prius, Jan 13, 2017
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  3. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    #3 Prodigyplace, Jan 13, 2017
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  4. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Senior Member

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    Interesting that they're bothering to refresh the Prius c, a generation that I'd have thought was nearing the end of its life.

    Although, looks like the Yaris (its platform-mate) is getting an extensive refresh soon, instead of a move to a TNGA-derived platform: A new high performance Yaris at Geneva

    And, comments about making the "Yaris Hybrid version even stronger"? Hmm, I'm not sure if suspension will be enough to do it.

    Worth noting that the Yaris in Europe has already moved to the NR family of engines, instead of the NZ that the Yaris Hybrid, the US Yaris, and the Aqua/Prius c uses. Wonder if something like a 2NR-FXE will be made to replace the 1NZ-FXE, for a future Yaris Hybrid and Aqua/Prius c.
     
    #4 bhtooefr, Jan 13, 2017
  5. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    They added some safety features as standard. This will buy Toyota a little time as they ramp up production of TNGA. It looks like they have issues supplying enough Primes during their ramp-up and the 2018 Camry Hybrid has been announced.
     
    #5 Prodigyplace, Jan 13, 2017
  6. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    This thing is looking more and more like a nasty little Yaris. Damn! Am glad Toyota is making it safer, that's ALWAYS good! Still I think I'd rather drive any other Hybrid than this to be completely honest. So cheesy and small :(
     
    #6 Aaron Vitolins, Jan 13, 2017
  7. Pijoto

    Pijoto Active Member

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    The regular Gen 3 Prius got whacked by the EPA stick as well... now 50city/46hwy/48combined. I'm no longer driving an "official" 50MPG car :(

    It does make you appreciate the advancements of Gen 4 a lot more though.
     
    #7 Pijoto, Jan 13, 2017
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  8. Vman455

    Vman455 Senior Member

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    Except for the 2010; the new correction factor only applies back to 2011 model year and newer, so the 2010 is "still" a 50mpg car, but the identical 2011...isn't.
     
    #8 Vman455, Jan 13, 2017
  9. Horsey

    Horsey New Member

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    I'm pretty glad now that I ended up getting my green 2016... there's nothing but a price hike and aweful colour choices lol.
     
    #9 Horsey, Jan 14, 2017
  10. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    And some safety features as standard.
     
    #10 Prodigyplace, Jan 14, 2017
  11. TC400

    TC400 Active Member

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    Heated Steering Wheel? I missed that part! Nice!
     
    #11 TC400, Jan 14, 2017
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  12. TC400

    TC400 Active Member

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    I don't see anything about the heated steering wheel ???
     
    #12 TC400, Jan 14, 2017
  13. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    From that press release that I linked:


    "For a taste of luxury, the Prius c Four adds LED fog lights on the outside and, on the inside, a power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade; integrated backup camera; SofTex®-trimmed seats, plus heated steering wheel, front seats, and outside mirrors."
     
    #13 Tideland Prius, Jan 14, 2017
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  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    So basically the Prius has gone from:

    2001: 41 mpg
    2004: 46 mpg
    2010: 48 mpg (we'll assume it's an error on fueleconomy.gov)
    2016: 52 or 56 mpg

    for combined fuel economy.

    If we assume the Two Eco is "the Prius" if owners didn't demand all the luxury features added on (like power seats, leather, moonroof), then Toyota has done pretty damn well for Gen 4 in terms of FE improvements. I'd go on a limb and say it's the biggest advancement since Gen 1 to Gen 2.
     
    #14 Tideland Prius, Jan 14, 2017
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  15. Pijoto

    Pijoto Active Member

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    From Vman455's post, it looks like the new EPA rules weren't applied to cars older than 5 years, maybe the 2004-2009 are 2mpg lower if it were, so the Prius efficiency has gone up 8-9% every generation; not bad, gotta hand it to Toyota, what other car see's that kind of an improvement every generation? do not know if Gen 3's reclassification was an error or not, but I've noticed other cars like the current Camry got reduced as well, it's now 24/33, instead of 25/35 from just a year ago...so, yeah, I'm driving a "48mpg" car now :oops:

    I've never seen a Two Eco for sale in Dallas, btw, it's probably just a Unicorn car for California...
     
    #15 Pijoto, Jan 14, 2017
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  16. Garrett Adams

    Garrett Adams Junior Member

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    Info and feedback I've seen concerning other new 2017 brands that have lower EPA numbers mention that the EPA has revised their testing procedure.
     
    #16 Garrett Adams, Jan 15, 2017
  17. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    This was already mentioned (in bold text) in Post 2 of this thread.
     
    #17 Prodigyplace, Jan 15, 2017
  18. That_Prius_Car

    That_Prius_Car Austin Kinser

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    Well said. It was told to me by someone unnamed in Toyota before Gen.IV was launched that the Gen.IV would be a revolutionary vehicle, rather than evolutionary. I believe it.
     
    #18 That_Prius_Car, Jan 15, 2017
  19. priusCpilot

    priusCpilot Active Member

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    Wow the new EPA numbers would only be if you drive wild aggressive? I don't have an issue getting 50-53 easy on tanks in the winter and more in warmer times. I just drive post speed limit or more and don't brake hard when possible.
     
    #19 priusCpilot, Jan 22, 2017
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  20. Got2bHam

    Got2bHam Member

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    I have heard mention of the Yaris replacement on the horizon but honestly I'm not holding my breath after that iA fiasco. I imagine Toyota is taking the Kia Niro/Chevrolet Spark Activ approach with this update to lure those who want crossover styling in an affordable car package. Adding AWD and lifting the ride height by an inch could potentially create a very unique item for Toyota. I see the Prius C evolving into the lifestyle Prius. Less about the highest EPA numbers and more about pleasing urbanites.
     
    #20 Got2bHam, Feb 7, 2017
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