Why did Toyota choose a stiffer chassis for the C (=better handling) but not the regular Prius?

attracting a different market... more buyers..

 

Remember the C is 500 lbs lighter too, which would also affect the handling.

 

You're complaining that they've made it better? Strange for a first post...

 

It's a great statement for Toyota that entry level hybrids don't have to be boring! the c is surprisingly toss able in the curves. Reminds me of my old Acura GSR only not as fast. Flat cornering is a pleasant surprise in a hybrid!

 

The C is lighter and much shorter, both of which also affect the handling and ride. I unfortunately drive on poorly maintained roads most of the time, so the C's ride would probably get old real fast for me!

 

The liftback Prius simply uses the same, optimized platform as the Prius 2. That dates from 2004 and needs an overhaul.

The Prius C uses the newest Platform used by Toyota's compact series, which includes the Yaris 2011 and Ractis 2010 (Verso S).

I would wish a blend of both. Less bumpy on seems, and handling like a C.

Cars that succeed doing that are Ford Fiesta and Focus, VW Golf and Jetta...

 

I don't have any problems with the suspension on my Prius hatchback, so I am guessing I'll like the C also.

 

This is why..

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-c-main-forum/104939-stiff-suspension-test-drive-reaction.html

A lot of Prius buyers want a softer suspension and don't want to toss the car around corners of feel every bump in the road. For those that do there is the c.

 

I think the reason they leave the regular Prius the same is because many of it's buyers are older and Toyota assumes they are more concerned with a softer more comfortable ride and not so concerned about handling. I don't find the C to be very rough myself, but I came from a Honda Fit which had a similar ride to the C.

 

"C" is marketed as City, so better handling would be a plus in urban jungles.

hatchback is more likely to be used on longer trips, hence softer suspension.

 

I think it mostly comes down to a "Sub-Compact" vs. "Mid-Size".

The Honda Fit, I currently drive, has been described as "fun to drive" and Tosseable...much like the Prius c.

I don't think one is necessarily superior to the other, just different. I've driven vehicles with both attributes. In my mind, it's like flying a small spitfire plane, or a larger 747...

The smaller vehicle might be fun, more nimble...The larger vehicle more relaxing and comfortable.

Why is it this way? Well IMO if your producing compact, you are kind of stuck producing the product you are producing. Smaller wheelbase, lighter body...you'll hopefully get the plus'es that a smaller vehicle can provide. Conversely, larger vehicle...different parameters.

I actually think it would be difficult to produce a small, lightweight sub-compact with the "relaxing" quieter driving aspects of a mid-size or full size vehicle.

I wouldn't of used the adjective "Soggy"...it's just different.

Depending on my situation, I enjoy driving vehicles with both attributes.

I once owned a Ford Taurus, I suppose you could call it "Soggy" but it was more like driving your living room couch around. It was very comfortable, relatively powerful, but not very "tosseable".

Small Barn Storming Plane....or Large 747? One isn't really "better" than the other, just different machines with different goals and aims.

 

I have a Prius, my partner has a Yaris. I have got so used to the Prius that when I get into the Yaris (or drive it), I can feel every bump in the road shaking my bones to pieces. When I was younger, that was great, but now not so great.

 

I've been driving a honda insight since 2000 for reference.

I test drove the C first and found it nice and tight feeling, I felt like I had a great connection to the hybrid system and road. nice tight responsive brakes.

I then drove the prius liftback right after. I found it to be a boat. significantly less feeling of being in tight control of the hybrid system and brakes.

The transmitting of road bumps through the suspension is less than ideal, but smooth ride quality is down the list for me compared to being able to interact with the drive systems submodes. A quiet ride compared to the old insight will be very welcome as well.

I really preferred the C and felt like I could really use that closeness to the hybrid system through the throttle to my advantage in attaining high mpg. As i said, I've been driving hybrid since 2000 and have a surgeon's toe when it come to feathering for mpg. The C was beautifully synergistic. Now if I could just get the one I want so I can start enjoying it!

 

The C is smaller so it is easier to make it stiff. Not sure what the Prius shares its platform with. The C shares its platform with the Yaris.

 

The current c shares very little since the Gen 4 Prius released in 2016. The Gen 4 Prius is based on the TNGA chassis which is much safer & more responsive. Comments from 2012 no longer apply to the Prius.