The Toyota Prius c (c stands for "city"), named the Toyota Aqua
in Japan, is a full hybrid gasoline-electric subcompact hatchback
produced by Toyota Motor Corporation. The Prius c is the third member of
the Prius family, and combines the features of a Yaris-sized car with a
hybrid powertrain. The Prius c is priced lower than the conventional
Prius and has a higher fuel economy in city driving under United States
Environmental Protection Agency test cycles. The Prius c is ranked by
the EPA as the 2012 most fuel efficient compact car when plug-in
electric vehicles are excluded.
The production version of the Aqua was unveiled in the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The production Prius c was introduced in the U.S. at the January 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Aqua was launched in Japan in December 2011 at a price of ¥1.69 million (US$21,700). Sales in several Asian markets began in January 2012. The Prius c was released in the U.S. and Canada in March 2012. Sales in Australia and New Zealand began in April 2012.
