I am probably the only automotive journalist who genuinely likes the Honda Insight, although I've always thought that if Toyota launched an entry-level hybrid, they could easily blow my beloved Honda clear out of the water. We're about to find out if I'm right, because Toyota has just introduced the compact Prius c, a smaller alternative to the regular Prius priced well under $20,000. Is this the end of the line for the Insight? Find out in my 2012 Toyota Prius c review. -- Aaron Gold
Related:
- Momma Prius: Toyota Prius v test drive
- Daddy Prius: Toyota Prius Liftback test drive
Photo © Toyota
“Toyota thinks it’s youthful, while I think it’s schizophrenic.”
Maybe you’re both right.
Seriously, though, this car is so good, I’m betting that it cuts into Prius sales substantially.
Aaron, I am wating on the Merc C250 review…. ?
All Toyota needs is one or two more variants of the Prius, and they can launch a whole new product line; the Prius division.
Next.
Eric,
The thought of such a car line is as numbing as the drivability of the Prius itself.
I’m trying to decide: on a scale of 1 to 10, if my opinion of Prius has always been a 1, and I give this one a 3, does that mean I like it?
Gary, you only have to wait a wee bit longer.
— Aaron
No Gary that doesn’t mean YOU like it. It simply means that you’re starting to understand how some others might like it.
You liking it means you’ve got to give it at least 7 or better. Does that help???
Don,
You’re absolutely correct. I’ve often compared these cars to the Dementor character in the Harry Potter books; the ones that suck out your soul. An entire separate Division of these soul sucking vehicles is almost too ghastly to comprehend.
Soul sucking?
Love it! Reminds me of old Volvo cartoons where people who had accidentally touched or brushed the cars fell into a boredom-induced coma.
Remember though, that there is an entire segment of the population that believes that these (Toyota especially) hybrids amount to four-wheeled salvation. This car just makes it easier for the poorer members of this group to obtain full membership.
These folks are the intended audience. Toyota hit the demographic target spot on.
Thanks, Don. I appreciate your advice, even though I assume it was a bit tongue in cheek.
Truth is, I was being a tad sarcastic, too. I never have been a Prius fan and it would take a lot to convince myself to buy one. However, I do know a lot of people who swear by them, so – what’s that expression from the ’60s? – “Different strokes for different folks.”
Although I wouldn’t buy one, I do think this one look incrementally better than other Prius models I have seen. The lower price doesn’t hurt, either, but still….I couldn’t see myself pulling the trigger on it.
On a totally unrelated note: Aaron, I saw a picture today in USA Today of a Elantra GT hatchback. Will this be a replacement for the Elantra Touring, and is it built on the existing Elantra chassis – something the Elantra Touring is not?
Good point and analogy, Eric &Mike. The people driving these limp wristed cars have sold their souls to planet saving….except for the millions of heavy metal batteries that will leech their way down into the ground water creating a new variant of Minamata Disease (catastrophic result of Mercury poisoning in Japan 50+ years ago).
George: Yes, the GT will take the place of the Elantra Touring. More details in my Chicago Auto Show gallery, which I’ll post for tomorrow morning.