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A Prius C By Any Other Name Is A Yaris Hybrid
by
Derek Kreindler
(IC: employee)
Published: January 23rd, 2012
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Toyota is launching a hybrid version of the Yaris, and will likely be the European substitute for the Prius c/Aqua that Bertel drove just last week.
Derek Kreindler
More by Derek Kreindler
Published January 23rd, 2012 11:49 AM
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Is the Yaris about the same size as the Prius C? I ask because why did Toyota go to the trouble of designing the C if the same powertrain (and efficiency) can be had with the Yaris which was already designed. Couldn`t they have differentiate the front and still call it a Prius in the US since Prius has more brand equity?
You are all correct that Prius c/Aqua and Yaris Hybrid share the same basic architecture and powertrain. The latest Yaris hatchbacks, however, sit on a 2510 mm/98.8″ wheelbase, whereas Prius c/Aqua are on the outgoing Yaris sedans' longer 2550mm/100.4" wheelbase. Rumors have gone back and forth on whether or not Europe would get the Prius c as something that would fall in between the Yaris and Auris hybrids and to capitalize on the eco-cachet the Prius enjoys even among some Europeans, but importing Prius c in Europe is seemingly a money-losing proposition because of yen/euro exchange rates. I'd guess they won't bother and let Yaris Hybrid play that role instead.
Only a person with a low iQ would forgo selling prius c here for an overpriced death box on wheels.