Toyota Says Lower Gas Prices May Hurt Prius Sales in the U.S.

After having announced that they’ve sold a total of five million hybrids, almost two million of which in the U.S., Toyota now says that falling gas prices may affect sales of their green models in general, and the Prius family in particular. They were planning to sell some 250,000 examples Stateside this year, but the target may not be reached, and they may have to adjust their outlook accordingly –236,659 units were sold in 2012, so the figure is not out of reach. Read more »

Toyota Breaths Some Sportiness into the Prius C with Aqua G Sports Concept

Let's face it; the Prius C's looks are about as interesting as a corn on the cob. Nevertheless, Toyota believes it can add some character to its sub-compact hybrid with a new concept that was introduced today at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

The G Sports version of the Aqua, which is what Toyota calls the Prius C in its home market of Japan, retains the standard model's full hybrid powertrain adding numerous  styling bits and a re-tuned suspension into the mix.

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Toyota Considers Changing Prius Design to Make it More Appealing

No matter how much you may save on fuel and tax incentives the state or the government might provide, for a certain number of buyers, design plays a major role when deciding on a new car. Hybrids and EVs, while futuristic, are far from being called beautiful – the $100K+ Fisker Karma excluded.

Apparently, Toyota feels the same way about its line of Prius hybrids. Therefore, despite being on track to set record sales, the Japanese carmaker is mulling whether to continue with the aerodynamic, wedge-shaped styling, which truth be told, has been around for a while, for the next generation models or try something completely new.

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Consumer Reports Doesn't Recommend New Toyota Prius C Hybrid

Toyota’s least-expensive hybrid model, the $18,950 (excluding a $760 delivery and processing fee) 2013 Prius C, is the latest car to be tested by Consumer Reports magazine.

Unfortunately for Toyota, the product-testing magazine asserted that the Prius C is not good enough to be recommended.

"This subcompact hatchback, which is related to the lackluster Toyota Yaris, suffers from a stiff ride, very noisy cabin, slow acceleration, and cheap-looking interior trim," said Consumer Reports.

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