2012 Toyota Prius C Two Trim Overview

Stepping up a notch from its entry-level sibling, the new-for-2012 Toyota Prius C Two 5-seat subcompact hatchback offers just a few more standard amenities, including split-folding rear seatbacks. This convenience adds a little extra capability to its 17.1 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats.

A 1.5-liter gasoline-burning inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine and a 60-hp electric motor combine with a well-wrought continuously variable transmission for a total of some 99 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque. Regenerative braking helps the I4 juice up the downsized nickel-metal hydride battery, while variable valve timing (VVT), a driver-selectable Eco mode, and an EV (electric-only) mode that runs this little wagon up to 25 mph for short distances, each combine with auto engine start/stop technology to help keep mileage at a class-leading 53 mpg city/46 highway.

Standard appearance goodies include 15-inch steel wheels, a rear spoiler and power-adjustable mirrors, while cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, a telescoping and tilting simulated alloy steering wheel, and full power accessories only scratch the surface of the cabin's amenities. Bluetooth hands-free calling is standard, as are a 3.5-inch hybrid performance display and cabin air filtration to bolster the climate control system. Entertainment, meanwhile, is presented via a single-CD player with 6 speakers, an auxiliary iPod interface and a USB port.

Added exterior protection features, floor mats and various cargo organizing tools are each optional in either the Preferred Accessory Package or in standalone form.

Safety-wise, Toyota’s Star Safety System means the 2012 Prius C Two offers standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (front disc/rear drum), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Daytime running lights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors also come standard, while Toyota’s VIP Plus remote antitheft alarm is optional.