A couple of days ago, we brought you the first images of the production Prius C, the new smallest member of the hybrid family with the same name. The car had been leaked via some brochure scans ahead of the full reveal during the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, but we wondered if it will be available in other markets as well.
Obviously, the US seems a prima market where the Prius C will be imported, but what about Europe? Does the strong yen spell the doom of the affordable Toyota compact hybrid on the Old Continent.
According to Autocar, the answer is yet unclear, but inside sources say it might be put together in the UK.
However, reports from last year coming from Toyota themselves said that they are planning to launch a new hybrid model in Europe in 2012, one which will be manufactured at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) plant in Valenciennes, where the Yaris is currently being built.
Looking over the side profile of the Prius C, we noticed the similarity to the Yaris and the proportions of the two are very close, but the 1.4-liter hybrid powertrain from the JDM might have to be switched to the 1.33 of the European hatch.
Well remind you that the hybrid drivetrain of the Prius C centers around a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with 74 hp and 111Nm (81.9 lb-ft) of torque. This is coupled with an electric motor that produces 61-horses and 169Nm (125 lb-ft). The combined output of 100 hp is directed to the front wheels via a CVT.
According to Autocar, the answer is yet unclear, but inside sources say it might be put together in the UK.
However, reports from last year coming from Toyota themselves said that they are planning to launch a new hybrid model in Europe in 2012, one which will be manufactured at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) plant in Valenciennes, where the Yaris is currently being built.
Looking over the side profile of the Prius C, we noticed the similarity to the Yaris and the proportions of the two are very close, but the 1.4-liter hybrid powertrain from the JDM might have to be switched to the 1.33 of the European hatch.
Well remind you that the hybrid drivetrain of the Prius C centers around a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with 74 hp and 111Nm (81.9 lb-ft) of torque. This is coupled with an electric motor that produces 61-horses and 169Nm (125 lb-ft). The combined output of 100 hp is directed to the front wheels via a CVT.
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