Toyota Motor Philippines has launched a more affordable alternative to its Prius hybrid hatchback in the Prius C less than a month after the car was first launched in its home country of Japan.

As the latest addition to Toyota's Prius Hybrid line-up, the Japanese carmaker claims that the Prius C is "an unprecedented vehicle that employs cutting-edge hybrid technology that pursues the best possible performance as a compact car while playing its role in contributing to the environment."

Despite its compact size, the Prius C creates a powerful impression as the vehicle's front fascia presents a bold image while its trapezoidal shape which tapers toward the rear gives the car not only a fun and lively facade but also enhances its aerodynamic performance.

Just like the Prius hatchback, the Prius C is also equipped with the same Hybrid Synergy Drive technology that produces excellent drivability and unparalleled fuel economy. Powering it is an inline-four, 72hp 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine that complies with Euro V regulations. The engine's efficiency is also enhanced through the adoption of an exhaust gas recirculation system and an electric power pump. Paired to the internal combustion engine is a 59hp electric motor that gets its power from a nickel-metal hydride battery, giving the Prius C a total power output of 131hp and 280Nm of torque.

The characteristics of the hybrid system include the ability to accurately use the gasoline engine and the electric motor based on the current driving conditions which results in a smoother and reactive driving experience while significantly minimizing fuel consumption and gas emissions. The Prius C also doesn't need to be plugged into a power source to be recharged as its battery is recharged through the use of the regenerative braking system that allows continues recharging as you drive.

Inside the Prius C, the cabin radiates a lucid and fun interior through the use of unified geometric surfaces. Various features such as the multi-information display and frequently used controls have been integrated to improve the car's user friendliness. The Prius C's operating system and utility functions have also been designed for the comfort of daily driving while the serene interior color schemes create a clean and energetic environment inside the car.

Although the production Prius C is a far cry from the Prius C Concept which debuted at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, it still retains the city-centric design of the concept vehicle that "will appeal to young singles and couples who want an eco-sensitive, high-mileage, fun-to-drive Prius."

This Prius C hybrid compact car comes with five elegant colors to choose from: Lime White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Extreme Black and Super Red. Other colors such as Blue Metallic, Freedom White, Aqua Mica Metallic and Mandarin Orange Mica Metallic are also available through firm order.

The Prius C is available in 4 options:

* the Prius C Full Option (White Pearl) which is priced at P1.54 million;

* the Prius C Full Option at P1.525 million;

* the Prius C Standard (White Pearl) at P1.49 million and;

* the Prius C Standard at P1.475 million.