A Nice Pretty Prius?

“Attractive” isn’t really a word we would use to describe the normal-size Prius, let alone the even-funkier Prius V people mover. While nowhere near as cool as the Prius C concept from last year’s Detroit show, the production C isn’t half bad-looking. The hatchback has clean styling punctuated by interesting details like the tall vertical taillights, and its aggressive grille treatment manages to avoid the fish face that characterizes the mugs of other Priuses. With a 100.4-inch wheelbase and overall length of 157.3 inches, a width of 66.7, and a height of 56.9, the Prius C is just a few inches longer than Toyota’s own Yaris.

The interior combines signature Prius cues—centralized digital gauge cluster, blue start button—with a distinctive dashboard design similar to that of the 2012 Yaris. The steering wheel is shared with other Prius models, but the C gets a conventional floor-mounted shifter instead of the bizarre nub used in its bigger siblings. Several premium features will come as standard, including a 3.5-inch information screen, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, and USB and iPod connectivity. Navigation and Toyota’s new Entune infotainment system will be available, and the C will offer buyers four trim levels to choose from.