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Regardless of what letter or words you place after its name -- whether c or v or Plug-in -- Toyota's Prius is an ambassador for amazing fuel economy. However, they're not always the most exciting to drive.

Does that really matter in a commuter setting? In stop-and-go traffic, we're all equals. Even if you have a supped-up Supra, FR-S, or Italian-stallion sports car, we're all inching along complaining about how much it sucks and griping about where we have to be in 17 minutes... 16 now. Ticktock.

Even when you do catch a break, chances are you can't open the car up that much anyway. Or if you do, you always run the risk of having a stern talking to (or more) by local law enforcement agents.

However, of all the Prius family members (there are four), the c -- which stands for city -- has the most personality and doesn't entirely leave the fun-to-drive factor out of the equation. So, I'll call it the Prius pf (personality fun) from now on -- or maybe not. I'll leave the nomenclature to Toyota.


What is the 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology?
The Prius c is the baby of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive-powered vehicles. It's also the smallest of the bunch, but has room for five and 481 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats.

Draped in a Magnetic Grey Metallic coat, I find it has some character in its lines and is kind of cute.

The Prius c is the baby of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive-powered vehicles. It's also the smallest of the bunch, but has room for five and 481 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

2013 Toyota Prius c Technology Price and Specs
When it comes to pricing, the MSRP of the 2013 Prius c Technology is $23,415. With the fees and destination charges, it amounts to $25,115.20 (excluding tax). However, if you just want the pure pleasure of driving a Prius c, minus the fancy bells and whistles, that has a base MSRP of $20,440.

Amazing fuel efficiency results can be attributed to the Toyota Prius c's 1.5L, 4-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Amazing fuel efficiency results can be attributed to the Toyota Prius c's 1.5L, 4-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). (Photo: Toyota)

Driving the 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology
On paper, the car's net horsepower of 100 doesn't seem like a lot. It's not, but it's sufficient for romping around town. Off the line, the 2013 Prius c Technology is not winning pink slips. Then again, that's not what it was designed and engineered to dor.

What it was designed for is amazing fuel economy. The 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology sips an estimated 3.5L/100km in the city and on the highway 4.0L/100km for a combined consumption of 3.7L/100km.

For even more efficiency, press the ECO Mode or EV Mode button, located by the hand brake. The EV mode allows you to drive in electric mode at lower speeds, therefore saving you more fuel. It's perfect for snail-speed situations, not that there's anything perfect about gridlock!

For even more efficiency, press the ECO Mode or EV Mode button, located by the hand brake. The EV mode allows you to drive in electric mode at lower speeds, therefore saving you more fuel. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology
Inside, there's a welcoming setup and one that has user-friendly written all over it. You're greeted by comfy seats, an easy-to-use centre stack and a gear selector that is unmistakably Prius. What does that mean? It's capped with a blue top reminding you that you're in a hybrid. Although, the real reminder comes at the pump.

The steering-wheel-mounted controls allow you to adjust things like temperature settings, audio mode and volume, but also display them on the digital dash above the centre stack. That way, you don't have to look down at the wheel when adjusting the various functions.

The “Technology” designation adds to this 2013 Prius c a display audio system with navigation.

It features a 6” touchscreen, Bluetooth with wireless music streaming, and a unique “text to voice” feature that converts text messages from your phone into voice messages through the speakers.

Along with the navi system, there's a standard Multi-Information Display which shows such information as driving range, fuel consumption, elapsed time and outside temperature.

Just what I need: The 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology can evaluate my driving habits! However, it's for the greater good. It shows how you can save on fuel and improve your overall driving experience.

Inside, there's a welcoming setup and one that has user-friendly written all over it. You're greeted by comfy seats, an easy-to-use centre stack and a gear selector that is unmistakably Prius. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Comparing the 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology
As for the Prius c's competition? Well, there really isn't a direct hybrid competitor. There are compact cars with impressive fuel numbers like the Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa Note, Honda Fit or Chevrolet Sonic.

This 2013 Toyota Prius c Technology review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

Nico Hulkenberg's manager has expressed disappointment with how Ferrari broke the bad news to the German driver this week.

It has emerged that Hulkenberg was seriously considered by the Maranello based team as the replacement for Felipe Massa.

But when Ferrari ultimately signed Raikkonen, the Italian squad let Hulkenberg know in the form of a mere text message, the German driver's manager Werner Heinz has revealed.

"After two months of negotiations, I expected at least a phone call," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Werner said five lawyers worked for eight weeks on the Ferrari contract, where ultimately the only missing link was president Luca di Montezemolo's signature.

"The contracts went back and forth and in the end only had to be signed," Heinz told the German newspaper Bild.

"Domenicali sent us a SMS at 22.50 on Tuesday," he added.

Heinz continued: "Now Ferrari has signed Kimi we are talking again with Lotus. It looks like they are set for 2014."

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, at Monza. (Photo: WRi2)

Switzerland's Blick newspaper said a return to Sahara Force India is Hulkenberg's 'plan B'.

Lotus team boss Eric Boullier confirmed that Nico Hulkenberg is in the running.

"Of course," he told RMC Sport, "as are all the drivers that are available. Felipe Massa is also available, so he is inevitably on the list. These are drivers whose management approached us."

FIA's safety delegate for Formula 1, Charlie Whiting Wednesday inspected Mexico City's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Rumours started circulating in August that the 2014 F1 schedule would include a Grand Prix in Mexico.

A local newspaper reports that Whiting inspected the road course with Federico Alamán, director of Special Events Ocesa, administrator of the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit, Tavo Hellmund, who worked on the return of F1 in America as well as Hermann Tilke and Mexican FIA representatives.

Whiting 's visit began shortly after 10 am and lasted about three hours.

The newspaper indicatef that the circuit would need extensive work to meet the requirements of the FIA for a Grade 1 licence needed to stage the Formula 1 race.

The road course was built in the late 50's and was inaugurated on December 20, 1959.

The McLaren MP4-12C CAN-AM enjoyed its first track time in North America today at Autodrome St-Eustache. Naturally, Auto123.com was on hand to capture the action.

Inspired from the GT-3, McLaren's new supercar is motivated by a 3.8L twin-turbo V8 engine that cranks out 630 horsepower. It costs around $600,000.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

Unveiled earlier this week at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse will be limited to 50 units worldwide, and only 15 of those will be sold in North America (three in Canada).

Pricing for the yellow-only supercar is set at $259,100 USD.

As a quick reminder, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse uses a 570-horsepower V10 engine to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 10.4 seconds. Top speed is rated at 320 km/h.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

From press release

Volkswagen's Andreas Mikkelsen holds a slender overnight lead of Rally Australia after the opening two stages on Thursday evening. 

The Norwegian was fastest on the first pass of the Super Special in downtown Coffs Harbour - run as SS1 - and second on the second (SS2) to hold a 0.9sec advantage over Citroen DS3 driver Kris Meeke. Mikkelsen's Volkswagen team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala is third, 0.5sec behind Meeke. 

Andreas Mikkelsen (Photo: VW)

It is the first time that Mikkelsen has led a WRC rally, but it was a close call after he clipped a barrier with the left-hand front corner of his Polo R on the second loop. The water, sprayed on the dry earth sections to keep the dust clouds down, made conditions unexpectedly slippery for many of the WRC crews.

Cheered on by grandstands full of spectators, crews tackled the tight and twisty mixed surface test in pairs with headlights blazing.

Drivers' championship leader Sebastien Ogier ended the day fourth, and looking forward to Friday, when the action switches to the twisty gravel roads south of Coffs Harbour. 

Mikko Hirvonen is fifth, with Thierry Neuville sixth and Mads Ostberg - who complained of bad understeer - seventh. 

Volkswagen AG wants to join Honda Motor Co. in selling compressed natural gas-fueled cars in the United States, but first it wants the U.S. government to help get more CNG pumps at fueling stations.

Ford didn't breach pricing contracts with commercial truck dealers, a Cleveland jury found in the retrial of a case that previously resulted in a $2 billion judgment against the company.

A majority of workers at Volkswagen's assembly plant in Tennessee have signed cards favoring the union's representation in creating a German-style works council at the plant, the Associated Press reported, citing a top union official.

RMand#8217;s London auction sold a total of $34,085,045 in classic and antique cars during its two-day sale at Battersea Park. The company auctioned 120 cars with more than 90 percent selling through.

Ford today named Steelcase CEO James Hackett and John Lechleiter, CEO of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company, to the automaker's board of directors.

Mecum is no stranger to hosting million-dollar auctions all over the United States. Their most recent event in Dallas put collector Buddy Herin's

A Japanese auto supplier executive was charged today in federal court with price fixing and bid rigging for speed-sensor wire assemblies his company sold to Toyota for vehicles made in the United States and elsewhere.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E250 Bluetec has received an estimated EPA rating of 28 mpg city/45 highway.

ALG, citing high incentives, recent price cuts and a potential glut of models, has cut residual values for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids in its latest residual value guide -- chief among them the all battery powered...

Just back from a 1,300 mile round trip to the Frankfurt IAA, Glenn Brooks bids farewell to a car that impressed him with its combination of relaxed high speed cruising, great handling and exceptional economy - the Vauxhall Astra 2.0 BiTurbo.

Just back from a 1,300 mile round trip to the Frankfurt IAA, Glenn Brooks bids farewell to a car that impressed him with its combination of relaxed high speed cruising, great handling and exceptional economy - the Vauxhall Astra 2.0 BiTurbo.

Just back from a 1,300 mile round trip to the Frankfurt IAA, Glenn Brooks bids farewell to a car that impressed him with its combination of relaxed high speed cruising, great handling and exceptional economy - the Vauxhall Astra 2.0 BiTurbo.

Just back from a 1,300 mile round trip to the Frankfurt IAA, Glenn Brooks bids farewell to a car that impressed him with its combination of relaxed high speed cruising, great handling and exceptional economy - the Vauxhall Astra 2.0 BiTurbo.

2013 Frankfurt Motor Show Hits and Misses

The Automobile Magazine staff weighs in.

European economic crisis? Hah! This place is nothing like Detroit circa 2009 -- 10, when the ravages of the Great Recession made Cobo Hall look like a scene from a clearance sale. On the contrary, there was a bumper crop of new sheetmetal in Frankfurt. The Germans led the way with their huge, separate halls displaying entry-level to ultra-luxury cars and crossovers. Audi constructed a purpose-built, temporary stadium in the space BMW used to own and designed its "upside-down city" with ceiling mirrors to double display its cars. BMW responded with a stand that looks like an Apple superstore, complete with a raised track for i3 demo rides. Picking the hits and misses here are deputy editor Joe DeMatio, executive editor Todd Lassa, associate editors David Zenlea and Greg Migliore, associate web editor Evan McCausland, and the critic every car designer respects and fears, our automotive design editor, Robert Cumberford.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show Hits and Misses - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show Hits and Misses - Automobile Magazine

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