2018 Toyota Prius c price and features

Toyota’s Prius c compact hybrid hatch has undergone a facelift for the 2018 model year, bringing design tweaks and new equipment to Australia’s most affordable hybrid.

Entry-level pricing for the Yaris-based eco-car goes up $590 to $24,040 which Toyota claims is a bargain considering all of the new standard additions including satellite navigation, a larger 4.2-inch multi-function screen, interior trim enhancements, restyled headlights and new front end plastics.

The range-topping Prius c i-Tech (below) gains an upgraded sat-nav system along with interior and exterior changes, with its retail price rising by just $30 to $26,540.

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The car’s bodywork has been slightly lengthened by 55mm, thanks to a 40mm nose stretch and a more pronounced rear spoiler.

The front also has a larger and bolder grille framed by a new front bumper, restyled headlights and modified bonnet and fenders.

The LED taillights have also been restyled for the 2018 model year.

The i-Tech model also gains newly designed two-tone 15-inch alloy wheels and there two new exterior colours available for both models: Hornet Yellow and Aquamarine (the latter of which carries a premium paint charge).

Several unseen measures have also been applied to improve handling and stability, including larger and stiffer lower-rear panels and additional spot welds for the rear-wheel housings.

The full-size spare wheel has also been ditched from under the cargo area floor in favour of a space-saver to save weight.

Interior changes include a new black steering wheel with piano black and silver highlights, complementing the redesigned centre cluster.

The air-conditioning/heater control panel has been modified with LCD display functions grouped in a "floating" structure with piano black ornamentation and a chrome-plated surround.

Trays in the instrument panel and centre console are also now covered in soft-touch material to improve cabin quality.

Both models now feature satellite navigation with SUNA live-traffic information viewed through the 6.1-inch display screen.

As well as the larger 4.2-inch MID within the instrument cluster (previously 3.5-inch), the Prius c now has the same steering wheel as the i-Tech, incorporating switches to operate trip-computer info displayed on the MID.

Toyota points out the Yaris-based Prius c, which is smaller than the Corolla-based Prius, is the most affordable hybrid available in Australia. Its 74kW petrol-electric hybrid powertrain drinks a claimed 3.9L/100km on the combined cycle and produces just 90 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometre.

Toyota Prius c pricing

• Prius c - $24,040
• Prius c i-Tech - $26,540