All About Japan Autos

The Toyota Prius is already the most fuel-efficient hybrid on the market, and in the coming months, Toyota hopes to create a diverse lineup with the addition of the Prius V and Prius C.

“Toyota unveiled long-expected additions of a wagon and plug-in to the Prius line, but added this: a smaller Prius C concept, for a production model Toyota says will top fuel economy rankings when it goes on sale next year,” Jalopnik reports. “The Prius C steers away from the please-everyone approach of the current Prius, aiming for the footprint of compacts and subcompacts. Toyota didn’t reveal prices or full specs of the production version, but said it would be targeted at young urban couples who want maximum fuel efficiency.”

While there isn’t much information available, we do know some things. “The production model of the Prius C would employ Toyota’s existing Hybrid Synergy Drive system,” the New York Times explains. “The brand says it will have the highest mileage of any conventional hybrid. That honor currently belongs to the mother of all Priuses, with E.P.A.-rated fuel economy of 51 m.p.g. in the city, 48 on the highway and 50 combined.”

The Prius C also looks different in comparison to the 2011 model that’s available now. Kicking Tires likes the updates, saying, “The C is smaller and more aggressive looking than any Prius to come before in order to reach that audience, and the move adds some much-needed character to the Prius name. Standing next to it, I’d say it’s about the same size as a Toyota Yaris sedan.” The Prius C should be available in the United States in 2012.

The Prius V also made an appearance at the Detroit Auto Show. The V is larger than the current model. “The five-passenger 2012 Prius V offers 50 percent more cargo space than a conventional Prius and will go on sale in late summer,” Inside Line explains.

Larger in size, the Prius V’s fuel economy ratings are lower than the 2011 Prius’s. Toyota says the V should get 42/38 mpg on the highway.

This is only the beginning. “When Toyota is done, the Prius will come in small, medium and larger,” says the New York Times. “But this first variant off the Prius platform comes in the form of a European-style small minivan/wagon. Early in 2012 Toyota will add the Prius Plug-in Hybrid and a smaller Prius.”

In the market for a new car? Check out the U.S. News rankings of this year’s best cars as well as this month’s best car deals. Also, be sure to check us out on Twitter.