But it will still look more like the Prius than does the current C Concept
OK. Here’s the good news. Despite a couple of rumors to the contrary, the Toyota Prius C is still heading for production. Unfortunately, the bad news is that it’s going to look more like the “serious” original Prius.
But at least the C will still offer a more “optimistic” design.
According to Dezi Nagaya, Toyota’s new global styling chief, Toyota’s design language is going to start speaking out.
“We are going to be more dynamic, more masculine, sportier, with a more obvious design theme and a face to represent the company and the brand,” he said. “We have eliminated emotion. We need to pump that up.”
And that “dynamic” language is also intended for the Prius, although the Prius, Nayagay notes, is still a car that is driven more by rationality than emotion. Thus, don’t expect major changes, but a little emotion is warranted.
However, the Toyota Prius C will at least be less serious than the current Prius, offering a more “optimistic” design. Nevertheless, the Prius C will still look more like the current Prius than does the C Concept. Inevitably, Toyota believes the family connection between the Prius and the Prius C needs to be clear.
While I like the design language of the Prius C, I understand the point of familial familiarity, although I’m not sure I agree. Sure, a smaller and cheaper Prius makes a lot of sense, but does the Prius forever have to define Toyota hybrid cars? If priced correctly, might not a Scion hybrid, based upon the Prius C, also offer potential?
