The Prius c is a concept in name only, because this smaller and even more fuel-efficient variant is going into production.
FORBES: New York Auto Show: Green Cars Are The New Mainstream
We had a less expensive version of the Prius -- the Prius C as it's marketed in the U.S. We've had new Lexus launches, relaunches of the Avalon and RAV 4.
At the same time, as Automotive News noted, before this report, the largest mileage discrepancies found by Consumer Reports were 7 and 6 mpg for the Prius c and regular Prius.
FORBES: Consumer Reports Zings Ford Over Hybrid Mileage Ratings
Pedigree is not the Prius c's problem.
WSJ: 2012 Toyota Prius c Review: Pleasure Not Included | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil
Toyota is making bold moves in this direction by rolling out new hybrid models under its Prius brand: a station wagon called the Prius C and a tiny, ultra high-mileage Prius V, joining the original four-door hatchback later this year.
To wit: While Ford is eager to put C-Max against Prius v and therefore be counted as worthy of comparison with the magnificent Prius brand, C-Max notably is not being compared with the original and still-dominant Prius hatchback with which most American consumers are familiar.
FORBES: Ford C-Max Tries To Prey On Weaker Member of Prius Family
But any consumer comparing the C-Max Hybrid and Prius v also quickly will see that Ford claims 47 mpg overall for C-Max Hybrid while Toyota claims only 40 mpg for Prius v.
FORBES: Consumer Reports Zings Ford Over Hybrid Mileage Ratings
By comparison, many of the hybrid and plug-in models making the Greenest Car list this year are practical enough to be everyday drivers, including two family friendly station wagons, the Toyota Prius v and Ford C-Max Hybrid.
With a maximum electric-only speed projected to top that of Prius plug-in, C-MAX Energi drivers might be able to reach wherever they're going a little faster, too.
ENGADGET: Ford's 2013 C-Max Energi rolls out 95 MPGe, arrives later this fall
The Toyota Prius Plug-in and Ford C-Max Energi plug-ins are both well reviewed and are in demand from consumers.
So it makes sense for us to compare C-Max to Prius.
FORBES: Ford C-Max Tries To Prey On Weaker Member of Prius Family
The Ford C-Max and Toyota Prius plug-in hybrids get a combined city-and-highway rating of 58 miles per gallon from the Environmental Protection Agency.
CNN: Fact Check: Obama on fuel economy: Your mileage may vary
In the ads, Ford uses an old-school but engaging 2-D-animation technique and directly compares C-Max to the Prius v, the larger Prius nameplate introduced last year.
FORBES: Ford C-Max Tries To Prey On Weaker Member of Prius Family
The goal is to give consumers a valid comparison point between different vehicles, so if one is shopping for a new Ford C-Max or a Toyota Prius, the numbers for fuel economy can be accurately gauged.
In the ads, Ford also depicts C-Max in a more flowing shape than Prius v though the cars, elongated hatchbacks, have similar profiles.
FORBES: Ford C-Max Tries To Prey On Weaker Member of Prius Family
From our few minutes in the driver's seat, the C-MAX Energi certainly felt edgier than the Prius, but not quite as satisfying as the Focus Electric.
ENGADGET: Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid test drive (video)
C-Max is about 300 pounds heavier than Prius v despite a smaller footprint, and has about the same amount of passenger space though a bit less cargo room.
FORBES: Ford C-Max Tries To Prey On Weaker Member of Prius Family
So it makes some sense on paper for Ford to attempt to get C-Max into the same consumer conversations as Prius, which still absolutely dominates purchases and consideration in the combined U.S. market for conventional hybrids, plug-ins and EVs.
FORBES: Ford C-Max Tries To Prey On Weaker Member of Prius Family
Ford has launched a daring first TV-advertising campaign for its 2013 C-Max hybrid, aimed right at the Toyota Prius franchise.
FORBES: Ford C-Max Tries To Prey On Weaker Member of Prius Family
The new C-MAX Energi also has 60 more horsepower than the Prius plug-in hybrid considering full battery power, along with class-exclusive technologies such as hands-free liftgate and active park assist for easier parallel parking.
ENGADGET: Ford C-Max Energi pricing: $29,995 after a federal tax credit, available this fall
Additionally, initial sales data show that C-Max is stealing hybrid sales away from other brands at an impressive clip: Its conquest rate is about 64 percent, with Prius and the Honda CR-V ranking as the top nameplates abandoned by customers in favor of C-Max.
FORBES: C-Max Delivers On Ford Game Plan: Take A Bite Out Of Prius
But Ford was careful to pick the member of the Prius family that is most vulnerable to being defeated in spec comparisons that the company wanted to make with C-Max.
FORBES: Ford C-Max Tries To Prey On Weaker Member of Prius Family
应用推荐