Toyota Prius-C [Short-take review]

Performance: The 1.5-liter four-cylinder produces 73hp but with electric motor the total output raises to 99hp. With these numbers the Prius-C isn’t a rocket between traffic lights, but it does get you to point B very efficiently.

Ride & handling: The steering doesn’t really offer much feedback which is typical in a Toyota. Ride is comfortable for the most part but the suspension is more aimed towards comfort so there will be plenty of body roll in corners and those eco-tires don’t offer much grip either on slippery surfaces. Thankfully ESP is standard because things would’ve been a lot worse.

After you’ve decided to not drive like a hooligan in a vehicle not designed to be driven that way. The Prius-C is quite comfortable commuter car but again there are cheaper rivals that are more engaging to drive and are as efficient; unless you have to have a hybrid look elsewhere.

Buying & owning: Pricey but it would work well if you do tons of driving and can make up for the purchase price. However, trying to get the best gas mileage means you’ll have to drive it a certain way which can be tricky. Luckily in eco-mode it helps you alter your driving habits, but again if highway driving is what you do the most of a diesel engine would suit you best.

Reliability: The interior feels a bit disappointing in some areas. You can tell there was some cost cutting in the plastics which feel cheap and drab. But at least you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that it will last forever thanks to Toyota’s rock solid reliability record.

Final Verdict: Picking this over a Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa Note and even the Toyota Yaris is all a mere matter of taste. The rivals listed above may not offer hybrid tech but they feel more engaging to drive and are just as efficient. They are even cheaper to buy than the Prius-C which begs the question is it really worth considering? As a company car it is a quite compelling option which will do tons of miles a year. However, as a privately owned vehicle it’s quite hard to justify.

We want to like the hybrid but for the premium and the fuel advantage we’d rather stick with either a diesel engine or one of the many cheaper rivals that offer similar running costs and even a more compelling package for less cash.

 Likes: Hybrid tech at an affordable price, compact size yet offers plenty of practicality. Low running costs.

Dislikes: There are cheaper rivals that are just as efficient and more engaging to drive. Interior quality is a bit of a letdown. Exterior looks are on the bland side. You’ll have to climb all the way to the top of the range trim to get alloy wheels fitted standard.

Devon tries to see if the Nissan Versa Note is a note worth playing (Used)

Don’t like the classy and well regarded Honda Fit. The Nissan Versa Note will tick all the right buttons; but does it hit all the right notes?

The sole engine on hand is a 1.6 which is pretty much all you’ll ever really need with the Versa. It does offer decent flexibility around town and you may find yourself thrashing the engine on the highway to keep up with faster paced traffic.  Running costs are actually quite good which does help justify the small amount of power the engine produces.

Drive it the way it was intended to be driven and you’ll find yourself in a very comfortable small car. Push it into a corner or bend and you’ll be quickly reminded that this is an economy car. Handling isn’t bad but there is way too much body roll and this is all due to the suspension being set more towards comfort than agility. Plus the steering feedback is just okay. You may want to take a look at the Ford Fiesta if you want a fun to drive small car. Refinement is good but it isn’t as great as the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.

The driver’s seat does offer plenty of adjustments but the steering wheel only adjusts for height. There is plenty of space for four passengers and the interior feels pretty airy for such a small car. The boot space is decent too but with the seats folded down it’s even more spacious.

The saying goes you get what you pay for and the Versa Note is no exception. Standard S trim comes with air-con, cd-player and Bluetooth for your mobile phone. Sadly this is also the only trim that offers a five-speed manual gearbox. S-Plus trim adds CVT transmission, active grille shutters and dual power outside mirrors. You’ll have to step up to SV trim to get power windows and keyless entry as well as cruise control and USB connection for you iPod. SR trim adds alloy wheels, body-kit and unique interior trim. SL trim adds aluminum alloy wheels, keyless start and class-executive around view monitor.

The saving grace for the Versa Note is that it is cheap to buy and cheap to run. It may not hold its value as well as the Honda Fit, but for those that shop with their wallets won’t mind the somewhat average depreciation of the Versa Note and discounts will not be hard to come by. The interior isn’t anything to brag about but the materials feel very sturdy and long lasting. Plus Nissan consistently scores well in reliability.

All Versa Notes come with six-airbags, traction control and electronic stability program as well as anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitoring system. Sadly not all versions get an immobilizer system to guard against theft.

The Nissan Versa Note is a great car for those who are on a budget and need a reliable and sensible car. It may not be as flexible as the Ford Fiesta or Honda Fit but it does the job well. Too bad you’ll have to pay for the options you’ll see standard on its rivals and it really doesn’t seem that much of a value either when you look at its standard kit. But for the price and the money you’ll save the Versa Note is a decent choice but not the best.

Devon’s Pick: SV trim adds comfort features such as power windows, keyless entry and cruise control. Buyers who want a manual gearbox are sadly stuck picking the very basically equipped S trim. But at least it offers Bluetooth which is rare in this price segment.

Likes: Overall it’s a decent car with low asking price and low running costs. The interior and boot space are both generous. A commuter car or workhorse this it really does tick the right buttons.

Dislikes: Keyless entry and power windows aren’t standard on all trims and not all trims get a manual gearbox option. SR trim has the looks but lacks the oomph; it doesn’t hit the right notes in refinement and SL trim is pricey for what it is.

Quick-take 2018-2019

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Likes: The standard turbo-four cylinder offers plenty flexibility and decent running costs, while top of the range Quadrifoglio has an insane 505hp Ferrari tuned engine.

Dislikes: The electronic gear-selector is downright annoying. Build quality of the interior is questionable.

Overall: It drives as good as it looks and the price looks even better.



Nissan Versa Note

Likes: Much improved exterior styling. Entry-level versions are still cheap and frugal.

Dislikes: It all falls apart (refinement) on faster paced roads.

Overall: It's best left for city duties and light highway affairs. It's roomy, decently kitted and doesn't feel like a penalty box compared to a Mitsubishi Mirage.



Kia Stinger

Likes: The first Kia we found to be enjoyable to be in. Styling is aggressive and sleek while the interior is a much improvement over what we've seen from Kia.

Dislikes: The badge snobs won't appreciate the good value the Stinger presents.

Overall: This is the halo car Kia needed.



Buick Regal

Likes: Exterior styling is sleek while the interior is much improved over previous generation. The turbo four-cylinder is smooth.

Dislikes: Top of the range trims cost how much?

Overall: It's still a Buick and that's a good thing.

 

Toyota Camry

Likes: The most driver focused Camry we've ever seen. Top of the range six-cylinder engine has 300hp! Daring exterior design is a leap forward for Toyota.

Dislikes: Dizzying number of trim levels to choose from.

Overall: It's not as stunning as the Honda Accord but at least it's no longer Toyota dull.



Jeep Cherokee

Likes: It's rugged looking and has the capabilities to match. Interior offers plenty of space for five and the standard kit list is pretty generous too.

Dislikes: The transmission has suffered reliability issues.

Overall: For 2019 there will be a styling update if you fancy one. Also, there will be a 2-liter turbo engine option as well.



Ford Edge

Likes: Smooth range of engines to choose from. It's stylish both on the outside and inside.

Dislikes: The 3.5 V6 will not live on for 2019.

Overall: The 2019 Edge will get a ST trim with the only six-cylinder of the Edge range. The rest will get a 2-liter turbo engine.



Chevy Equinox

Likes: Styling has dramatically improved over the previous generation. It feels lighter on its toes and the 1.5 turbo engine is our pick as it offers decent running costs and decent flexibility.

Dislikes: The expensive trim levels feel overpriced. The interior looks like a hand-me-down frenzy.

Overall: The diesel engine maybe the hero of the range.



Likes: It's the car that lets everyone know you're all that and the bag of chips. Interior is what you'd expect a Benz to be. Fit and finish are top notch.

Dislikes: Infotainment system has a learning curve. Reliability and resale value aren't it's strongest points.

Overall: The second hand market has some that are dirt cheap. However, be wary of repair bills. Don't buy one without some form of warranty coverage for electronics and mechanical bits. 



Porsche Macan

Likes: It's sporty looking on the outside and classy on the inside. It has an attractive starting price.

Dislikes: It's an Audi Q5 with a price tag of a Porsche.

Overall: The Porsche is the way to go if driving experience is top priority.

Worse cars of 2017 (Part two)

Worse cars of 2017 (Part two)



Dodge Journey
Likes: It offers seven seats at a very low price. The 3.6 six-cylinder engine offers a strong turn of pace and is the best engine to go for.

Dislikes: The 2.4 only comes with an ancient four-speed auto and no all-wheel-drive option. Resale value is just as low as reliability ratings. Desperately needs a redesign.

Overall: It may be cheap to buy but your investments aren’t well protected.



Land Rover Discovery Sport
Likes: It’s the only vehicle in its class with a third-row seat offered. You can drive it off-road with pure confidence.

Dislikes: The engine isn’t really up for the job. Road dynamics aren’t great and reliability is still iffy.

Overall: It’s the sleekest looking money pit.




Cadillac Escalade
Likes: Bold in your face styling with a much better feeling cabin. The road presence it has is like no other crossover on the road.

Dislikes: It’s one of the most stolen vehicles. You’ll have to have deep pockets to buy one and pay for the running costs. It’s very cumbersome to drive.

Overall: You’d buy it because you want a Cadillac. Everyone else should consider Audi, Mercedes and even Volvo for their seven seat crossover needs.



Jeep Patriot
Likes: The exterior is uniquely Jeep. The interior is roomy for five with a decent boot. The starting price is cheap with huge discounts available.

Dislikes: Bitterly disappointing in everything else.

Overall: The recently redesigned Compass is a far better choice.



Nissan Versa Note 
Likes: The boot space is generous and the overall cabin is roomy for five. Running costs are decent and it’s easy to maneuver around town.

Dislikes: The engine and steering suffer on faster paced roads. The interior isn’t that great compared to some keen rivals.

Overall: We loved the Versa Note when it was first launched, but it’s worth waiting for the redesigned version to come.