Finalizing the additions to the Prius lineup was the unveiling of the Prius c subcompact earlier today at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

Pitched as the car with the highest rated city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug-in function, the Prius c is capable of returning 53 mpg city and 46 mpg highway, thanks to a smaller 1.5L version of the Prius’s normal 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-pot and Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, which produces a total of 99-hp.

In lieu of the concerns for lithium-ion battery packs, Toyota retained a nickel-metal hydride battery back that produces 144-volts.

Keeping with Toyota’s reputation for value, the Prius c comes standard with a series of in-car multimedia features such as a standard 3.5-in full-color TFT infotainment display, complete with Bluetooth phone capability, USB port iPod connectivity and Toyota’s optional Display Audio System with navigation and Entune systems.

With a starting price just below $19,000, the new Prius c subcompact will be available in March of 2012—making it the cheapest Prius available.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin