By now you’ve heard much about the Toyota Prius family of hybrid cars. Well, the latest member to join the family is its smallest one yet, the Prius C. The C-for-city promises the best around town fuel economy of any non-plug-in hybrid on the road.  But, is there anything more to the C, than just good mpg?

Every family is happy to see a new “little-one” arrive, and this 2012 Toyota Prius C is no exception. With great fuel economy being one reason that more people are looking at smaller cars and certainly the main reason people buy hybrids, the C looks to be the perfect marriage of the two and the right car at the right time. 

But before we declare that, let’s download the data. The Prius C is based on a shortened Yaris chassis, so when we say it’s a small car, we’re not exaggerating. Wheelbase is just 100.4-inches. Overhangs, both front and rear are very brief, making it appear even shorter than it is. Overall length is just 157.3-inches.

Standard wheels are steel and 15-inches in diameter, with 16-inch alloys optional. Up front, the look is familiar Prius, but with sizable trapezoidal grille openings that help to give it a sportier tilt. 

The rear-end tapers in a bit to optimize aerodynamics, which are also helped by a hatch-top rear spoiler. Tall, vertical tail lights wrap up into the fenders to help give the look some substance. Good thing since the C only weighs 2,500 pounds, or about 500 less than the standard Prius.

So, not surprisingly it is powered by a downsized Hybrid Synergy Drive system, starting with a 1.5-liter I4 rated at 73-horsepower and 82 pound feet of torque. That little engine-that-almost-can gets much needed help from a pair of electric motor-generators to give a combined output of 99-horsepower. 

All of that gets you a Government Fuel Economy Rating of 53 City on Regular gas. While that’s the best of any current hybrid, its highway rating of 46 is actually less than the larger Prius, so the C’s combined rating of 50 is the same.

Energy Impact Scores also match the regular Prius at a stingy 6.6-barrels of oil per year, while emitting only 2.9 annual tons of CO2. 

Despite the miniature powertrain, the C’s light weight makes it feel more spirited than its larger brethren. Still, we estimate the 0-to-60 time is similar at about 10.5 seconds.

You can tool around in ECO and EV modes only; there’s no Power mode like the larger cars, and power still flows through a foggy CVT transmission, so there’s nothing sporty to note here either.

For a car that’s designed to be a “city car”, the C holds its own on highways just as well. We never felt a lack of power, but we did have fairly low expectations going in. Visibility is good all around, and the C doesn’t feel tiny when you’re behind the wheel; it’s also quieter than the typical subcompact.     

The tilt/telescoping steering wheel has redundant controls, and as in all other current Prius’, Smart Key with keyless entry and push button start is standard. 

The two-tone interior is a good mix of youthful styling with comfort and user-friendliness. Seats are cloth except for top- level C4 trim that get SofTex simulated leather. The folding rear seat is either 1 or 2 piece, depending on which grade you purchase and trunk capacity is generous at 17.1 cubic-feet.

In current Prius vein, the dash-top gauge cluster includes a color info screen with a multitude of different fuel economy screens, and on the passenger side of the dash is a media tray with USB and auxiliary inputs. 

With four trim levels, pricing begins at $19,710 for a Prius C One. That’s some 3 grand less than the standard Prius. The top level C Four is stickered at $23,990. 

There’s no argument that the best selling point of the 2012 Prius C is its great fuel economy. But beyond that, the C is also a pretty decent subcompact overall. Add in a well equipped price that doesn’t break the bank, and it looks like the C is indeed more than just good MPG.