As most of our clever Toyota drivers know, the Japanese automaker was the first to premiere a mass-produced hybrid vehicle with the Toyota Prius. The Prius is now in its third-generation, and it's added several more members to its hybrid family. One of the newest additions to this line-up is the 2012 Toyota Prius c, a five-door hatchback with a lot of style and a very affordable price.

Coming in at a whopping 542 pounds lighter, 19 inches shorter, and 1 inch lower than the standard Prius, the new Prius c is a lighter, even more fuel efficient version of the popular model. Expected fuel economy ratings are currently at 53 mpg in the city, 46 mpg on the highway, and 50 mpg combined. The new Prius will have a starting MSRP of only $18,950, while the "Three" variant (which adds navigation, an enhanced audio system, etc.) will have a starting price of $21,635, and the top-end "Four" variant will have a starting price of $23,230 and adds alloy wheels, heated front seats, and more. The traditional Prius starts at $24,000-$29,805.

The Prius c's closest competition will be the Honda Insight hybrid, which starts at $18,350 and averages 42 mpg. However, this vehicle doesn't have the same hybrid history as Toyota, so the c could still get Toyota to its goal of selling around 40-thousand Prius c's this year. A Prius Plug-In will also debut this year.

Stay tuned here with Toyota of Braintree to learn the specifics surrounding the Prius c's arrival at our dealership, located at  210 Union Street Braintree, MA. And, remember, check back often for more Toyota news!