by Jonathan's Jabberings,posted Jul 19 2012 12:53PM
Saving money and helping the environment is a great combination. You can learn how to do both at the Green Drive Expo this weekend at the Alliant Energy Center. There’s a chance for you to test drive all kinds of eco-friendly cars and to talk to people who have figured out alternative solutions when it comes to feeding their cars.
One speaker actually has his BMW running on propane! Another speaker has turned alcohol into fuel!
I’ve had the chance this week to drive a new Prius C. My brother-in-law owns a Prius and drove it from San Francisco to Washington D.C. recently and one of our station vehicles is also a Prius.
I’ve had a great time driving it this week. One of the remarkable things about this car is the fact that it really never sounds like it’s running. When you turn the key, you have to look at the display on the dashboard to even realize it’s on.
The gas mileage is beyond amazing. This Prius C gets an average of 50 miles per gallon! The car has lots of room and is a very comfortable ride. After every ride is complete the on-screen computer tells you the important stats including how much you spent on gas.
On my last trip through town the computer calculated I spent a total of 37 cents on fuel!
Check out the Green Drive Expo this weekend at the Alliant Energy Center. Your wallet and Mother Nature will appreciate it.
Here's some more info on the Prius C:
2012 Prius c(SOP: December 2011)
Prius c (“c” stands for “city”) is targeting younger buyers by offering a point of entry into the Prius Family with innovation, technology and MPG leadership in a fun to drive package
MPG 53/46/50 (city/highway/combined) - highest city MPG of any vehicle without a plug
1.5-L DOHC 16-valve with VVT-I; EV/ECO modes; 99 hybrid system net hp
Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating
Nine standard airbags – includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, driver and front passenger seat cushion airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags
Driver and front passenger Advanced Whiplash-Injury Lessening headrests
EQUIPMENT BY MODEL:
Prius c One:
Color-keyed power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators
15-in. steel wheels with wheel covers and P175/65R15 tires
AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, 4 speakers in 4 locations, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, auto sound leveling, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology
Automatic climate control with air filter, electric compressor, and push-button controls
3.5-in. TFT Multi-Information Display with customizable settings, outside temperature, clock, fuel economy information, cruising range, odometer, trip distance, EV miles driven, Hybrid System Indicator, ECO Savings, ECO Score, energy monitor, and warning messages
Fabric-trimmed front seats; 4-way adjustable driver’s seat; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket
Tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-Information Display, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone controls
Remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, and panic functions, and remote illuminated entry
Power windows with driver-side one-touch up/down
Prius c Two adds:
AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, 6 speakers in 6 locations, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, auto sound leveling, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology
Fabric-trimmed two-tone front seats; 6-way adjustable driver’s seat; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket
60/40 split fold-down rear seats with adjustable headrests
Cruise control
Center console with armrest and storage compartment
Cargo area tonneau cover
Prius c Three adds:
Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with remote keyless entry system, remote illuminated entry, and Push Button Start
Color-keyed outside door handles with touch-sensor lock/unlock feature
Touch Tracer Display
Display Audio with Navigation and EntuneTM — includes 6.1-in. touch-screen, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, 6 speakers in 6 locations, SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability (includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package), HD RadioTM with iTunes® Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity and control, vehicle information with customizable settings, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, advanced voice recognition, and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology. EntuneTM — includes BingTM and Pandora®; real-time info including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks. Apps available summer 2012 at no charge include iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com and OpenTable®. Access to EntuneTM services is complimentary for three years.
Tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and voice-command controls
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