2012 Toyota Prius c Long Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

2012 Toyota Prius c Long Term Road Test

Edmunds.com editor James Riswick ponders why the 2012 Toyota Prius C has an oval steering wheel.

Read the full story here

fordson1

I don't know if that photo is taken from a driver's eye view, but if the wheel was round I think it would partially block the view of that miserable dash display.

ruckusrider

6 o'clock driver reporting in. You don't get great gas mileage by making rest stops to relax your arms. Just throw one hand on that 6'er and keep on cruising below the speed limit.

*this only applies to long trips, but I definitely do it.

sniperruff

I'd think that it gives the driver more leg room just in case the driver has to move the seat up to accommodate passengers in the back.

greenpony

Nothing wrong with putting one hand at 6 when the steering wheel allows. +1 for a four-spoke design.

tornado542_

The reason why they do that is to force people to upgrade to a higher trim and get the leather wrapped steering wheel. As of right now, there are no steering wheel covers (even universal size "small") that fit the Prius C, Prius V or regular Prius steering wheels due to the oval shape.

THis was confirmed by my local toyota dealer.

fortstring

Interesting. I would have thought the purpose to be to save interior space, but wouldn't matter when you turn the wheel, eh?

rjparker

Legroom

klinkerkc

How is this a problem, James? Itchin' to find somethin to be a bitchin' about?