• Orange you glad these cars come in this color?

    Toyota

    The 2012 Toyota Prius C comes in Habanero, an optimistic and bright shade of orange that just makes you smile.

    By VroomGirls

    Orange is the color of sunshine, gladiolas and CreamSicles. The bright and fabulous shade has been on handbags and in home décor for the past few years, but this summer, it will become the ‘It’ color for cars. 

    The 2012 Toyota Prius C comes in Habanero, an optimistic and bright shade of orange that just makes you smile. And since the Prius C gets 53 mpg in the city and sells for under $20,000, the editors of VroomGirls.com thinks it’s the ‘cheap and cheerful’ leader of a growing pack of tangerine-hued rides.  

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    “It’s not quite a Dunkin' Donuts color, it’s juicy and has the element of surprise,” says Janis Ambrose Shard, manager of color in the design department at Toyota, Lexus and Scion. “For the Prius C, it’s got all of that DNA: fun, joyful and saturated.” 

    The snail-like economy could have something to do with the recent emergence of happy citrus-hued cars. “Everyday, we’re outside and watching the cars pass by,” says Shard. “When we see joyful, bright colors, we naturally feel better. And we all need that lately.” 

    Several other carmakers have hopped on the citrus wagon, too. Check out these sweet rides:

    Scion

    Toyota built the brand Scion to attract young customers. It worked. With aggressive styling, outlandish colors like Hot Lava, and top-shelf audio systems, Scion plays big with the under-30 set.

    Lamborghini

    Since the 1960s, Lamborghini has played with neon colors like electric lime and this Arancio Borealis – a fancy way to say hot tangerine! Most Lambo aficianados will tell you that it's Lamborghini's orange hues - like this one on the Gallardo - that are the brand's signature shade.

    Volvo

    This adorable hatchback isn't just cute, it's plenty practical, with enough legroom in back to comfortably seat two six-foot adults. You'd assume that Volvo, with its conservative image, would shun anything flashy. But check out its C30 in Orange Flame Metallic. Blingy!

    Range Rover

    Stormer Orange Mica is not available in production models of Range Rovers yet. But orange is a highlight color in the most recent expedition models.

    Hyundai

    The Hyundai Veloster has great style and looks as if it might go fast, even though it's seriously sluggish on hills and can't overpower a stiff headwind. No matter, the Veloster is sweet in cheerful Vitamin C orange.

    Chevrolet

    Feisty and fun, the Chevy Sonic hatchback appeals to the boy racer, especially in Inferno Orange.