The 3rd Generation Prius is here and given the two current global issues, economic recovery and climate change, Toyota’s new hybrid model is run by a technology seen as the way forward by many, in both economical and global environmental terms.
The Prius includes many recyclable materials in its construction including bumpers made from recycled plastic bottles. In keeping with Toyota’s life cycle approach to vehicle production, use and disposal, over 95% of the new Prius is recyclable.
The new Prius has been completely redesigned although the exterior look is intended to be instantly recognisable; therefore Toyota has retained the triangular silhouette of the previous model.
Although maintaining a similar body shape, the highest point of the roof has been shifted further back, emphasising the wedge shape while creating more rear passenger headroom and improving aerodynamics. Aerodynamics has been reduced to an impressive 0.25Cd – a figure only matched by the new Mercedes E coupe.
Among the key features of the new Prius is a new 1.8 litre 73kW engine, operating in conjunction with a 27kW electric motor powered by a Nickel Metal-Hydride (Ni-MH) battery, returning fuel economy of 3.9L/100km and CO emission of just 89g/km.
A smart key entry and start system, Bluetooth and auxiliary audio jack points, head-up display and rain sensing wipers are all standard equipment.
Active front headrests, Vehicle Stability Control and nine airbags including driver’s knee airbag are included in the safety package. Active brake lights which blink under heavy braking are a first in Australia.
Two models are offered, the Prius and Prius i-Tech. While the two versions two look similar from the outside, there are significant differences in specification.
Included in the specification for the Prius i-Tech are satellite navigation, dynamic radar cruise control, electro chromatic interior mirror, leather interior, front seat heaters, automatic light control system and a reversing camera.
There are also some firsts for Toyota such as a pre-crash system, LED headlights, Intelligent Park Assist and a solar ventilation system.
Solar panels made up of 36 solar cells protected by a glass panel are located over the rear of the roof to power a ventilation system designed to minimise increases in interior air temperature while the vehicle is parked. The solar panels generate up to 59W of electricity to run a cooling fan.
Thanks to the power available from the new hybrid battery a remote air conditioning system is also featured. Operated from the key fob, it works best in conjunction with the solar ventilation system. It can run for up to three minutes prior to getting into the vehicle and is capable of reducing cabin temperature by 35 degrees C.
Apart from the obvious passenger comfort benefits, the solar ventilation and remote air conditioning systems contribute to fuel efficiency and emission reduction by minimising the use of air conditioning when the driver returns to the vehicle.
Four driving modes are available; the default NORMAL mode, POWER, ECO and EV. When in the dedicated EV (Electric Vehicle) mode, the Prius can operate up to about 50km/h for approximately 1-2km.
In June 2009 the Prius was the best selling single model in Japan. While even the most die-hard Toyota devotee would struggle to be wowed by the looks, vastly improved technology and efficiency has resulted in strong demand already.
On the road, performance is a real delight when in the POWER mode, but does lag a little when ECO is selected. As expected, good fuel economy figures are easy to achieve. It’s a shame that for now at least, the Prius is unlikely to attract ‘enthusiastic’ drivers, as although it is no powerhouse, they would be pleasantly surprised by the well sorted chassis and relatively firm suspension set-up.
Just to confirm that green doesn’t need to be boring for the driver, handling exceeds expectation and comfort levels and equipment impress. The new Prius is priced from $39,990.
Andrew Koch
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