Have you seen the new Toyota Prius?
Toyota claims the Prius to be a real “game-changer” as it was the first hybrid to be mass-produced in Japan in 1997. South African fans will remember its introduction to the country in 2005 as the country’s first hybrid car.
The new Prius (Latin for ‘front-runner’) now comes with a few more technological advances and hopes to reaffirm its popularity. Before the launch of its fourth-generation model Toyota had sold more than 3.5 million Prius hybrids.
Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing for Toyota Motors South Africa says, “The fourth-generation Prius builds on the strengths and achievements of its predecessors and establishes new benchmarks in fuel economy, emissions and efficiency. It will add further impetus to the growing appeal of hybrids in the global market, achieving its strongest environmental performance yet, while delivering much improved styling and surprising driving dynamics from a green car”
Toyota states that the ultimate goal is to make positive contribution to a low-carbon society that is recycling-based, environmentally friendly and in harmony with nature.
Apart from its green credentials the new Toyota Prius bases new qualities on three pillars:
- Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)
- Authentic design and styling
- New generation full hybrid system
What has changed?
The new Toyota Prius is the first model to use a chassis based on the TNGA. It will also underpin other future models and will be joined by further platforms suitable for different vehicle applications, from compact sports cars to SUVs.
Better handling: The TNGA platforms enhances the Prius’s fun-to-drive quality, giving the car a lower centre of gravity compared to the current model, and securing a more engaging driving position and more precise and responsive handling. The body is 60% more rigid than before thanks to extensive use of high-strength steels and additional reinforcement to the centre pillar’s lower structure and the panel connection.
New double wishbone rear suspension: This produces one-third the level of shock when driving on uneven roads compared to the outgoing model allowing for better handling with more direct response. The front MacPherson strut suspension has been revised with an increase in the incline angle of the shock absorbers and the use of slant bearings.
More stability: The chassis is fully able to harness the more responsive character pf the mew full hybrid system. As a result you’ll get more stability, reduced body-roll in high-speed lane changes and smoother performance on rough surfaces.
New look
The car’s new low-slung stance is supported by a distinctive new body silhouette that Toyota claims to be both athletic and aerodynamically efficient. Prius Chief Designer, Shunsaku Kodama says their focus was to “inject ego” into the car by crafting a more powerful, engaging and sporty image that would increase pride of ownership beyond Pruis’s traditional ethical profile.
Its athletic exterior is what might make the new Prius stand out, with rich curves, hard surfaces of the bodywork and its smooth yet sharp use of lines.
Toyota says its used “Peace of mind” as its theme for the interior and that its designed to enhance a welcoming, quiet and comfortable space.
The number of different parts that make up the instrument panel has been reduced, like the piano black section which is now a single unit. The dashboard and door panels are finished with high-quality white material that is scratch-resistant.
Improved driving position
A reduction in the steering column angle from 24 to 21 degrees, a lowering
A reduction in the steering column angle from 24 to 21 degrees, a lowering of the driver’s hip point by 59mm and a new seat design all help create a more natural and engaging driving position. The range of tilt adjustment has been increased, to accommodate a wider range of driver heights.The front seats have been completely redesigned to offer more comfort while at the same time saving weight and space. They offer a snugger fit, with better body holding that helps reduce fatigue on long journeys. The seat heating area has been increased, adding to the improved comfort level. The rear seats have also been revised for greater comfort and benefit from an improved armrest and cup holder.
CONVENIENT STORAGE PROVISION
The efficient use of space inside the new Prius ensures ample provision of storage space. Thanks to the more compact hybrid system and HV battery and the new double wishbone rear suspension, there is no intrusion in the boot space. The cargo floor is set 110mm lower, expanding capacity to 502 litres when a spare wheel is carried.
In the cabin the storage points have been made larger or have been reprofiled to improve their usability. They include front and rear door pockets, an overhead console, glove box and a console box with a removable inner tray. The console box’s soft-close lid doubles as an armrest and it opens sideways so it is easy for the driver to access. Two cup holders are provided in front of the console box.
The new hybrid system contributes to:
- An improved petrol engine (1.8-litre VVT-i Atkinson cycle) which has been designed for better fuel economy.
- Heat recovery system: uses spent exhaust gas to speed up the warming of engine coolant.
- Dual-passage cooling system: which can reduce the volume of coolant flowing into the engine, helping the engine reach its optimum operating temperature more quickly.
- Reduced energy loss caused by friction: Measures include the use of thin-section, resin-coated connecting rod bearings and a low-friction camshaft chain.
- Reduced engine noise and vibration.
- Revised intake and exhaust systems.
- Ample air volume thanks to an added fresh air inlet duct.
- A thinner silencer.
- New water jacket spacer to help control cylinder wall temperatures in the combustion chamber.
- Improved engine cooling.
- Improved anti-knock performance.
- Maximum output of 72kW is delivered at 5,299rpm, with peak torque of 142Nm at 3,600rpm.
- Thermal efficiency.
- Improved exhaust gas recirculation.
- Multi-shaft Transaxle – a Hybrid first.
- Improved Hybrid software.
- Smaller, better electric motors.
- Fully redesigned power control unit.
- Nickel-metal Hydride HV battery.
- Improved fuel efficiency.
Drivability boasts:
- Improved Real-world performance (accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.6 seconds).
- Selectable drive modes: Normal, ECO and Power. The driver can also switch to EV mode for short distances, when parking etc.
- Improved front suspension
- New double-wishbone rear suspension
- New electric power steering
- New wheels and tyres
- Electronic brake control with better feel and security
PRICING and other details
Pricing: R427 200
Fuel consumption: 3,7litres/100 km
Service Plan: 5 years/ 90 000km
Warranty: 3 years/ 100 000km
Hybrid Battery Warranty: 8 years/ 195 000km