Overview

Toyota has launched the third generation of the Prius, which is capable of running on a petrol engine, electric motor or a combination of both. In addition they have pegged the “on the road” prices for two of the models in the range and have provided more equipment and better specifications, offering exceptional value for money. Ninety per cent of the components have been completely re-designed to provide a lighter, compact, more efficient car.

Three models are offered namely the Prius T3, Prius T4 and Prius T Spirit.

Power

The engine has been upgraded to a new four-cylinder 1.8-litre VVT-i Atkinson cycle petrol engine, replacing the previous 1.5-litre unit, which is in the current Prius. This new engine is much quieter and delivers higher torque in lower revs and offers a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption.

In addition to the new petrol engine the car also comes with an 80bhp (60kW) electric motor that works in tandem with the petrol engine to improve acceleration when needed. The electric motor is 33 per cent smaller than the previous unit but 20 per cent more efficient.

Fuel economy and CO2 green credentials

CO2 emissions are down 14% to only 89g/km, a class leading performance and fuel consumption on the combined cycle is now 72.4 mpg, offering exceptional value for money.

Toyota has also developed the world’s first injection moulded material to be derived from plant matter, as the basis for much of the plastics inside the new Prius. The two types of Ecological Plastics are based on one entirely made from plant matter and one on a combination of plant and petroleum based materials. By using this Ecological Plastic, Toyota is claiming to offer up to a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions throughout the life cycle of the car.

This is because much of the CO2 that is created when the material is finally disposed of is offset by the amount of gas that was absorbed through photosynthesis, when the plants used to make it were growing.

Drive modes

Three drive modes are offered namely EV, ECO and POWER offering different performance for different driving conditions. EV operates when you start the car and up to speeds of 31mph.  ECO saves approximately 10-15 per cent in fuel consumption and POWER mode is for when you want better performance.

The latest developments to the Toyota award winning “Hybrid Synergy Drive” full hybrid system also deliver 24 per cent more power which also helps in the acceleration of the vehicle.

Standard equipment

New Prius specifications have been substantially increased across all models.

For example, the entry level T3 grade gains the following extras.

• New head –up display, projecting key vehicle data on to the windscreen in the driver’s eye-line.
• Toyota’s new Touch Tracer multi-function control on the steering wheel.
• Smart Entry & Start (driver’s door unlocking).
• Driver’s knee airbag.
• Heated door mirrors.
• Front fog lamps.

Additional features on the T4 grade in addition to the above.

• 17-inch alloy wheels.
• Bluetooth.
• Eight speaker audio system.
• Rain-sensing wipers.
• Smart Entry & Start (all-door locking).

Additional features on the T Spirit in addition to the T4 grade.

• HDD (hard disk drive) navigation system and music library facility.
• Improved Intelligent Park Assist with rear parking camera.

The new Toyota Prius is certainly a car for the future offering good fuel consumption and also class-leading green credentials.