Forget everything you knew about the Prius. The “logic” of consumption remains, but now more “emotion” comes from a more dynamic character.
In the 25 years since the Prius first introduced the benefits of hybrid technology to the general public, the majority of Toyota vehicles sold in Europe are now hybrids at over 80%.
Since 1997, then, Toyota’s cumulative electrified vehicle sales worldwide have exceeded 23 million units, with the Prius’ contribution to that number well over 5 million units.
Today, however, the Prius is not the only hybrid vehicle, as it used to be. Especially since the Corolla, but also the upcoming C-HR, etcoto cover its “low-medium” commercial backs Toyota, the flagship hybrid model should be moved to a higher and different position. The result is an increased cost, but also a character with more intense elements.
His new personality Prius
The new dimensions with the lower overall height, the pronounced arch of the roof, which seems to be a natural continuation of the hood and reaches the tail lights and flared tail, the nose with the new lights and the hidden rear handles, create a aggressive silhouettewhich impresses, essentially being the low “little brother” of the new C-HR.
A remarkable detail, however, that is not visible at first glance, is the strong edge that intersects the sill and continues on the side of the body.
It is equally impressive the interior, which borrows elements from the electric bZ4X. The 7-inch instrument panel is slightly raised, the system’s 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment dominates the center of the dashboard, there are several physical switches (as well as a separate climate control panel), while the center console now houses a classic gearbox selector.
In a level dimensions, the length has been reduced by 46 mm. at 4,600 mm, the width has increased by 22 mm. at 1,782 mm. and the height is 1,420 mm. (reduced by 50 mm), while at the same time the wheelbase reached 2,750 mm. (+50 mm).
The spaces offered for passengers are completely satisfactory – which is not the case for the trunkwhich is limited to the modest (for a vehicle of this size) 284 litres.
The new Prius is based on the second generation of the GA-C platform and the fifth generation of its hybrid systems Toyotawhere the only alternative for the European market concerns the strongest plug–in version (in Asian and American markets there will also be full hybrid version).
The hybrid system consists of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (Atkinson cycle, of course) with a power of 152 hp and a 163 hp electric motor, with the combined output to reach 223 hp, which translates into an increase of 101 hp(!), compared to the previous 122 hp pplug-in hybrid Prius.
Electricity is stored in one battery 13,6 kWh. This new battery, weighing 120 kg, although stronger with cells of higher energy density, has nevertheless shrunk in volume, which allowed it to move under the rear seat, instead of the luggage compartment where it was placed in the previous model.
To replenish energy is taken care of by the 3.5 kW on-board charger, which means that a full charge will take around 4 hours. With the most efficient performance the goal, energy can also be generated via solar cells on the roof (standard on the more expensive Lounge Plus version).
The solar roof it can generate daily electricity sufficient to cover 8 km long journeys or fully charge the battery if the vehicle is parked for a few days.
Transformation in action
What the new look suggests comes to support and the experience behind the wheel of the car. From the very first measures the transformation becomes obvious, always compared to the (potentially) colorless ancestor. You don’t need to confirm the 6.8 sec. for 0-100 km/h, to first notice the big difference in performance.
Without having lost any of the civilized characteristics of operation at gentle paces, it can now react instantly to every command of the right pedal. The same applies to her road behavior.
The occupants enjoy the silky roll in the leisurely movement, while when the driver decides to pick up the pace, he will find the corresponding support from the frame and suspensions, which are not betrayed at any time by the 1.6 tons of weight.
The steering wheel it’s nothing like the past, while cornering body control has eliminated any flabbiness, as it behaves with a pleasing clarity.
New Prius it’s not going to frighten all sorts of course”GR» models of the company, it will be able to move with too much brio, though the 195 tires appear to have more ecological adhesion orientations.
Any grumblings will again arise from the transmission. The gearbox may do well in daily use, but as soon as you ask it for something more, then the buzzing accompanies every strong throttle.
At least the much higher power now drastically limits the amount of time the driver needs to keep the right pedal depressed. Note here that the driver can choose between purely electric operating programthe hybrid, Auto EV/HV, in which the car automatically chooses between electric and hybrid mode.
At the same time, in addition to the well-known drivers Eco, Normal and Powerthere is now an additional program configurable by the wizard.
Positive impressions were also left by the brakes, which are assisted by the energy recoverywith an automatic program or three different gears in the box’s ‘B’ option (which can only be done through the cumbersome instrument panel settings menu).
Thanks to the recovery and efficiency of the hybrid system, the strong advantage remains the low cost of use, since after the 65 km of pure electric rangethe consumption can be kept even below 5 l/100 km in the city, while on the trip it increases slightly above 6.0 l/100 km.
So, that’s how you face a overall indication of autonomy which approaches 900 km (65 km electric, and over 800 km thermal), referring to numbers that you used to see only in a diesel.
The cost
The standard plug-in hybrid technology has a direct impact on the cost of the new Prius, which now starts at 47,670 euros, while even the 54,850 euros of the top Lounge Plus they make sense because of the sunroof (see here for more info on available trims and equipment), which means the Prius is now aimed at very affluent buyers as well as corporate users, who can take advantage of the favorable provisions of plug-in legislation vehicles.
From the mildly toned ecological profile of previous generations, the new Prius he unbuckles and manages to stand out with a “good morning”. Its dynamic appearance is accompanied by an equally impressive interior with a fairly satisfactory layout.
Its new image is supported by the powerful hybrid set, which retains the advantages of low consumption (which are maximized with regular charging), while the Prius is no longer as colorless to drive as its ancestors, while offering a very nice ride quality, which fits perfectly with the civilized characteristics of electric propulsion._ 4T
TOYOTA PRIUS
SUPER//PICTURE//CONSUMPTION//SCROLLING QUALITY//SOLAR ROOF (LOUNGE PLUS)
AGAINST//PRESSURE BOX OPERATION//LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
PROPULSION SYSTEM: d/d + d/d >DISPLACEMENT (d/d): 1,987 cc >POWER (b/c): 152 hp/6,000 rpm >TORQUE (b/c): 190 Nm/4,400 rpm >POWER (n/c): 163 hp >TORQUE (n/c): 208 Nm/500-2,500 rpm >COMBINED POWER: 223 HP >COMBINED TORQUE: – >BATTERY: 13.6 kWh >MOTION: On the front wheels >KIBOTIO: Automatic e–CVT >FRONT SUSPENSION: MacPherson struts >REAR SUSPENSION: Double wishbones >LENGTH.xPLxALTITUDE: 4,600x1.782x1,420 mm >WHEEL BASE: 2,750 mm. >LUGGAGE SPACE: 284 liters >WEIGHT: 1,545 kg >0-100 KM/H: 6.8 seconds >FINAL SPEED: 177 km/h. >Broadcast CO2: 19 g/km. > ELECTRICITY AYTONOMIA: 67 km >CHARGING (AC): 4 hours (3.5 kW) >PRICE: From 47,670 euros
PHOTOS: YIANNIS ALBANELLIS