Three Toyota models have been chosen as Best Family Cars of 2012. The choice was done by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com, bounding together to make their fifth annual list.
Namely the Toyota vehicles which were picked are: 2012 Toyota Prius V – in the high-mileage category; 2012 Toyota Camry Sedan in the sedan category; and at last but not least, the Toyota Sienna minivan in the large vehicle category.
The vehicles were evaluated based on several criteria, some of which for instance, are safety, fuel economy, and kid-friendly features, ride comfort, styling and handling. In other words, features which are mostly appreciated by large families.
In fact, this is the fifth consecutive year I which the Japanese brand has been included in the list of best family cars. Hence, the Toyota stands as a synonym for safety, quality and durability and of course convenience, when it comes to making the life of the family better.
2012 Toyota Prius V was in the high-mileage car category, and was appreciated for its stable ride and ample cargo space and was praised for its versatility and standard technology features including the Entune® mulitmedia system and a hands-free smart key, which unlocks the driver’s side door as one approaches the door handle.
2012 Toyota Prius V
The 2012 Toyota Camry was even picked as the best sedan in its category. This vehicle model was entirely redesigned for 2012, which played crucial role to be chosen as the best vehicle. In addition, the seventh generation Camry was picked its convenient technology including Entune, excellent fuel economy, quiet ride and ample trunk space.
2012 Toyota Camry XLE
The last Toyota included in the list is in the large vehicle category and is the Toyota Sienna minivan. It was included in the list, because it has flexible configurations, which can fit every type of trip, family and cargo combination. The Sienna model was entirely redesigned back in 2010 and now has more responsive driving characteristics, contemporary styling and onboard entertainment technology.
2012 Toyota Prius v is the next model to join the Prius family. It comes to offer spaciousness, economy and excellent performance.
If you wonder what the “v” behind the Prius stands for, well it stands for “versatility”. This is because this Toyota model is the first one to offer the flexibility and roominess of seven seats combined with a hybrid powertrain.
What differs the Prius v from a standard Prius model is that it is longer, wider and taller and has an extended wheelbase. This is what makes possible for the vehicle to accommodate adults in all three rows. The latter were successfully added to the car, because its design now saves space from the highly compact, space-saving lithium-ion battery pack, which is placed under the centre console between the front seats.
In particular, the new car’s seven-seat format includes three independent sliding, reclining and split-folding second-row seats and a 50:50 split-folding third tier. This ensures large range of seating and cargo-carrying combinations.
Moreover, Prius v comes equipped with array of advanced features including a 6.1-inch display-screen audio system, automatic air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, energy monitor, head-up display, keyless entry and ignition, daytime-sensing headlamps, electric power steering, cruise control and daytime running lamps.
The interior equipment of the car includes multi-information display, four-spoke premium steering wheel with Touch Tracer sensitive controls for audio, air-conditioning temperature and trip display, and a tilt/telescopic-adjustable column.
2012 Toyota Prius v
In terms of safety and security, the future customers will be delighted to hear that this model has seven airbags, a reversing camera, hill-start assist, stability and traction control, and anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution are standard.
More importantly, Prius v includes the latest and best generation of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain. It uses 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a powerful 60kW (82 hp) electric motor for a combined system output of 100kW (136 hp).
The Prius v 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle 2ZR-FXE engine delivers alone 73kW (99 hp) of power at 5200rpm and 142Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque at 4000rpm. On the other hand the vehicle’s 650V electric drive motor has 60kW of power and 207Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. This results as already mentioned in combined maximum power of 100kW (136 hp).
In details, the engine uses the Atkinson cycle, which has a higher expansion ratio than a conventional Otto cycle engine. This basically means that it offers improved fuel economy and emissions.
This unique system ensures low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well. It is supported by low weight and strong aerodynamic performance, thus offering class-leading fuel economy of 4.4 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 101g/km.
In addition, at the convenience of the drivers is the 6.1 inch display-audio screen, where they can observe the power flow between the engine, motor generators, battery and wheels on an energy monitor.
Being a true Prius, the “v” one includes three “on-demand” drive modes which increase the capabilities of the full hybrid powertrain. The first one – EV mode, runs alone the electric motor ultra-quietly for up to two kilometers. This of course effects in zero fuel consumption and emissions.
The second Eco mode prioritizes fuel economy by slightly damping throttle response and restricting power consumption from the air-conditioning system. The last one, the Power mode boosts system performance.
2012 Toyota Prius v starting price is $ 35 990.
2012 Toyota Prius v Interior
2012 Toyota Prius v Specifications:
ENGINE
Type
Petrol
Capacity (cc)
1798
Code
2ZR-FXE
Description
Four cylinder Atkinson cycle, DOHC, four valves per cylinder with variable intake valve timing and cooled EGR
Bore x stroke (mm)
80.5 x 88.3
Compression ratio
13.0:1
Max. power
73kW @ 5200rpm
Max. torque
142Nm @ 4000rpm
Fuel system (petrol)
Electronic multipoint fuel injection with Electronic Throttle Control System
Independent, MacPherson struts, L-arms, coil springs, gas dampers and stabiliser bar
Rear
Semi-independent torsion beam, coil springs, gas dampers
FRICTION BRAKES
Front
296mm x 28mm ventilated discs, with sliding callipers
Rear
290mm x 12mm solid discs
Stability control
Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB), ABS with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Body Control with Torque Demand
Three Toyota models have been chosen as Best Family Cars of 2012. The choice was done by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com, bounding together to make their fifth annual list.
2012 Toyota Prius v is the next model to join the 
