Toyota Prius – Page 2 – Automobiles Review

2015 Toyota Prius V Hybrid: With Great Comfort Comes and Great Performance

2015 Toyota Prius V Hybrid seven-seater comes with fresh looks, more comfort and improved performance. There are two models in the lineup, that will bring incredible safety features and hi-tech gadgets like the Lane Departure Alert and the upgraded Pre-Crash Safety System. Furthermore the Prius V Hybrid will demonstrate and wonderful stability with the adjusted suspension system and damping force. But let’s check out what else the model has to offer.

Exterior

The exterior updates of the Prius V shows some elegance and confidence, thanks to Toyota’s latest design concept trends. The vehicle comes with revised front-end features like redesigned upper-grille, more prominent Toyota badge and vertical LED running laps. In fact, the slim headlapms give that distinctive and sharp appearance, that everyone would love, while the gloss black lower grille adopts the well-known Toyota signature trapezoidal shape.

On the other hand, the rear of the vehicle comes with wonderful lamp design and wonderful license-plate trim, redesigned bumper and integrated diffuser.

Furthermore, both the Prius V and Prius V i-Tech include seven airbags, stability and traction control, climate-control air conditioning, rear camera, heads-up display, 16-inch alloy wheel, hill-start assist control, electric vehicle mode and touch-tracer steering-wheel controls

Drivetrain System

Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain comes with a 1.8-Liter Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a speicla 60kW electric motor, that together with the petrol powerplant produces a total of 100 kW. Furthermore, the power of both motors is blended with a special transmission, that helps for the fuel economy, which is incredible: 4.4 liters/100 km (62 miles) and CO2 emissions of 101g/km

Interior

The interior of the latest Prius is greatly redesigned and refreshed and now comes with fluorescent display centre console, multimedia-information display, new steering wheel and seat trims. Some of the visual upgrades include chrome-plated doors, dark silver finish and the slim-line vents of the center console come with chrome finish for even more sophisticated appearance.

And there is also a special “eco-judge” system, that helps the driver to achieve the optimal performance-economics ratio. How cool is that?

Source: Toyota

June 15, 2015

Toyota Prius+ Updated for MY 2015

Toyota Prius+ is a seven-seat hybrid MPV which now has been refreshed for the 2015 model year. It can show off with new styling, equipment features and color choices. The front-end of the car has been redesigned and now includes a new upper grille and a more prominent Toyota badge that extends the forward line of the bonnet. One can not pass the new LED headlights, too, with their slim profile and contrasting black and chrome plating.

In addition, the lower grille is now in trapezoid shape, while the new gloss black metallic exterior paint finish further highlights the presence of the car. The bumper corners have been given extra emphasis in a flowing form that extends from the headlights to the new air intakes and LED daytime running lights.

At the back of the car one can see a new combination lamp design with “light guides” as well as red inner lenses. The new licence plate trim and bumper now feature an integrated diffuser. There are two body colors new for the palette: Dark Sherry metallic and Attitude Black mica.

Modifications have been done inside, staring with the dark silver metallic finish for the driver’s switchgear and the air conditioning dial control and a chrome finish for the door handles. In the center console one finds two chrome-trimmed, slim-line air vents and a new 4.2-inch colour TFT information screen. The latter displays important vehicle information.

As a standard, the 2015 Prius+ comes equipped with Toyota’s Touch 2 multimedia system, which includes touchscreen control, Bluetooth and reversing camera. This system can be upgaded – Toyota Touch 2 with Go, in order to deliver additional satellite navigation, live traffic information, expanded range of connected services, text-to-speech function and 3D city modelling with landmark graphics.

Furthermore, other standard equipment features include electric seat adjustment, a front centre armrest and Intelligent Park Assist. In terms of safety, Toyota has provided emergency brake signal as a no cost option.

Prius+ also comes with improved ride and handling, reduced noise intrusion in the cabin and the hybrid powertrain has been upgraded to comply with Euro6 emissions standards. More details, specifications and pricing to be announced close to sale date.

Source: Toyota

October 9, 2014

Toyota Adds Persona Special Edition To Prius Range

2015 Toyota Prius Persona Special Edition is a limited edition version of the best-selling hybrid in United States, brought to the next level. This elegant vehicle is tailored with exclusive exterior and interior touches, which make it truly one-of-a-kind. It has this eye-catching exterior and adds several changes to the equipment to create a visually distinctive car. Precisely, this car is based on the Prius Three Special Edition, and will be available exclusively in two exterior paint finishes: Absolutely Red and Blizzard Pearl. The former dye is offered for the first time on Prius.

In addition, it runs on 17-inch alloy wheels which include a premium dark metallic finish. The special edition also comes equipped with premium heated power mirrors with turn signal indicators. At the rear there will be a badge “Persona Series”, which will help differentiate the model.

Inside, the Persona is trimmed in black SofTex with gray stitching. The same treatment has been implemented to the steering wheel. However, it includes a dark chrome bezel that complements car’s dark chrome shift knob ring and door grips.

To the luxurious feel of the Persona Series adds the blue driver and front-passenger foot area illumination. 2015 Prius Persona Series Special Edition will begin arriving in dealerships in September and will be priced at $26,985 USD.

Source: Toyota

July 31, 2014

Toyota Prius Plug-in Sets Nürburgring Record For Fuel Economy [VIDEO]

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid has set a different kind of record on the Nürburgring race track. So far the achievements on the track were all about miles per hour, not miles per gallon. Toyota has just turned this tradition on its head when it took its Prius Plug-in hybrid to the famous track. It showed not only how fast the car goes, but also how little fuel it utilizes on a single lap. Behind the wheel of the car was the motoring journalist and Japanese car expert Joe Clifford. He drove an upgraded Prius with the addition of TRD parts. They are styling rather than performance elements which enhance car’s visual stance.

In dry conditions he managed to achieve 698 mpg, and completed his lap in 20 minutes and 59 seconds. This figure is exceptional, because it outstrips car’s official combined cycle figure of 134mpg. If we can measure the used fuel for this sprint in table spoons, than it would be just less than five.

This record was made possible due to the utilization of the technology that is development of Toyota’s full hybrid system. It matches a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a compact, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Battery’s performance and outstanding energy density offer the opportunity to drive the car further and at higher speeds on electric power alone.

Prius Plug-in’s achievement is another addition to Toyota’s history of success at Nürburgring. Moreover, the latest test affects directly to what customers might experience with their own Prius. The story of the challenge can be viewed in the video below:

httpv://youtu.be/c3_G5a54USI

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Toyota

July 16, 2014

2014 Toyota Prius – US Price $29,990

Toyota US has announced the pricing of the new 2014 Prius Facelift, which is available for less than $30,000. The base model Plug-in Hybrid starts from just $29,990, while the top-of-range Plug-in Hybrid Advanced costs $39,525.

The 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid is well-equipped (similar to a Prius Three), but adds these appealing features:

Heated cloth front seats – a unique standard feature available only on Prius Plug-in
Remote Climate – a feature that allows customers to activate their A/C remotely (standard on Prius Plug-in, available on Prius Three)
Ability to drive extended distances in EV Mode, helping to increase fuel efficiency
Unique 10-spoke alloy wheels
1 additional year of Roadside Assistance through ToyotaCare, for a total of 3 year

The Prius Plug-in Advanced will still offer popular features including:

Premium HDD Navigation with Entune^® App Suite (including Plug-in Hybrid Applications) and JBL
SofTex-trimmed heated front seats
8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support
Head-Up Display
Safety Connect

Grade	Engine/ Trans.	Highlight Features	13MY MSRP	14MY MSRP	MSRP $ Change	MSRP % Change
Plug-in Hybrid	1.8-liter HSD/ E-CVT	Display Audio with Navigation, Entune App Suite and backup camera; USB/Aux and Bluetooth; unique 15” alloy wheels, Smart Key System on 3 doors and Push Button Start; heated front seats; Remote Climate; HSD blue accent headlights and exclusive Plug-in Hybrid badging; additional year of Roadside Assistance through ToyotaCare	$32,000	$29,990*	-$2,010	-6.3%
Plug-in Hybrid Advanced	1.8-liter HSD/ E-CVT	Prius Plug-in Hybrid plus: Premium HDD Navigation with Entune App Suite (including Plug-in Hybrid Applications) and JBL, SofTex-trimmed heated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, Head-Up Display, Safety Connect	$39,525	$34,905*	-$4,620	-11.7%

Source: Toyota

October 10, 2013

Clint Bowyer Toyota Prius – lower than a Sprint Cup car

Toyota will reveal a custom Clint Bowyer Prius at the 2012 SEMA. Bowyer, whose Prius was modified under his direction by RKM Performance Center in Mooresville, N.C., believes that taking the high technology for which the Prius is already famous to extremes will pave the way to victory.

“When you think of a hot rod, you don’t think of a Prius,” Bowyer said. “A young, sophisticated global thinker meets a connected, socially conscious traveler – that’s the theme of the Tekked-Out Prius.”

It comes with a nice hi-tech version featuring a 17” custom touch screen with built-in Windows 7 computer, two ASUS 12” tablets, and a side-view camera system that replaces the factory mirrors. A staggering 45 feet of fiber optic lighting and a thumping 16-speaker JBL audio system with two amplifiers and six crossovers brighten the mood inside of the sinister-looking black-on-black Prius.

The special edition Prius also has a 16-speaker audio system from JBL with six crossovers and two amplifiers, while the interior has received custom leather and suede upholstery, electric blue stitching accents and imported German carpet.

The final vehicle builds will be unveiled during a press conference at the Toyota display at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas on Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. local time. Fans will be able to tune in live to watch the entire press conference on the Toyota Racing Facebook page or LiveStream.com/Toyota and see the winner announced in real time.

Source: Toyota

October 22, 2012

Wald Sports Line Toyota Prius

We don’t know what to think. Wald, from Japan, have been working on a Toyota Prius Mk3 in order to turn it to a “Sports Line”. Yes, what you are looking at here is essentially an aerodynamic kit…for a Prius.

That confuses us because the whole concept of a Toyota Prius is to be sensible. Performance is not necessary snesible. Maybe then, it’s for the sake of aesthetics. But who buys a Prius and hopes to stick out from the crowd? Whatever the reason, you get a newfront bumper, side skirts, a rear apron that includes a diffuser all of which is predominantly made from fiber-reinforced plastic. Also the exhaust tips are redesigned and chromed. Handy aero covers on the side windows help prevent air messing up your hair when cruising along.

Then further down beneath the shell, Wald have thrown in a sports suspension which lowers the car within a hair’s distance from the ground. Included also are large alloy wheels that have low profile performance tires wrapped around them (again with the performance confusion).

Source: Wald

July 6, 2012

2012 Toyota Prius v – spacious and efficient

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.

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 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
Fuel type	95 RON or higher
Fuel tank capacity (L)	45
Fuel economy (L/100km)*	4.4 (Combined)
	4.2 (Urban)
	4.3 (Extra urban)
Carbon dioxide (g/km)*	101 (Combined cycle)
HYBRID SYSTEM
Type	Series/parallel
System output	100kW (Combined)
Electric motor	60kW AC synchronous
Maximum voltage (V)	650
High-voltage battery	Lithium-ion
– Voltage (V)	201.6
TRANSMISSION
Driven wheels	Front
Transmission description	Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT)
Transmission code	P410
Final drive	3.703:1
STEERING
Type	Rack and pinion, Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Turns lock to lock (m)	3.31
Minimum turning radius (m)	5.5 (kerb to kerb)
SUSPENSION
Front	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
WHEELS
Rims	16 x 6.5J aluminium with full size cover
Tyres	P205/60 R16
BODY
Body type	Monocoque 5DR liftback
Length (mm)	4615
Width (mm)	1775
Overall height (mm)	1590
Wheelbase (mm)	2780
Front track (mm)	1540
Rear track (mm)	1545
Coefficient of drag (Cd)	0.29
Running clearance	160mm
WEIGHTS/LOADS
Kerb weight (kg)	1565
Gross vehicle mass (kg)	2115

Source: Toyota

May 22, 2012

Toyota Prius+ for a Versatile Summer

This summer a new example of Toyota‘s hybrid know-how is coming to town…or Europe. It’s the Prius+ – Europe’s first full hybrid seven-seat MPV. Two trim levels will be available, the base T4 and T Spirit.

One can imagine for example, that in the UK, the sub-100 g/km of CO2 T4 version will be hugely popular as this will be the only MPV out on the streets with zero road tax and it can go in and out of London without paying a congestion charge. The T Spirit, which is kind of more equipped (17-inch wheels, 8, instead of 6, JBL speakrs, leather seats) spews out 101 g/km. Official figures for the fuel economy equal to 68.9mpg for the T4 and 64.2mpg for the T Spirit.

A pack of li-ion batteries lays within the center console so that no passenger or luggage space is compromised. Five separate folding rear seats are provided and with all of these in place there is 200 litres of luggage space. Remove the third row and you get 505 liters.

Both of the models get various goodies such as rear-view camera, Smart Entry and Start, climate control, electric windows and heated folding mirrors, panoramic roof with aoutmatic shade, rain sensing wipers, LED daytime running lights and more.

Quite a bundle considering the projected starting price of $41,578 for the T4. The T Spirit stands at $46,814 and it does not sound like a bargain.

Source: Toyota

April 5, 2012

2012 Toyota Prius in Australia

In a bid to attract even more buyers, Toyota have turned up, in Australia, with a bag of updates for the 2012 Prius. It now has a new face, some extra equipment, its suspension has been tweaked and is cheaper than ever.

Visually, the front lower end sees a new bumper and a larger, trapezoidal lower grille. LED daytime running lights find their place right beneath the indicators within the bumper while the fog lights have moved on the sides of the lower grille. Elsewhere, one would find that the taillight cluster has been changed, the mirrors are now heated and power-folding. The wheels remain 15 inches (17 for the i-Tech trim) but the design is new. Overall the 2012 Prius is 20 mm longer than the previous ones but that length seems to have gone to the overhangs as the wheelbase stays the same.

Inside we get new seats and more quality upholstery, the multi-information display is now more vivid than ever and even the entry level gets a rear view camera. There are some less useful features as well – an “ECO calculator” that apparently allows you to do math and estimate how much money you are dreadfully spending on fuel. Wasn’t it the whole purpose of buying a Prius to set yourself free from consumption worries? Why would I want to preoccupy my mind with that? Anyway, Toyota have also added a HUD readout on the screen and a touch pad sort of thing on the steering wheel so that you, or anyone else who might be driving, can remain focused on the road. In case you get lost however you can always refer to the HDD navigation system (i-Tech again). Other standard safety features include seven airbags, stability and traction control, active front head restraints and anti-skid brakes.

Sounds unimaginable when talking about a Prius, but, assuming you won’t be always driving around in ECO mode, performance and comfort may actually benefit from a now stiffer, better welded together body. The improve rigidity allows the installment of a softer and kinder suspension.

Underneath it all hides a hybrid system as usual – 100 kW of combined power coming from an 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle petrol unit and a 650-volt electric motor/generator powered by a 201.6-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack. In return you get 89 g/km of CO2 emissions and 3.9 liters per 100 km of fuel economy. In EV mode, the Prius is capable of covering road stretches of 1-2 km solely on a battery charge.

For the whole package, you have to pay $33,990 – almost $6000 less than the price of the first ever Prius. The i-Teck on the other hand, sticks to its price tag – $45,990. What do you think? A good buy? 17,000 in Australia alone seem to approve.

Source: Toyota

March 28, 2012

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid with the lowest CO2 emissions on the market

Toyota has just announced the exclusive news about the official EU CO2 emissions and economy figures for the new 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid and they are exceptional. The vehicle emits 49g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle and travel 134.5 miles on one gallon of petrol. These numbers makes it the most efficient Toyota on the market. The engineers in addition have improved the car’s EV driving range to 15.5 miles. This is an improvement of 24% versus the customer trial vehicle. Another thing which makes it unique is that it takes only 90 minutes to recharge the car, using a conventional plug. When the EV battery is depleted, the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid automatically switches into HV mode. In this mode, the vehicle delivers CO2 emissions of 85 g/km and economy of 76.4mpg. This is an improvement on the emissions and fuel economy of the standard Prius. This leading performance helps to deliver a total driving range of 769 miles. The car continues to offer the same interior space as the standard Prius, with seating for five and 443 litres of bootspace. 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will be launched in the summer of 2012.

Source: Toyota

February 28, 2012

Toyota Predominant on Dependability Study

The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study is an annual research based on x amount of problems per 100 vehicles, reported by real life car owners. The lower the x, the higher the rank. It is common knowledge that if today one wants a car that can survive an apocalypse, Toyota is the brand for you. But this year, not only the Toyotas dominate the survey, but the whole Toyota group.

Toyota cars alone have four models ranked as the most dependable non-premium vehicles. The Corolla is ranked second behind The Prius in the compact-car segment while Corolla, Camry and Highlander (Kluger) are in the top three of their segments.

Lexus and Scion (Toyota subsidiaries) also preformed exceptionally well by each scoring two top rankings. Last year it was Lexus that led the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study by winning the most awards than any other premium brand.

Other highlights coming from awards include the 11 awards that got swept by both Toyota and Lexus at the ‘IntelliChoice’ Best Overall Values of the Year ranking. Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Camry, Corolla, Highlander (Kluger), Prius, Prius v, Yaris and Scion xB. Also the 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid and Prius earned the maximum five stars for overall safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All that portfolio of awards is just a drop in the sea of Toyota‘s achievements. We just hope they have a big enough trophy cabinet at the factory.

Source: Toyota

February 17, 2012

Tag: Toyota Prius

Exterior

Drivetrain System

Interior