Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius Description :

Toyota Prius is powered by a petrol engine and an electric motor. In India, the company has launched the car with two interior trim options. These are Toyota Prius Z3 and Toyota Prius Z4. The Toyota Prius Z3 comes with fabric seat material and without seat heater while the Toyota Prius Z4 is equipped with leather seat material and seat heater.

Toyota Prius is loaded with 1.8 litre 2ZR-FXE petrol engine with a displacement of 1798cc. The engine also houses 4 cylinder, In line Twin Cam, 16 valve with VVT-i. The 1.8L engine is powerful enough to pump 73 kw of peak power at 5,200 rpm and churns 142 Nm of maximum torque at 4,000 rpm.

Apart from this strong and powerful powertrain, Toyota Prius is fitted with an 650 V electric motor which is permanent magnet type. The electric motor can produce 60 kw of maximum power and 207 Nm of peak torque figures. Whereas the battery type is Sealed Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal hydride). The capacity of the battery is Ah 6.5 (2h). The combined maximum power output from both engine and motor is 100 kw. To ensure optimum use of petrol engine and electric motor, the company has used its much popular Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. The technology is comprised of petrol engine and electric motor. This allows the driver to choose from three driving modes. The technology promises amazing fuel economy, the lowest exhaust emissions, silky-smooth performance and fastest acceleration.

The third generation Toyota Prius is available with three driving modes which include Power mode, Eco mode and Electric Vehicle mode. Electric Vehicle mode can be opt on battery power alone at low speed while Eco mode is for greatest fuel economy.

The exterior and interior of Toyota Prius is stunning and deserves praise. The exterior design is amongst the lowest in the world that is 0.25 Cd. The interior is also funky and luxurious. The front cabin is provided with most advanced high-tech systems comprised of classy audio system, multifunctional steering wheel and class leading comfort.

Toyota Prius Models

Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

Toyota Prius hybrid is equipped with a 1.8 L petrol engine and a 650 electric motor. The combined power output of both the powerhouses is 100 kw. The 1.8L 2ZR-FXE petrol engine produces 73 kw of maximum power at 5,200 rpm and 142 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. While the electric motor generates a peak power of 60 kw and 207 Nm of peak torque. The company has added its own developed Hybrid Synergy Drive technology which allow the driver to choose from three driving mode available in Toyota Prius. Hybrid Synergy Drive technology is there to enhance fuel efficiency, power, torque and acceleration along with less carbon emission. When used on electric mode or combined mode of petrol and motor, the fuel efficiency is increased up to 35 per cent.

Power

The luxurious hybrid car, Toyota Prius, is powered by a 1.8 litre 2ZR-FXE petrol engine with a displacement of 1798cc and the engine type is 4 cylinder, In line Twin Cam, 16 valve with VVT-i. The powertrain of the Toyota Prius pumps out a peak power of 73 kw at 5,200 rpm and produces maximum torque of 142 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The VVT-i technology is there for higher power, torque, acceleration and fuel efficiency by controlling the air intake and exhaust emission. The technology is also supported by Atkinson cycle and a cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system and electric water pump. An electric motor of 650V is also fitted which generates 60 kw of peak power and 207 Nm of peak torque. The battery type is Sealed Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal hydride) whereas the capacity of the battery is Ah 6.5 (2h). You can drive Toyota Prius in three different modes which include Power mode, Eco mode and Electric Vehicle mode. When you are in Eco mode, the combined power output will be 100 kw. Transmission will be automatic. The Hybrid Synergy Drive technology controls both engine and motor. This Toyota technology promises greater fuel economy, the lowest exhaust emissions, silky-smooth performance and fastest acceleration.

Toyota Prius Colors

The Toyota Prius is available in four stunning colours such as Silver Metallic, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Abyss Grey Metallic and Beige Metallic. Whereas the interior colours are Aqua and medium grey. The outside rear view mirrors, bumpers and side skirts are in body colour.

Acceleration and Pick Up

Toyota Prius comes loaded with a 1.8 L petrol engine and an electric motor. The petrol engine type is 4 cylinder, In line Twin Cam, 16 valve with VVT-i with 1798cc displacement. The powerful engine is capable of producing a maximum power of 73 kw at 5,200 rpm and 142 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. On the other hand, electric motor generates 60kw maximum output and 207 Nm of maximum torque. And the combined power output is 100 kw. Both the motors are handled by Hybrid Synergy Drive technology which promises more power, torque and acceleration with greater fuel efficiency. The VVT-i technology is there to ensure optimum fuel economy and less carbon emission. Light weight body of Toyota Prius also help to enhance fuel economy. In addition to this, the engine of the Prius automatically turned off when it is stopped in traffic. It is to be mentioned here that the Toyota Prius use motor when start-up.

Toyota Prius Exteriors

Exterior Appearance

Toyota is succeeded to give Toyota Prius a sporty and aggressive stance. A number of changes has been done to design the third generation Toyota Prius. The front face of the car is stunning with sleek upper grille and snub-nose. The upper grille houses the Toyota logo at the top of the point. Toyota Prius is slightly larger but weight is reduced for better fuel economy. The front headlight cluster comes in a diamond-cut shape which houses projector beam halogen type headlamps with auto-off feature.

The lower grille are in black and the slot is rectangular. The vertical stacked fog light slot, also sports turn indicator, is separated from the lower grille to give distinctive design. Front side skirt is also added for the sake of sporty appearance. The electronically powered outside rear view mirrors are in body shade with turn indicator lamps. Front and rear bumper along with door handles come in body colour. In view to add class and beauty, side skirts are provided in semi-chrome finish. The front snub-nose hood cleverly flows into the front windshield, and goes to a flowing roofline which is slim and lower-slung.

The rear side of the Toyota Prius, balance the sporty and aggressive look as well. The LED tail light cluster is also in vertical shape comprising brake light, reverse light and turn indicator. The rear hatch is wide and impressive in terms of art work. Aerodynamic rear deck spoiler is added at the top of the hatch. Toyota logo comes just at the middle of the hatch. The sleek roof sports mounted antenna at rear side. The front and rear wipers are Washer-linked variable intermittent wipers and intermittent rear window wiper respectively. Toyota Prius has 15 inch five spoke alloy wheels which enhance the beauty of the car.

Exterior Measurements

The third generation Toyota Prius hybrid comes in larger size but with less weight that is 1805 kg. The overall length, width and height are 4460mm, 1745mm and 1510mm respectively. The wheelbase is of 2700mm, large enough.

Toyota Prius Interiors

Interior Appearance

Hold your breath before the very first entry in the luxury car, Toyota Prius, as you might keep gazing at the interiors. The front cabin of the sexy baby has stuff more than you thought of. The cabin is flooded with a number of high-tech user friendly and class-leading features. Have a look at the steering wheel and you will know the richness of the interior. The five spoke electronically powered tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel has mounted audio, climate and Multi-Information Display controls.

The dashboard has centrally positioned advanced audio system comprised of radio tuner, CD player and changer, audio system remote control and 8 speakers. An audio mini-jack is also added which allows to fix a portable music player to be enjoyed with vehicles' speakers. Right below the audio system, the AC system tools are fitted. It is also equipped with pollen removal mode and clean air filter. The compact AC system is quick responding. The driver is blessed with lower windshield glass which used to show head-up display. The display shows a great number of driver information including vehicle speed and hybrid system indicator.

Interior Comfort

Comfort level is optimum inside the Toyota Prius as from the driver seat to trunk ample room is ensured by the designers of the company. Let's start from driver seat. The driver seat has got enough headroom and legroom. It also can be managed a little bit tilt/telescopic powered steering wheel. A good storage space for front passenger is given at the dashboard in the form of upper box and glove box. Front cup holders and storage space under the central console (enough to store 10 Cds). Cup holders for rear seats are also provided. Front setbacks are made slim in view to provide good knee room area for rear passenger. The boot area is capable of keeping 3sets of golf bags, its more spacious now in Toyota Prius.

Interior Measurements

Ample headroom and legroom is the best thing which is to be mentioned here. Rear seats are foldable and can be used for different load and passenger option. Armrest and cup holder is there for all passenger. Front seat backs are designed in slim so as to provide ample knee room for rear passenger.

Engine Capacity and Performance

As discussed in some of the above mentioned headings, the Toyota Prius is powered by 1798cc, 4 cylinder, In line Twin Cam 16 valves with VVT-i. The 1.8 L petrol engine belts out 73 kw of peak power at 5,200 rpm and maximum torque of 142 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Apart from VVT-i, there are other innovative technologies such as Atkinson cycle, a cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system and electric water pump which ensure higher fuel efficiency along with greater power, torque and acceleration.

The other power plant of Toyota Prius is electric motor that is of 650 V and is capable of generating maximum power of 60 kw and 207 Nm of maximum torque. This permanent magnet type motor gets power from Nickel-Metal Hydride battery. Apart from driving your smart vehicle on power and electric motor mode, you have the option to use both of them at a time. This combination can generate maximum power of 100 kw. The overall system is operated and handled by Toyota's innovative Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The system integrates the advantages of electric motor and petrol engine which results in higher fuel efficiency, higher power, torque and acceleration figures along with lesser carbon emission and quietness.

Wheels

Toyota Prius has got 15 inch five spoke alloy wheels which looks funky on this luxury car. The tyre specification is 195/65 R 15. Whereas the wheelbase is 2700mm that ensure ample interior space.

Braking and Handling

The Toyota Prius is blessed with advanced braking system including front ventilated disc brake and rear solid disc. The brake type is hydraulic with electronic control and regenerative. The regenerative brake system works with Electronically Controlled Brake system to provide the optimum braking force relative to brake pedal operation. This mill also stopped completely with highly efficient energy regeneration.

Toyota Prius also got latest shock absorbers at both the end which adds to the comfort of the occupants. The front fork is Macpherson Strut which is gas filled with a stabilizer bar and the rear fork is Torison beam type, also gas filled.

Handling and Safety

The Japanese company has done enough to provide safety of driver and passengers. Toyota Prius is equipped with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) drive airbags, front passenger airbags, side airbags, driver knee airbags, side airbag and curtain shield airbags. For the rear collision, active headrest of front seats reduce impact on neck and back of the front occupants. Also, Toyota Prius packed with crash safety body which reduces the impact of collision for car passengers and pedestrians.

Stereo and Accessories

Toyota Prius comes fitted with funky audio system which is sure to win your hearts. It is blessed with radio tuner and CD player with changer. The audio system support 8 speakers. Audio controls are also provided on steering wheel. An audio mini-jack is also added which allows to fix a portable music player to be enjoyed with vehicles' speakers. Right below the audio system, the AC system tools are fitted. It is also equipped with pollen removal mode and clean air filter. The compact AC system is quick responding.

Toyota Prius Pros :

Luxurious, Value for Money, Fuel Efficient, Eco-friendly

Toyota Prius Cons :

Visibility through the rear window is troublesome due to backseat headrests and rear spoiler.