Toyota Prius has always been associated with alternative minded people. Not for nothing, because the Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid car in the world. This theoretically meant lower fuel consumption, lower emissions and a more responsible attitude towards the environment. Also in all previous generations, it was very different from the rest of the car industry – mainly to improve aerodynamics and make the car even more economical. In addition, the Prius generally did not deliver good power figures and satisfying handling, and the Prius hybrid technology had to be paid more. This further underlined the white sparrow image of the Prius and part of the public began to despise this car. There are countless jokes and memes on the Internet about both the car itself and its owners. Although the car is not bad. It is even one of the most reliable Toyota models.
And then the year 2022 came, when the world was introduced to a new Prius in the fifth generation (it went on sale in 2023). And suddenly the Prius became a model that became desirable and that people look back on with a positive outlook. Because of the sloping body silhouette, bright colors, front and rear design, car reviewers even compare it to Lamborghini models. There is a certain similarity. In addition, the new Prius has become fast – not Lambo fast, but fast compared to its predecessors.
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
In Latvia, Prius is only available as a Plug-In hybrid
In the world, the new Prius is offered with two engines in different power and energy system versions, but in our country it is offered only in one, more powerful version – 2.0 Hybrid Dynamic Force or Plug-In hybrid with a 2-liter gasoline engine, an electric motor integrated in the transmission and with a CVT type gearbox . This system develops a power of 223 hp. Equipped with a 13.6 kWh battery, the Prius can travel 87 km in electric mode (according to WLTC data). Combined fuel consumption is promised around 3.8 liters per 100 km, while CO2 emissions are 28 g per kilometer. Prius runs up to 100 km/h in 7 seconds. Pretty impressive!
SIZES
- Length: 4600 mm
- Width: 1780 mm
- Height: 1430 mm
- Garenbāze: 2750 mm
- Clearance: 150 mm
- Parmesan: 1570 kg
- Gross weight: 1845 kg
- Min. luggage volume: 674 liters
- Turning diameter: 10.8 m
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
Prius and sporty?
Yes! Without knowing that it is a Prius, the first impression upon seeing it suggests that there is a car with sharper senses in front of your eyes. The new Prius has a 5 cm lower roofline, which visually creates a wider stance. The front end is designed with narrow light strips that are bent into a C shape, while an impressive air vent is incorporated into the front bumper. The creases on the hood suggest that the car has a heavy-duty unit. At the back, the flowing roof line is as if cut with a knife. There, the design consists of a horizontal strip of lights, which is somewhat reminiscent of a design from the 80s. But since retro is fashion, the overall look is tasteful. The Prius name proudly sits in the center of the trunk lid. In the most expensive package, a block of solar panels is placed on the roof, but in the middle equipment version, a panoramic roof can be installed for an additional fee (650 EUR). The silhouette of the coupe is also emphasized by the rear door handles hidden in the window line. It’s unlikely that a drunk night passenger will be able to open the door with dexterity, considering that the Prius is a common model among taxis around the world.
Sportiness can also be felt in the cabin in the sense that the Prius has a low seating position, as well as the slanted windshield evokes associations with being in a coupe. You have to get used to the inclined A-pillars, because at first there was no confidence in the true dimensions of the car. The front panel has now become more conservative, but therefore better understood and easier to use. Kudos to Toyota for keeping the physical climate control buttons. A 12.3″ infotainment screen is placed in the center of the panel – yes, once again it looks like it is attached separately, but it is well placed from the point of view of functionality and transparency. At first, the digital gauge cluster, placed close to the lower edge of the windshield, seems odd. Like the Peugeot models, you have to look at it over the steering wheel. It must be said that this solution is like a combination of instrument panel and heads-up display. Toyota has finally made the effort and offers a modern and understandable interface for multimedia and gauges, and in high resolution.
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
The massive steering wheel with 20 buttons does not suit the sporty spirit of the Prius – it is not the most intuitive solution, and it is not the prettiest either. Toyota models also tend to place function keys in hard-to-predict locations. This ailment has not gone away in the new Prius either. On the left side are the steering wheel and windshield heating buttons, as well as the automatic high beam switch. Below that, the fuel tank and trunk opening switches. In this case, they are still relatively easy to see and use from the driver’s seat, but they look like something from another opera. Could have tried and made something more like a climate control unit. On the right side of the steering wheel, the surrounding camera and parking assistant switches are visible only from the passenger seat. For the rear view, a classic electrochromatic mirror and its digital screen are offered at the same time. Toyota has also taken care of the washing function of the rear view camera, so that the image in the mirror and on the screen is always visible.
#Prius
Either aiming at a younger audience, or simply trying to make the Prius more attractive, the designers have hidden various so-called Easter eggs in the cabin. For example, the glove compartment has the inscription #glovebox, the compartment in the center console has the inscription #hiddencompartment, as well as other symbols and inscriptions in various places in the cabin and on the body panels.
Even tall passengers can find a comfortable seating position in the driver’s seat. Both the seats and the steering wheel are adjustable in a sufficient number of directions. As a result, even long journeys can be spent in comfort. In general, the ergonomics of the cabin are good (minus the aforementioned switches). Initially, the armrest of the central console seems a little too high, but with time you can get used to it and it seems comfortable. The front passenger can also enjoy the convenience. It’s different in the back. Although the sofa seems comfortable and there is enough legroom, taller people’s heads poke into the ceiling.
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
What an amazing appearance, so amazing driving characteristics
As far as having driven various Toyota hybrid models, they do their job without excessive pomp, excessive dynamics and adventurous driving characteristics. It’s quite enough for everyday life, but it doesn’t really stand out. This time, the Prius Plug-In hybrid has a drive. First of all, the 223 hp power system is the most powerful in this model. It responds well to pressing the pedal, offers good acceleration in various speed modes. Who would have thought that a Prius could annoy the “Bembists”. From zero to 50-60 km/h, the Prius accelerates quickly. Also on the highway – when you start overtaking below 80 km/h, after a short while you can find yourself well over the permitted speed. The only thing that does not fit in this atmosphere is the noise of the engine when it is kept hard at high revs (typical of CVT gearboxes). Second, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid has a low center of gravity, which makes it stick to the road. Precise handling also ensures that sharp turns can be completed at a greater distance. The sporty ride alternates with pleasant comfort. The suspension handles bumps well, especially in the spring of Rīgas Street, so the Prius is a pleasant everyday travel companion.
Although the average consumption in the literature for this car is 3.8 liters per 100 km, but in the dealer’s brochure it is only 0.7 liters per 100 km. However, it should be noted that this can be achieved with a regularly charged battery. We received this car for the test with a half-charged battery and did not try to charge it ourselves. Therefore, with quite dynamic driving in various conditions, the fuel consumption was within 5.5 liters. It would be possible to reduce it quite a bit with more sensible driving.
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
Prices and equipment
The Prius Plug-In price sheet is simple – one engine type and three equipment versions. Body paint, panoramic roof and various accessories and linings (mudguards, wind deflectors, luggage compartment inserts, rubber mats, etc.) are available for an additional fee.
However, the Prius Plug-In is not a cheap car. It costs EUR 45,300 in the base or Active version.
The Active package includes 17″ alloy wheels, air pressure control, electrically adjustable, folding and heated side mirrors, Bi-LED headlights, laminated windshield, 220 V socket in the trunk, fabric seats, heated front seats, electrically adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control control, automatic air conditioning with remote control, keyless key, heated windshield wipers, leather steering wheel, electric front and rear windows, twilight sensor, rain sensor, parking sensors with automatic braking, 12.3″ multimedia screen, Toyota Smart Connect+ Internet connection, cloud-based navigation system, Apple and Android integration, 6-speaker audio system, rear view camera with washer.
Safety systems include driver surveillance camera, blind spot monitor, rear and front cross-traffic alert, Toyota Safety sense – collision and pedestrian collision prevention function, intelligent adaptive cruise control, lane assistant, automatic high beams, wireless updates.
The middle level or Luxury package costs 47,300 EUR. It has 19” rims, adaptive high beam system, automatic headlight leveling, laminated front side windows, water-repellent front windows, heated steering wheel, electrochromatic and digital rearview mirror, electric trunk lid.
The most expensive or Premium package costs 52,700 EUR. In addition to everything, it has the aforementioned solar panel on the roof, synthetic leather upholstery, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, driver’s seat with memory, parking assistant (remotely operated).
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
PROS AND CONS
+ Attractive design
+ This model lacked power and handling
+ Well equipped already in the basic package
– The warning signals of various assistants tend to be annoying. They can be turned off, but before each trip.
– High price.
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
Toyota Prius Plug-In Foto: iAuto.lv
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2024-03-02 06:01:06
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