Sunday 05 / May / 2024
With impressive fuel economy, extremely relaxed driving dynamics, good build quality, and a very comfortable cabin, the Toyota Prius is the King of the hybrids. This latest model is the fourth generation and it’s quite a departure from those that went before.
The 2016 Prius is also the first to spawn from Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), which among other advances gives the Prius a lower centre of gravity than before.
Prius features a 1.8L 4-Cylinder hybrid engine and is aimed at the future, which is evident in its exterior and interior designing.
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The exterior designing is very inspiring by the mixed curvy edges that run all around the body. The most distinguished features on the exterior without a second thought would be the head and tail lamps.
The curvy flow of lights makes the rear end recognisable from a good distance and the headlamps gives the car a massive look.
There’s plenty of space for four tall adults in the Prius, and life is reasonably comfortable for a fifth person. Leg and shoulder room are particularly generous, plus the floor across the rear of the car is completely flat. Prius also provides lots of in-car storage, including cupholders and a deep bin between the front seats.
The materials used are high-grade materials and the interior is so well composed that it completely surprises you when you step into a hybrid and find yourself being treated to some comfortable features. The driving position is very convenient. Gadget fans will love the huge digital display at the top of the dashboard, which shows everything from your speed and fuel economy to what’s going on with the car’s petrol-electric drive system. Most other functions are controlled through a touch screen. The lack of rotating controls for the volume or heating won’t be to all tastes, either.
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A JBL audio system harmonises the ride, with 10 speakers placed optimally throughout the cabin.
The synthetic leather wheel has surface temperature regulating properties for excellent comfort and the surface feels less hot in summer and less cold in winter.
The Prius also has a convenient wireless charging system, which allows users to simply place a compatible device on the pad to initiate charging, without the need for a cable.
The newly designed steering wheel matches with the interior styling and also available in synthetic leather.
The Boot space requires special attention. You are about to be taken for a ride when you open the boot and step into another galaxy as a whole with all seats in place which again increases when the rear seats are folded down.
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The Toyota Prius has a two-piece rear window, with a horizontal dividing bar running right across your field of vision, so it’s just as well a rear-view camera is standard across the range.
The Prius, could be the world’s most silent start, delivers all that is expected off a Toyota which includes ride comfort, smooth handling and most important of all, a happy journey.
The steering is direct and not too heavy; every model comes with a CVT automatic gearbox and the hybrid technology.
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The four-wheel independent suspension and the front and rear stabiliser bar do their job and ensure a majority of the bumps and patches are absorbed before the passengers or the driver can get a sensation of it.
The brilliant fuel efficiency of the Prius is a result of the 4 cylinder Hybrid engine that produces 121hp @ 5,200rpm and the battery mechanism.
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When the engine runs, it charges the battery via the generator; when driving conditions allow it, such as in slow-moving traffic, the generator can cut out the petrol engine and let the electric motor take over for zero-emissions travelling.
The Prius sets high standards for safety with an impressive array of active and passive features. These include seven airbags to protect the driver and passengers, active front head restraints and HUD. There are also three-point front and rear seatbelts with ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor).
The Electronically Controlled Brake System employs a newly developed active hydraulic booster. It also incorporates active safety features such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC).
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Specifications
Engine Capacity (litres): 1.8
Cylinders: 4 Cylinder
Drive Type: Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Tank Capacity (litres): 43
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km): 4.4
Fuel Type: Hybrid
Horsepower (bhp): 121
Torque (Nm): 140
Transmission: Automatic
Top Speed (Km/h): 170
Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
Acceleration 0-100km/h (sec): 10
Length (metres): 4.540
Width (metres): 1.760
Height (metres): 1.470
Wheelbase (metres): 2.700
