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Review: 2012 Toyota Prius V

May 6, 2012 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

The Toyota Prius is the undisputed king of all hybrids, with no competitor able to come even close. With its number one status cemented, a loyal following of faithful buyers, there is huge equity in the Prius name, so it almost comes as a surprise Toyota has waited this long to cash in and expand the Prius family. That expansion has now seen its day, and The Garage was able sample the first addition to the family, the Prius V, the V standing for versatility.

Whether you consider the Prius V a mini-minivan or a wagon is irrelevant. At first appearance the V is just as it looks-a Prius, but bigger in every dimension. The instant recognition of the car being a Prius was key, and Toyota has succeeded in creating a car with added utility but unmistakably a Prius. With a shape that puts aerodynamics and utility as top priorities, the Prius V comes off as appliance-like, with little character or emotion. Part of this is likely due to the fact the Prius has been around, and sold so well its appearance is not as science fiction as it was years ago.

Inside, Prius owners will feel instantly at home. I am not a fan of the centrally mounted instrument panel. Other controls are easy to find and use, so in spite of its unusual appearance at first, the Prius is easy to use. While the two-tone interior offered some contrast, the overall feel of the cabin felt drab and uninteresting. The graining on the plastic steering wheel did not feel right to me, and I disliked touching the most critical part of the interior I keep my hands on. It felt like the automotive equivalent to a cubicle in the movie ‘Office Space’. That said, the Prius V delivers on its promise. The cabin is large, with plenty of room for all. Storage, from a two-tier glove box, generous center console storage and other nooks should more than satisfy the Prius V buyer. Up front, the adequate but flat front seats are familiar Prius fare, but the rear seat offers legroom on par with a limo, thanks to a sliding and reclining rear seat.

The drivetrain is standard Prius fare, with no alterations made for the Prius V, which means a gas hybrid system getting the bulk of its motivation from a 1.8L four, with total gas/electric output equaling 134hp, paired to a CVT. Before getting behind the wheel, I feared how a larger, heavier Prius would get itself around, as the standard Prius is no scorcher. My conclusion is the cars are very close. Fuel economy does take a hit from the standard Prius, but EPA figures of 44/40 MPG city/highway are impressive, and these figures keep the Prius V true to its mission. Is it fun to drive? No. The Prius V driver’s fun is in the fuel economy, as it always has been.

The Prius V is available in three trim levels, One, Three, and Five. Our test car was a Level Three, and will likely be the most popular Prius V. Standard equipment includes a 6.1″ touch screen display, Navigation, back-up camera, six-speaker audio with XM Radio, Entune multi-media interface, power driver’s seat, and automatic climate control. With a sole option of carpeted floor mats, our test car rings in at $28,150USD, including destination.

The Prius V was a logical step for Toyota, and should serve it well. As young families of Prius owners grow, or baby boomers simply want more, um, versatility, the Prius V should meet their needs and keep them in the family instead of abandoning the Prius and getting a crossover. Speaking of crossovers, it is worth mentioning the Prius V offers cargo capacity on par or exceeding contemporary CUV’s, with the hybrid trade-off a high load floor. In sum, the success of the Prius V will be keeping the Prius and hybrid faithful graduating to the V as opposed to buying a crossover than it will be in converting the traditional minivan/crossover buyer.

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First Drive: 2012 Toyota Prius C

March 22, 2012 by Gary Grant 3 Comments

As is often the case for Canadian new model launches, our first taste of the 2012 Toyota Prius C came this week, a full month after the US media launch. Unlike some other manufacturers though, when Toyota Canada invites the press out to an event, they put considerable thought into the location of the event, relative to the product they are showing. This week’s Prius C event brought us to Seattle, Washington.

As the birthplace of Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Starbucks and the home of Microsoft, Seattle could be considered one of the hippest cities in North America not to mention being green in a few senses. The historic downtown area from Pike Place to Seattle’s infamous red light district provided a perfect combination of old world sights and steep hills to put the C for City moniker to the test. From there, we headed out to the lovely countryside around Lake Washington, where we got to see how the C handled a wind swept causeway and some twisty country roads.
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Toyota Announces 2012 Prius c

January 22, 2012 by Tom Williams 2 Comments

Given the success of the Toyota Prius, it’s a wonder it has taken Toyota this long to build on the brand equity of the Prius name and offer an expanded line of Prius vehicles. The company has finally taken the initiative, first with the larger Prius v (which The Garage will soon be reviewing), a plug-in hybrid Prius, and, announced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, the Prius c. The ‘c’ here stands for city, and Toyota is seeking young urban dwellers as its most desired demographic.

The Prius c certainly has a more youthful look than its big brother. Compared to the standard Prius, the Prius c is 19″ shorter and weighs 542lbs less. Power comes from a 1.5L Atkinson cycle four cylinder with a total output of 99hp, paired to a continuously variable transmission. Toyota promises fuel economy of 53/46 MPG city/highway, with a combined rating of 50MPG. Toyota claims the Prius c is the most fuel efficient car you can buy without a plug.

The Prius c will be offered in four trim levels. Standard on all models will be auto climate control, Bluetooth and a USB port. Toyota has not provided solid pricing, but did say the Prius c would start under $19,000USD. I think the idea of a smaller, more youthful Prius can only serve to help Toyota, who still struggles to shake its reputation as being a conservative car company for Baby Boomers. With its smaller size and low price, the Prius c practically puts a nail into the coffin of the Honda Insight, a car largely panned by critics, and ignored by buyers. The Prius c is expected to hit the showroom floor in March 2012.

 

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Toyota Adds PLUS Performance Package to Prius

June 30, 2011 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

I know what you’re thinking-did he just put the words ‘performance’ and ‘Prius’ in the same headline? When The Garage reviewed the latest generation Prius, we concluded the car succeeds at its mission-offering superlative fuel economy in a practical, comfortable package. But certainly nothing to do with performance. Well, Toyota is having a go at changing that perception. Developed by TRD (Toyota Racing Development), the PLUS Performance Package will be available in limited quantities for those looking to spice up their Prius.

So, what performance has been added here? Well, you do not get more power-the drivetrain has been left completely alone. The goal here was not to detract fuel economy. What you do get is slightly more aggressive styling in the form of a seven-piece ground effects kit, which includes front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts and a rear diffuser, which all combine to lower aerodynamic drag. New 17″ forged alloys wearing fatter rubber (but still low-rolling resistant) are included. The Prius PLUS has also been lowered 1.1″ in the front, and 1.3″ in the rear. The addition of a rear sway bar round out the performance mods, which should go a long way in making the Prius more fun to drive. Apart from different floor mats, the interior has been left untouched.

Orders for the Prius PLUS Performance Package can be made this July. The package is available on Prius II, III, and IV models for $3,699USD, and $2,999 on the Prius V (which already come equipped with 17″ alloys). While I don’t see the car making any converts, I see no harm in letting the guys at TRD add some fun to the Prius. As Toyota continues to ponder on how to grow the Prius, there is no doubt the management will be keen to see if the car-buying public is willing to spend more money on an aggressive-looking, sharper handling Prius. Stay tuned.

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Review: 2010 Toyota Prius V

August 11, 2009 by Tom Williams 13 Comments

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Before we even begin talking about the new Prius, I need to make one point clear-the comparisons to the Honda Insight end here. Yes, I know they are both hybrids, cut a similar profile-but having driven both, these are two very different cars. If Honda calls the Insight “a hybrid for everyone”, the mantra for the Prius should be “a hybrid for those who really want one.” Let me explain.

The Prius employs a far more sophisticated-and expensive hybrid system, and you need only point to the superior gas mileage of the Toyota to see the difference. But what really sets the Prius apart is the driving experience. Hit the Start button-the dash lights up, the car is on, and you hear…nothing. Pull away from a dead stop, and at times the car would wait until I was doing 15mph until the gas motor kicked in. And even then, from the driver’s seat you feel no change as the car slips, seamlessly from gas to hybrid or a combination of both to motivate the car.

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Toyota Announces 2010 Prius Pricing

April 21, 2009 by Tom Williams 1 Comment

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With the Honda Insight now on sale, Toyota has announced pricing for the new Prius, due in dealers at the end of May. Two surprises in today’s news-first, the Prius is priced less than what was originally guessed (Edmunds.com predicted a $23,500 base price), and second, a low-content Prius with an MSRP of $21,000. 

There will be five trim levels available. All come standard with power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, and the Star Safety System (stability control, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist). Combined power is rated at 134hp, with EPA numbers of 51/48 mpg city/highway.

Here’s a breakdown of the trim levels and what you get:

Prius I: MSRP $21,000

To be determinded. My guess is this trim level is Toyota’s reaction to Honda pricing its Insight right around where they said they would. Toyota expects the I to appeal to businesses and cost-conscious buyers. This trim level will be available later this year.

Prius II: MSRP $22,000

Expected to be the most popular Prius. Standard equipment includes Smart Key, 6-speaker AM/FM/MP3/CD stereo (sat radio ready & aux jack), 15″ alloys, power windows, and color-keyed foldable power heated mirrors.

Prius III: MSRP: $23,000

Adds a JBL 8-speaker stereo with a 6-disc CD changer and Bluetooth capability.

Prius IV: MSRP: $25,800

Adds leather heated seats, auto dimming mirror with HomeLink and driver/passenger water repellant windows.

Prius V: MSRP: $27,270

Adds 17″ alloys, LED auto leveling headlamps with washers and integrated foglamps. 

A Navigation Package is available for $1,800, but it’s only available on the top three levels. A Solar Roof Package is available for $3,600, which includes Navi and a tilt/slide moonroof with a solar-powered ventilation system (only available on III and IV). The Advanced Technology Package is only available on the top of the line Prius. At $4,500 it includes Navi, radar cruise control, pre-collision system, Lane Keep Assist and Intelligent Parking Assist. Got all that?

For comparative purposes, it should be noted that the most expensive Honda Insight is $23,100. Honda is aiming for a younger audience, while the Prius, with its larger size is aimed at a wider-spectrum of buyers. By the way, the Honda Civic Hybrid starts at $$23,650; go for leather and Navi and you top out at $26,850.

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100 mpg miracle?

April 12, 2006 by Gary Grant Leave a Comment

It seems kind of fitting that I’ve just posted about a scooter and soaring gas prices, when Autoblog comes up with a tidbit about the next generation Toyota Prius acheiving close to 100 mpg.

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Apparently, not only will the 2008 Toyota Prius get a whopping 94 mpg, but they will manage to improve performance by one second 0-60. They hope to accomplish this by switching from nickel-hydride batteries to lithium ion cells.
If the Toyota guys can actually pull this off, they will certainly have a hot seller on their hands.

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