New 3rd Generation Toyota Prius Review
Published Date: 8th Jul 2015
The Toyota Prius is the industry leading Hybrid, its design and serene drive are unique ..... So what's new in the third generation model?
Efficiency
Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain has been completely revamped in the 3rd generation Prius model, the result is a much lighter system delivering more power and better efficiency in cold conditions. A big pull for prospective Prius buyers could well be the significant reductions in CO2 emissions the 3rd generation model offers (as low as 89g/km) , meets Euro 5 emissions standards and is expected to meet the Euro 6 requirements as well.
The Prius has an ECO mode which in essence reduces revs when accelerating and tapers the use of air con to enable better fuel economy. Depending on driving conditions and the ambient temperature, ECO mode can lower fuel consumption by 10 - 15 percent. A Consumption Monitor displays fuel usage and energy at regular intervals giving the driver an indication of how efficiently they are driving.
In EV (electric vehicle) mode, the Prius offers zero emissions for up to 1.2 miles at an average speed of just over 30mph.
Engine and Performance
The third gen Prius gets a new more efficient 1.8 litre engine (replacing the outgoing 1.5 litre engine). The new engine offers lower revs at high speed improving fuel efficiency on long motorway journeys. Top speed is 112 mph and the acceleration is 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds.
Technology and Safety
The 3rd Generation Prius has an updated Intelligent Park Assist (IPA) system (included in the Technology Pack) as an option for the T Spirit model.
A rear-view camera and ultrasonic sensors identify viable parking spaces and automatically apply the correct steering angle for the parking manoeuvre and all the driver has to do is control the car's speed!!
The 3rd Gen model also benefits from upgraded active, passive and pedestrian safety features and it is built with a highly rigid, impact absorbing shell that contains more high-tensile steel than its predecessor..
Other Safety features Include:
- Electronically Controlled Braking regeneration system, with Brake Assist, Traction Control and steering-assist Vehicle Stability Control
- Equipped with seven air bags as standard
- Active headrests reduce whiplash
- Optional Safety Pack (includes Pre-Crash Safety System and Adaptive Cruise Control)
Interior
Inside the 3rd Gen Prius the feature that immediately catches the eye is the dual-zone dashboard, designed for ergonomic functionality and to ensure there is less need for the driver to take their eyes of the road. Key features are a head-up display and an LED meter in the central cluster that display all the usual information plus the Eco Drive Monitor.
The focal point of the lower part of the dash is a full colour screen offering controls for air con, the audio system and sat nav easily accessible for the driver. The front seats offer a number of adjustments and are fitted with active headrests for additional whiplash protection. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats have integrated headrests that further improve the driver's rearward vision.
Interior hi-tec features include:
- Industry leading solar powered ventilation
- Remote air conditioning system
- Head-up display for line-of-sight driver information
- Touch Tracer switches
- Extensive use of LED technology
Exterior
The exterior design of the the 3rd Gen Prius focuses on maximising aerodynamic efficiency, stability, fuel efficiency and the undeniable quiet, serene drive. Toyota boasts that the 3rd Gen Prius is the most aerodynamic hatchback contributing to it’s 14 percent reduction in CO2 emissions over the its predecessor the 2nd Gen model.
The all new 3rd Gen Toyota Prius combines conventional styling with some radical touches and you might say its not quite as unique as it once was. Some other hatchbacks have adopted a more Prius-like look. The Honda Insight is one such example that has more than a touch of the Prius design to its lines and even the new Nissan’s Leaf has taken some of the famous Prius ‘tearshape’ and used in its design.
The new exterior styling add an extra 2cm to the car’s length. At theback of the car is a distinctive rear window and spoiler framed by large LED light cluster and a distinctive pro-aerodynamic design. As at the front, a vertical surface on the bumper corners corrects airflow and reduces turbulence in the wheel arches. At the side of the vehicle is a smoother look/profile aiding aerodynamics and efficiency. 17 inch alloys are standard on top-spec Prius T Spirit models, with other models coming with 15in wheels.