Toyota hybrid pioneer rewrites the rulebook
The claimed EPA mileage estimates are 58 mpg city, 53 mpg highway, and 53 mpg combined for the new Prius II Eco, which can be bested with only a minimal amount of effort and focus, but given the way most Prius owners really drive their cars, the actual mileage will probably fall considerably short of the Prius’ potential for economy.
Prius Two represents the base level, with a new Prius Two Eco option; followed by the mid-range PriusThree, with a Prius Three Touring option; and finally, there is a premium grade Prius Four, which also offers a Prius Four Touring option.
The powertrain consists of a 2ZR-FXE 1.8-liter Atkinson Cycle, DOHC, 16-valve VVT-I four-cylinder gas engine, with a Motor Generator Two — Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electric Motor — Max Voltage — DC600V with 71 hp/53 kW and 120 pound feet of torque.
The Hybrid Battery Pack - NIckel-Metal Hydride —DC201.6V (168 x 1.2V cells) or Lithium-Ion — DC207.2V (56 cells) delivers 95 horsepower at 5,200 rpm along with 105 pound feet of torque at 3,600 rpm.
Engines and motors are mounted up front In a transverse orientation, driving the front wheels through an Electronically Controlled Variable Transmission.
In terms of its exterior appearance, the new Toyota Prius still presents a familiar form, but now displays a strikingly dramatic and more emotional design that is considerably more refined, and aerodynamics are improved, with a 0.24 coefficient of drag.
In other words, Prius is now longer and wider, and is a really good looking vehicle, with a slippery profile in all of its trim levels.
The new Prius delivers a premium interior debuting advanced technology complemented by functional features that are fun and visually appealing.
The wrap-around dash design, form-hugging seats, ease of controls and enhanced visibility combine to make this latest iteration Prius a highly engaging automobile.
With this fourth generation Prius, Toyota continues its quest for optimum fuel economy, and by 2020, the goal is to have a hybrid option for every Toyota model.
The new Prius models perform well on the highway or in the inner city, while delivering a comfortable ride with admirable handling characteristics from the perspective of both genders.
The first exercise showcased the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, the second demonstration focused on handling characteristics and ride quality on a challenging autocross course comparing the 2016 Prius with the 2015 Prius.