New Prius sets Environmental and Performance Standards
Jul 8, 2009 By Toyota Australia.
Toyota has reinvented the Prius petrol-electric hybrid car, releasing a third-generation model range that sets new standards for environmental and driving performance.
In almost every respect, Toyota has fine-tuned and refined new Prius to provide a substantial step-up and expand the gap over the competition.
Styling is fresh, but unmistakably Prius, while the interior is slightly larger and the car contains features and options commonly found in premium cars.
The Hybrid Synergy Drive system mates a bigger and more powerful petrol engine with a stronger electric motor.
As a result, Prius is quicker off the mark while delivering better fuel economy than its predecessor.
It is the cleanest production car sold in Australia with CO[sub]2[/sub] emissions of 89 grams/km - the only vehicle on the local market under 100g.
Fuel consumption has been improved by more than 11.3 per cent to 3.9 litres per 100km (official combined cycle). City cycle is also 3.9 and highway cycle is 3.7 litres/100km.
Maximum combined power from the hybrid system has been boosted more than 21 per cent to 100kW.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, the larger petrol engine helps improve fuel economy with the added torque providing more efficient highway operation and improved uphill performance.
Every new Prius gains several new technologies that improve safety by providing "at-a-glance" information, reducing driver eye movement for better concentration on the road.
A Head-Up Display provides speed and other information on the windscreen in the driver's line of sight.
When the driver touches the audio or information controls on the steering-wheel hub, Toyota's world-first Touch Tracer system displays a duplicate read-out on the instrument panel.
A Multi-Information Display monitors fuel and energy consumption, providing feedback that helps the driver acquire economical driving habits.
All Prius models are fitted with seven airbags - two front, two side (front), two curtain-shield (full-length) and one protecting the driver's knee.
Stability and traction control, active front head restraints and anti-skid brakes are also standard.
Another innovation is ecological plastic - the world's first automotive use of injection-moulded material derived from plants. Used in several locations throughout new Prius including the driver's seat cushion, the plastic emits less CO[sub]2[/sub] during its lifecycle than materials derived from petroleum.
Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the new Prius will appeal to a wider group of owners by using even less fuel, while meeting customer expectations for better performance.
"It projects a style that is more mainstream while being unmistakably Prius," Mr Buttner said.
"It will satisfy the varied demands of many customers - whether their priority is a car with ultra-low emissions, excellent city and highway performance, economy of operation, or more space for their families and luggage."