Check Out the Exterior and Interior Design of the New Prius
Jul 8, 2009 By Toyota Australia.
New Prius has been extensively redesigned, though the exterior look is instantly recognisable.
The overall shape is sleeker, with a drag coefficient of 0.25 - making Prius the most aerodynamically efficient car in the world.
The highest point of the roof has been moved backwards, emphasising the wedge shape while providing more rear-seat head room and improving air flow.
Front and rear corners are sharp, sporty and aerodynamic and are complemented by strong side character lines that rise from front to rear.
New Prius has the same wheelbase as its predecessor while overall length and width have been increased marginally.
Weight was saved through use of aluminum in the bonnet, hatch, front stabiliser bar and brake caliper as well as super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, centre pillar and roof reinforcement.
The interior features a "flying buttress" design for the centre cluster that flows from the instrument panel to the console and houses the new gear-shift lever.
Handy storage space has been added under the gear lever by taking advantage of the shift-by-wire system.
The driver's seat cushion is wider and longer with thicker padding that offers better bolster support. Rear-seat legroom is enhanced by a new space-saving contoured front-seat design.
Cargo capacity has been expanded by 31 litres to 446 litres and now accommodates three golf bags.