Page 39 - Linkline Autumn 2016

20 Years On: New Fourth Generation Prius with “Mass Market” Appeal
Declan Allen
It’s almost 20 years since the first generation Toyota Prius was launched. Back then the little Hybrid was seen as ahead of its time and something of a novelty. The all-new fourth generation Prius is no longer a novelty. The Prius has fully come of age and is now a true mass market option for prospective new car purchasers.
The introduction of the all-new fourth generation Prius is the next milestone in the history and development of Toyota’s hybrid power technology.
The new Prius builds on the strengths and achievements of its pre- decessors and establishes new benchmarks in fuel economy, emis- sions and efficiency. Each successive Prius has delivered improve- ments in these areas, but the new Prius makes the biggest leap yet, with CO2 emissions falling to a historic low of 70g/km.
There is no doubt the Prius is a pleasure to drive whether you are on the motorway, intercity streets or rural side road. Its dynamic capa- bilities are rooted in its use of the first platform developed under the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) philosophy. TNGA is the new foundation for all Toyota’s future powertrain and vehicle devel- opment. It marks a revolution in the way Toyota designs, engineers and manufactures vehicles, streamlining the process by standard- ising the size and position of key components within standard new vehicle platforms.
The new TNGA vehicle platforms are designed to achieve a low vehicle centre of gravity, a quality that is fundamental to securing a more engaging driving position and more precise and responsive handling, with less body roll. This means better handling can be achieved directly from the quality of the chassis and body without compromising ride and comfort. It’s not just the architecture that takes up less space, it’s the hybrid part of the powertrain – featuring a battery that’s both smaller, lighter and quicker-charging.
The TNGA platforms and designs have also improved active and passive safety standards. It provides increased levels of active and preventative safety through the functions and systems of Toyota Safety Sense. For example, it enables a lower bonnet height and it also provides the driver with a deeper and wider view of the road ahead.
The newly enhanced Toyota Safety Sense comes standard in new Prius with the following features;
• Road Sign Assist - Speed signs are displayed on TFT and driver is warned if speed limit is being exceeded.
• Lane Departure Alert - Driver is warned if they veer across a line without indicating.
• Pre Collision System - Autonomous braking, now with Pedestrian Recognition.
• Adaptive Cruise Control - Smooth auto acceleration or deceleration based on the movement of the car in front.
• Auto High Beam - Lights will adjust based on surroundings.
• Wireless phone charger.
• Intelligent passenger air conditioning.
• Colour Head Up Display & TFT.
• 7” Toyota Touch Multimedia.
• Power lumbar support improvements.
Under the bonnet:
The engine is 1,797cc 98bhp four-cylinder in-line petrol engine, putting out 142Nm of torque at 3,2000rpm and combined with a 72hp electric motor powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Fuel consumption is 3 l/100km (94mpg). 0-100km/h: 10.6 seconds.
Toyota state fuel consumption at a staggering 94mpg and while driving a Prius, like many other Prius drivers, I tend to become aware of my inner sense of calm and for some reason I am in less of a hurry. I am more aware of the recharging of the battery and as a result I will reduce my speed. While 94mpg is certainly achievable under normal driving conditions, an average of closer to 60-70 mpg makes me somewhat less aware of my inner sense of calmness. However, it’s still an impressive figure.
There is no doubt today’s new car buyers are spoiled for choice. Among the many choices the Prius is well-placed, familiar and evolved, with better mpg and a lower carbon footprint than ever. It offers as much as any conventional petrol or diesel, and for many people the all-new fourth generation Prius will have truly competi- tive appeal.
Prices start at €31,450 or you can opt for the Toyota Prius Luxury at €33,550.
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PRIUS REVIEW