Toyota Prius

Overview:

Toyota Prius is one of the most acclaimed hybrid car available in the global automobile market. It is conspicuously known for its low running cost and good on-road performance. It is also regarded as a very sleek and captivating car in its segment, thanks to its aerodynamic body structure. It gets a distinctive rear profile with clear lens taillight cluster and a dual toned boot lid. It also features an integrated spoiler that emphasizes its elegance. This sedan also has a futuristic internal cabin featuring Blue indirect illumination, especially on dashboard and door panels. The seating arrangement is quite comfortable, which can accommodate at least five occupants. The manufacturer has equipped this vehicle with a 1.8-litre petrol engine that collaborates with 650 volt electric motor to lower the cost of running. This model series is bestowed with a slew of advanced comfort features like a dual zone automatic air conditioning system, heads-up display, and push button engine start-up system. The automaker has also blessed this hybrid sedan with three different drive modes like ECO, PWD, and EV, which influences the performance and fuel efficiency of the engine. In terms of protective aspects, it has crucial features like vehicle stability control, three point seat belts, and an engine immobilizer. Like most of the Toyota model, this vehicle is built with a critically acclaimed GOA body structure with impact protection beams, which helps it to absorb jolts caused in case of an accident. At present, the manufacturer is offering this sedan with 2-years of warranty or 50000 kilometer (whichever comes first). At the same time, its factory fitted battery is available with a warranty of 12 months or 20000 kilometers.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

This sedan is equipped with a petrol engine and an electric motor. Its electric motor is accompanied by a lithium-ion battery that can deliver a peak mileage of approximately 23.5 kilometers (on a full charge). Its 1798cc petrol mill can give away a peak mileage of 13 to 15 Kmpl.

Power:

Its electric motor has the ability to churn out a power of 60kW along with a torque of 207Nm. While the petrol engine has the ability to generate a maximum power of 73bhp that results in a hammering torque of 142Nm.

Acceleration And Pickup:

Both the engines combined together makes this vehicle achieve a top speed in the range of 180 Kmph. Whereas, it can break the 100 Kmph speed barrier from a standstill in approximately 13 to 14 seconds.

Exteriors:

It has an aerodynamic front facade which is skilfully fitted with a radiant headlight cluster featuring halogen headlamps along with turn indicators. It surrounds a sleek radiator grille that is embedded with company' badge. The front body colored bumper is quite large featuring a wide air intake section. In addition to this, it also houses LED daytime running lights that dazzles the front facade. The side profile of Toyota Prius has a conventional sedan look with trendy window lining that has high gloss black B pillars. It also has body colored ORVM caps and door handles, wherein the wing mirrors have turn indicators. The company has paired its fenders with a set of sturdy alloy rims that enhances its modernistic look. Coming to the rear end, it has a dual tone tailgate featuring an integrated spoiler that gives a distinctive look to the rear profile. The taillight cluster has a clear lens design and is powered by all LED brake lights and turn indicators. The overall look of its rear is complimented by the chrome plated company's insignia, which is embedded above the license plate console.

Exterior Measurements:

This hybrid sedan is built with a total width of 1745mm along with a decent height of 1510mm. It has a total length of 4480mm along with a wheelbase of 2700mm, which is quite long.

Interior:

Coming to its internal cabin, this Toyota Prius has a modernistic design, as it has an attractive dashboard and eye-soothing overall color scheme. Its dashboard has an unconventional structure and yet it looks elegant featuring indirect blue illumination. It is further decorated with chrome inserts, which gives a majestic look to the cabin. It also has an ergonomically designed central fascia that houses a music system along with an AC unit and a few utility features. Both the front and rear cabins are furnished with comfortable seats, which are covered with leather upholstery and integrated with head restraints. The dashboard is also fitted with an attractive four spoke steering wheel that is mounted with multi-functional switches. The automaker has incorporated a few essential features like drink holders, storage boxes, sun visors, digital clock, dual front sun visors and accessory power sockets.

Interior Comfort:

At present, the automaker is offering this hybrid sedan in just one variant only. It is bestowed with aspects like a proficient heads-up display, power door locks with proximity sensor, ECO drive monitor, day and night inside rear view mirror, power windows, map light, dual front sun visors with vanity mirror, and a multi-information display. Furthermore, this vehicle also has aspects like a dual zone automatic AC unit, six-way power adjustable driver seat, push button engine start-up system, and cup holders. The car maker has also incorporated an advanced cruise control, and smart entry functions as well.Interior Measurements:This sedan is quite spacious from inside, which can host at least five passengers comfortably. This vehicle has a decent luggage storage space along with a fuel tank that has a storage capacity of 45-litres.

Engine and Performance:

The manufacturer blessed this Toyota Prius with an advanced 1.8-litre petrol engine that displaces 1798cc. It is based on DOHC valve configuration with 4-cylinders and 16-valves. This mill can produce a power of 73kw at 5200rpm that results in a commanding torque output of 142Nm at 4000rpm. The company has mated this motor to a critically acclaimed CVT automatic transmission gearbox. In addition to these, this Toyota Prius is also equipped with a 3JM 650 volts electric motor, which is accompanied by a 6.5 Ah lithium-ion battery. This power plant has the ability to churn out 60Kw of maximum power along with a superior torque of 207Nm.

Stereo and Accessories:

This model series is blessed with an advanced touch screen infotainment system that has a 6.1-inch high resolution screen. Furthermore, it is also incorporated with a JBL surround sound system. This system support Bluetooth enabled phones for streaming of audio and call function. At the same time, buyers can opt for a superior DVD player along with connectivity ports for USB and AUX-In devices.Wheels:This model is fitted with a set of sturdy 15-inch lightweight aluminum alloy wheels. These stylish rims are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 195/65 R15.

Braking and Handling:

Its front wheels are paired with robust ventilated brake discs whereas the rear ones have been mated to solid disc brakes. It is further incorporated with an anti lock braking system that collaborates with electronic brake force distribution to enhance the braking mechanism. The front axle of Toyota Prius is paired to a McPherson strut and the rear one gets a torsion beam suspension, which helps to keep this sedan well balanced.

Safety and Security:

The manufacturer is offering this hybrid sedan with a slew of crucial protective features, which can ensure good protection to all the occupants. The list includes six airbags, three point seatbelts, vehicle stability control, anti lock braking system and an advanced engine immobilizer. The manufacturer has built this vehicle with a sophisticated GOA body structure that can deal with accidents and protects all the passengers.

Pros:

1. External appearance is quite attractive.
2. Surprisingly spacious cabin with modernistic design.
3. Cost of running is very low.

Cons:

1. Lack of navigation system is a big drawback.
2. There is still scope to improve power and acceleration.
3. Initial cost of ownership can be reduced.