Toyota PRIUS
The Second Generation
Toyota Prius Is Bigger, Smarter, Cleaner and Better Looking. Can It Finally Convert Us To The Benefits Of Hybrid Technology? Andy Enright Reports
While lounging with a newspaper in a coffee shop recently I was treated to a fascinating piece of buyer behaviour. Emerging from a big discount store, I noticed a chap roll up the conspicuously branded carrier bag, sneak a peek to make sure nobody was looking and then pop it in a bag from a far more upmarket retailer. This is, in microcosm, the reason why the first generation of so-called hybrid cars failed in the UK. Nobody wants to be obviously branded a penny pincher.
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The latest
Toyota Prius looks set to rectify that hiccup.
When the original Prius and its
Honda rival, the Insight, were first launched many were impressed with their technology and green credentials. Using an electric motor to augment or temporarily replace a conventional petrol engine was a great idea. Unfortunately both cars were rather compromised, the Honda by its squeezed from a toothpaste tube styling and impractical two-seater layout and the Toyota by its dull driving manners, cramped cabin and distinctly lacklustre lines. Much of the technology behind the first generation car was developed in the late nineties and as anybody who tries to run todays software on a computer designed in 1996 will discover, the progress of technology runs apace.
The latest car mirrors the original cars technique of being able to run on its petrol engine and then switch to exclusively electric operation when conditions are favourable, unlike Hondas IMA system, which merely uses the torque of the electric motor to give a boost to the petrol engine when accelerating. Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive can also operate in this dual mode but is a far more ambitious system that offers significantly better emissions and fuel economy performance, even in a car that has now moved up in size from the Corolla to the Avensis class. Sometimes the Prius silent running takes a little getting used to, but under many high-density traffic situations, Prius is totally emissions-free - the only car on the market that can offer this major environmental benefit.
"The Prius has corrected almost all of its predecessors drawbacks "
A more powerful 50-kilowatt motor that operates at higher voltages offers 50 per cent more electric power than its predecessor but improvements to the aerodynamics and petrol engine mean the Prius will now accelerate to 60mph in less than 11 seconds, peak power being rated at 113bhp. Thats comparable with a number of leading diesel cars but fuel economy is far in excess of what even the most parsimonious medium range diesel can manage, the latest Prius bettering 56mpg in town. Carbon dioxide emissions are rated in the lowest possible banding and the Prius is even exempt from the London congestion charge. Much of the same could be said about its predecessor, but during its six-year life, Toyota only shifted 110,000 worldwide a number which represents an average UK annual sales figure for the
Ford Focus.
Toyota halved its first year sales targets for the car in the face of tardy Government legislation that belatedly promised to offer cashbacks for Prius buyers. The current model has a much better chance of trouncing those sales figures. It helps that it has some pretty sharky coupe-like styling and a neat front end. Yes, the wheels still look a little too small but the shape will no longer mark you down as some sort of bearded eco-warrior.
With split folding rear seats and a hatchback its even agreeably practical, the body boasting a drag coefficient of 0.26. The Prius is the first car to feature a fully electronic brake by wire system. Mercedes had dabbled with this system but Toyota offer a more sophisticated set up that allows for the brakes to recharge the battery packs under braking.
Customers have been traditionally wary of these techniques, preferring to squirt some goo up a pipe instead, all the while conveniently ignoring the fact that their steering is probably electronically controlled. Kudos to Toyota for sticking their neck out and offering a system that may some day find its way into all cars. The innovation doesnt stop there. As well as a push-button ignition system, the Prius also features a by-wire gearshift system that dispenses with the traditional floor-mounted gear lever.
Instead the Prius opts for a dashboard-mounted joystick that drivers tap back and forth to shuttle through the gears. Its easy to operate, it looks funky and it frees up a little more space inside the car. A novel electrically operated air conditioning system also debuts in the Prius. Unlike conventional systems that draw their power from the engines fan belt, this system can provide an uninterrupted supply of chilled air even when the petrol engine has shut down in favour of the electric motor.
The Prius has corrected almost all of its predecessors drawbacks. Its not only bigger, prettier, better built and more fun to drive all of which were key requisites but it also sweetens the deal by being more economical, more practical and cleaner to boot. Much will hinge on Toyotas pricing strategy when it is revealed later this year. This technology doesnt come cheap and even a company as large as Toyota may be unwilling to push the Prius as a conspicuous loss leader.
And therein lies the paradox. A car that appeals to those looking to save money and salve their environmental conscience shouldnt cost the earth.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Prius
PRICE: £17,545 - £20,045 [excl £1,000 Powershift rebate] on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 7E-8E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 104g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 10.8s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 56.5 (extra urban) 67.3mpg (combined) 65.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front,side, front and rear curtain airbags / ABS with EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/widthg/height 4450/1725/1490mm
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