Photo: Z 2.0-liter HEV 2WD
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Toyota launches all-new Prius HEV in Japan

5 Comments

Toyota Motor Corp has commenced sales of all-new Prius Series Parallel Hybrid (HEV) models in Japan. It will also launch Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models in March.

Launched in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid car, the Prius has driven uptake of HEVs as a new-generation eco-car with outstanding fuel efficiency. These days, hybrid technologies are employed in a wide range of different models that are loved and enjoyed by people all around the world.

With a range of powertrain options being developed to promote carbon neutrality, Toyota said it wanted to create a new Prius HEV that customers would enjoy and cherish as the car of choice for generations to come.

The main features of the new Prius are as follows.

Vehicle outline

  • Inheriting the signature monoform silhouette of the original Prius, the new Prius has been reborn with a lower center of gravity and even more stylish proportions. The simple yet sculpted body expresses exhilaration that appeals to the senses and a universal beauty that will remain popular into the future.
  • The "island architecture" concept achieves a low-stress, spacious interior with a cockpit that makes it easy to concentrate on driving. Altogether, the interior offers intuitive operation and an enjoyable driving experience.
  • A total of eight body colors are available, including two newly developed, solid base colors of Ash and Mustard that create a sporty impression, bringing touches of color to the daily lives of customers to create a stronger sense of attachment.

Driving performance

  • The new Prius is equipped with the latest fifth-generation hybrid system in both the 2.0-liter and 1.8-liter models.
  • Compared to the previous model, the 2.0-liter Prius (Z and G grades) achieves improved fuel efficiency of 28.6 km/L and maximum system output of 144 kW (196 PS), which is 1.6 times higher than the previous model*1. This model achieves a high level of balance between the outstanding environmental performance of a Prius and the captivating driving performance of a car that reacts as expected with satisfying acceleration and responsive driving.
  • With a long list of improvements, including updates to all electric modules, the 1.8-liter Prius (U and X grades) achieves great fuel efficiency of 32.6 km/L. The refined driving performance and seamless acceleration of a hybrid provide feelings of agility when starting off and the responsiveness of direct driving power.

Advanced Safety and Driving Support Systems

  • Rear vehicle proximity notification [first for a Toyota brand vehicle]
  • Using the Blind Spot Monitor's rear millimeter-wave radar, this feature detects vehicles in the rear and, if another vehicle is approaching, it alerts the driver via the Multi-Information Display and buzzer.
  • Approaching vehicle proximity support (recording function and vehicle reporting suggestions) 
  • If a vehicle approaching from the rear is too close, this system offers the driver suggestions for dealing with the issue, including contacting the police or the HELPNET emergency call service. In vehicles equipped with a drive recorder, in addition to automatically recording the event, the system stores the data in a dedicated area that makes it difficult to record over.
  • Secondary Collision Brake (rear impact mitigation when stopped)
  • Using the Blind Spot Monitor's rear millimeter-wave radar, this system detects vehicles in the rear and, if it determines a very high possibility of a collision while the vehicle is stopped, it applies the brakes to reduce speed if a rear collision occurs. Compared to the previous model, this system enables an earlier reduction in speed by applying the brakes prior to a collision.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices

Price range: 2,750,000 yen to 3,920,000 yen

Source: Toyota Motor Corp

© JCN Newswire

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

5 Comments
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I'm glad they're ditching the ugly edgy hard creases and bulges that were so prominent on many Toyota and Lexus vehicles the last few years. This one is way better looking, inside and out, than previous model years, going back to the original.

It would be nice if they had a PHEV version, which is a great compromise between EV and ICE, better than a simple EV. They used to make a PHEV Prius. They should consider it again.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I meant "better than a simple HEV"

JT, please add an EDIT function.

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The body design looks a lot better than in the early days.

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Bought a little secondhand kei for a million which is doing me fine.

When they get to 40kms/l then I’ll buy one

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The data recently came out for vehicle sales in 2022 in California. While Toyota has been number one in the state for years, Tesla eclipsed Toyota in total sales in the state in 2022. That statistic surprised me, since in 2021 Toyota had an 18% share of sales, and Tesla, at number two, had 10+%.

IMO the new Prius will do very well in sales.

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