2010 Toyota Prius
Prius still the face of eco-friendliness
With a raft of quirky technologies (most add more fun than function), a vastly improved interior design, improved performance and even better fuel economy, Toyota’s third-generation Prius is poised to further the company’s commitment to an eco-friendly future.
Since Prius made its debut a decade ago, it has become a symbol to be worn as much to show off one’s values as to actually practice them, and it isn’t unusual to find glitterati like Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks pulling up to the Oscars in one.
Awareness of environmental issues (not to mention gas prices) has soared in recent years, and governments continue to crack down on fuel inefficiency and emissions, especially in California, where Toyota has well chosen San Francisco for this launch — half of all Prius models sold in the U.S. are sold in California.
From these enthusiasts — whose beloved cars are now up to 10 years old — will come the newest Prius’ most reliable pool of consumers. One wonders whether this third-generation can lure other buyers away from less quirky, cheaper vehicles without all these technological tchotchkes. (There are reportedly more than 1,000 patents on the new Prius.)
Among its futuristic features are roof-mounted solar panels, part of a new ventilation system that helps keep the vehicle cool when parked on hot days. The panels power a blower fan that takes in fresh air and exhausts hot interior air; it activates via a switch when the outside temperature is at least 20 C.
A world’s-first pre-cooling air conditioning system can be activated by remote to cool the cabin before you get there; it runs off the HSD battery system and is operated from the key fob.
Another world’s first is a Touch Tracer Display, an indicator mounted just below the windshield, which will help you keep your eyes on the road — an indicator light comes up to show you which steering-wheel mounted control you’re touching so you don’t have to focus on the steering wheel. A head-up display is better, but this is nifty nevertheless.
Also available is an Intelligent Parking Assist system. Pull alongside a vacant spot and the system lets you know if the spot is big enough. Pull parallel to the vehicle in front of the spot, then just keep your foot on the brake and the Prius manoeuvres itself into place.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is designed to keep you a preset distance (short, medium or long at your choosing) from the vehicle in front by partially closing the throttle and giving a warning buzzer telling you to apply the brakes. A Pre-Collision System also activates a warning buzzer.
The 90% redesigned Hybrid Synergy Drive on 2010 Prius is more compact and lightweight, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and improving efficiency, while upping output to 650 V from 500. The new, beltless (a world’s first) 1.8-litre gasoline engine (up from 1.5 L) runs at lower highway RPM for better mileage and improved uphill performance, while delivering more torque (up to 105 from 82 lb.-ft.). Better highway fuel efficiency (and better cold-weather fuel efficiency) is attained thanks in part to a new exhaust heat recovery system. The first-generation Prius got 4.6 L/100 km combined city/highway driving; the second, 4.1. The 2010 model promises 3.8 L/100 km.
The vehicle’s signature shape has been tweaked for better aerodynamics but the most noticeable style changes are inside; where once dwelt an awkward-looking different-for-difference’s-sake set of controls amidst an expanse of plain plastic, the interior now features much better ergonomics and styling that is genuinely attractive.
There’s a nifty floating centre stack that creates usable storage space. An oval steering wheel is designed for improved ingress/egress. Interior volume is increased, giving better rear seat room. The cargo area features under-floor storage and improved space, particularly with the 60/40-split rear seats down.
Ecologically friendly plastics were used throughout, including the front seat cushions, giving owners even more reasons to walk proud. There’s also a resin fuel tank for lower evaporation emissions, alongside a low evaporation emission fuel cap and canister.
For 2010, Prius offers three selectable drive modes (Power, Eco and EV), which allow the driver to weigh his driving priorities (giving up, say, a little fuel economy for better throttle response in “Power” mode, or vice versa in Eco mode, which also suppresses air conditioner performance). The differences between them are subtle, but are detectable.
The EV mode runs the car only on the battery for a short range (about two km). EV automatically switches off if acceleration is too vigorous — I couldn’t keep it in EV mode for more than about a block, no matter how hard I tried.
Perhaps the biggest surprise in the 2010 Prius is its handling. Some of our test roads were hilly and twisty, and the Prius proved a much more enjoyable experience than I anticipated, thanks to grippy new tires, quite precise steering and no hint of roll.
It’s all quite mind-boggling, actually. It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were cranking our windows. I just wonder how many people who aren’t technophiles or eco-warriors are going to care.
Toyota claims to be bringing a message from the future. The only hitch may be that it’s preaching that message to the converted.
Summary:
Strong Points
Weak Points
- - interior now both attractive and functional
- - fun to drive with very good handling
- - ecologically sound
- - extras get expensive
- - still too quirky for some
Editors Rating:
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