Plug-in Prius better late then never
The most hi-tech Toyota Prius now available here is actually a used car.
The only other Prius model to use lithium is the Prius V sevenseat people mover, and it still only has about 2km EV range (the compact batteries are mostly for packaging purposes in that model).
Nothing screams ‘‘used import!’’ like a set of monsoon shields. Our test PHV was covered in them, along with a curiously retro-looking set of stickers. Other models have roof decals that seem to emulate the look of a vinyl roof. Okay then.
But for the most part, the PHV doesn’t look dramatically different from the standard Prius, inside or out. The Signature Class refurbishment programme includes a conversion to English for the instrumentation and a new plug-and-play touch-screen information/entertainment unit, similar to that fitted to newgeneration Toyota models like the Corolla and Hilux; the only downside is that because it’s not strictly original equipment for the car, it’s also not connected to the fuel economy and energy monitor systems that are such a familiar feature of the standard Prius. You still get that information on a smaller display in the main instrument panel, though. No sat-nav, either, of course. Oh, and the connectors for the 3.5in audio jack and USB inputs are simply run out the back of the new unit and into the glovebox, where they’re dangling free. Not exactly classy, but they’re functional and at least you know it’s all new gear.
In electric mode the Prius PHV can run at right up to 100kmh, although you can’t absolutely lock it into EV operation. It’s dependent on throttle pressure, which is indicated on a display atop the dashboard. Once you get towards the business end of the go-pedal, the car assumes you need maximum power instantly and fires up the petrol engine for extra acceleration.
Yes, there is a plug-in version of the new-generation Prius. It’s called the Prime and Toyota expects to sell about 60,000 of them per year – or nearly as many as it sold of this PHV model globally over its entire four-year production run.
The new model has 35km EVrange and can run at up 135kmh on battery. It even has a Tesla-style tablet control-screen on the centre console.
The Prius Prime is on TNZ’s wish-list, depending on price, but there’s no firm timing yet. Indeed, there are already rumours that its late-2016 international launch has been delayed, possibly for further improvements to range and/or performance. So for NZ? If not now, perhaps in 2020 as a Signature Class used model.