PERFECT FIT FOR THE CITY
One driver’s look at the Prius V
Toyota’s Prius has been on Canadian roads for 16 years, but that doesn’t mean everyone has experienced hybrid technology.
That’s why Calgarian Tim Hoy, a seasoned driver with no previous exposure to hybrid vehicles, wanted to spend a week with the 2017 Toyota Prius V. In Toyota parlance, that “V” indicates versatility in the hybrid crossover vehicle, with seating for five and a large cargo area.
“I admit I did enter this test with a preconceived notion,” Hoy said. “I thought the car was going to be very quiet, and very good on fuel. I also thought it would use just the battery to power the vehicle to a greater extent than it ultimately did.”
The first Prius was a homely looking subcompact powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine and 33-kilowatt electric motor; the combination is referred to as Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The first generation lasted until 2004, and that’s when the car went from being a subcompact to a mid-size car.
And the styling changed to a dramatically sloped rear roof, almost in fastback fashion. The propulsion system remained the same, and the Prius became something of a statement vehicle, as the rich and famous embraced it for its environmental sensibilities.
Updated for 2010, the thirdgeneration Prius featured a slightly larger 1.8-L gasoline engine in the Hybrid Synergy Drive package. For the 2012 model year, the car was spun off into different variants, including the compact Prius C and the wagonlike Prius V. As of 2016, the Prius family entered its fourth generation and was updated with an aggressive-looking body style featuring plenty of interesting lines that keep the eyes entertained.
“It’s got a neat shape, and the grille is pretty unique,” Hoy said of the $36,678 Prius V, which was fully equipped with the top-ofthe-line technology package. “It certainly stands out in a crowd.”
Hoy learned to drive in New Zealand and he said his instruction included some performance driving schools that imparted more skills than just the basics. His first car was a Holden, but after arriving in Calgary in 2006, his vehicles have included a Dodge Magnum followed by a series of Subaru Outbacks he uses in his job as a medical representative. His wife drives a 2009 Jeep Compass, and he has two young children.
“I travel thousands of kilometres every year around the province, and we also take summer road trips,” Hoy said. “In a car, I’m looking for utility — as in storage — good comfort, good fuel economy and I always consider the costs of repairs.”
Also, at just over six feet tall, it’s not every car that fits Hoy.
“Sometimes it’s a bit of a struggle to see the entire instrument panel, but this was quite cool, because they’re a bit higher in your line of sight,” Hoy said. “My wife liked the placement and size of the console, because it gave her a place to stow a handbag.”
Interior fit-and-finish was rated as excellent and the poweradjustable leather seats were easy to adjust, with both driver and passenger able to find a comfortable position.
“After pushing the ignition button, the car was ready to go but it was quiet, and that was cool,” Hoy said. “But then, when you put it in reverse, it started beeping loudly, and I found that annoying. I know that’s just part of a safety system so people know the car is in gear and could move, but it was loud.”
Also loud, Hoy said, was the cabin when the Prius V was driven up the QEII Highway to Edmonton.
“Over 80 km/h and there was quite a bit of wind noise,” Hoy said. Where the car shone, he said, was in the city.
“It was easy to park in all kinds of spots, and at lower speeds it was a very quiet car; I could see its value there,” he said.
“I was surprised at the conditions that had to be met to use the Prius V in EV (electric vehicle) mode, too. You couldn’t go over 20 km/h, and the battery wouldn’t stay charged for very long. I like the hybrid concept, but maybe I’ve been misinformed about how they work.”
The controls, he said, weren’t overly intuitive for first-time use. However, after becoming familiar with operating the heating and cooling system, adjusting the settings became a much easier proposition.
Ride was rated as good, and handling was responsive. Hoy thought the car would best suit someone driving mainly in the city. He also suggested the Prius V would be an ideal second family car, as long as the family wasn’t driving long highway distances.
“But, if you are shopping in the hybrid category, I’d suggest it should definitely be at the top of most test-drive lists.” Driving.ca
DRIVER’S JOURNAL
Day 1: Didn’t know it was ready to drive when turned on — it was that quiet. Sunroof is great, with big view. It was great not having the speedometer directly in front of the steering wheel, as it’s mounted higher up. The noise was loud from the cabin once over 60 km/h; that was surprising on the highway, and it’s noisier than what I am used to. Seats are comfortable. Bluetooth connection works well. Cruise control had trouble maintaining speed up hill. Drink holders were well placed, and there’s ample storage in the front cabin.
Day 2: Didn’t use car.
Day 3: Wife thought it was great to have a big spot to put her handbag in the front. Also liked the moonroof, as did the kids. Car is quieter when driving around the city, however the EV mode never seems to work unless going less than 20 km/h. Read the instruction book and it basically said nearly everything one does while driving causes it to disengage. Fuel economy seems good. Trunk holds what I usually put in it when doing errands and I like how the moonroof closes automatically when ignition is off.
Day 4: Tried the Power feature and it really made a difference on acceleration. The cruise control doesn’t seem to hold the speed set and the radar feature is annoying as it slows you down before you have time to pass. Finally managed to make the EV function work at the parking lot and was impressed with this option once working.
Day 5: Long trip to Edmonton and back. The fuel economy was great, averaging 5.6 L/100 km. The reflections on the windscreen make parking tricky in certain light as well as hard to see front of car. The comfort over this distance was good and hands-free phone at this speed was also good.
Day 6: Really noticing the fuel economy now. The EV mode is a waste of time and the battery life way shorter than expected. Still offers good economy, though. Like the gear stick; makes driving simple and easy. Heated seat buttons are in a location where only the driver can reach them, and it is intermittent when turned on. In general, I enjoy driving this car around city streets, but on the open road it is not as quiet or as fun.