New Prius turns heads — in a good way
FIRST DRIVE: 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS
VANCOUVER• While it’s true that most every automaker offers some form of hybrid vehicle, there’s no denying the name Toyota is synonymous with the fuelefficient technology. Of the more than nine million gaselectric hybrids sold to date worldwide, Toyota-made vehicles account for eight million or so. Of those, half are Prius models. Not only is the Prius the mass- market full hybrid that got the “green” ball rolling, it remains the undisputed leader of the efficiency pack.
It’s been 16 years since the first-generation Prius silently crept onto Canadian shores, and almost that long since one started plying the streets of this West Coast city as a taxi. In the process it launched a revolution in the industry that spread around the globe. Little wonder, then, that driving the allnew, fourth-generation Prius along Granville Street had cabbies hitting the brakes, craning their necks and flashing thumbs up.
Just as the world has changed since t he 2000 model debuted, so, too, has the Prius. The original was an oddly shaped compact car proudly waving its “enviroweenie” flag; the mid- size 2016 model boasts aggressive styling lines that place it firmly in the mainstream category. Today, there is a four-member Prius family of cars, including the Prius reviewed here, the compact C, the utilitarian V and a PHEV (plug-in).
The original model’ s unique attribute was its ingenious power plant, complete with regenerative braking. The 2016 Prius has a laundry list of firsts for Toyota, from chassis architecture and a suite of safety features to its surprisingly fun-to-drive characteristics.
One look at the all- new, fourth-generation Prius tells you all you need to know about how far it has come. It’s longer and lower than the outgoing version and looks like the offspring of a Lexus luxury sport sedan and a Scion FR-S.
The angular front end sets the design tone for the rest of the sheet metal, and a lower and more angled beltline adds to the aggressive stance. This is not your grandfather’s hybrid. Standard bi- beam LED headlights are housed in an array straight off a Star Wars’ animator draft sheet. Likewise the tail lights, which when illuminated give the Prius a distinctive rear signature.
All those sharp folds and angular, sweeping lines provide a super- slippery drag coefficient of 0.24, which further helps the hybrid’s classleading efficiency.
Pursuing such futuristic design elements in a cabin is fraught with peril and often results in sterile, im- practical and downright uncomfortable spaces for drivers and passengers. You’d be forgiven for thinking the same of the new Prius cabin after peering inside, but the Toyota design and engineering teams have risen to the occasion. As space- age as that dash looks, it proved to be easy to live with during my couple of hours behind the wheel. While critics of Toyota’s penchant for centred screens and displays will bemoan the layout, the thin, horizontal and smooth dash design does wonders for space and creates an uncluttered atmosphere reflective of the halo- car’s mandate. The white accent on the steering wheel and console tray reinforce that flagship vibe. There’s also a head- up display option, a Toyota first, along with wireless smartphone charging in the higher trim levels.
The seats have been completely re- engineered and employ a number of structural and design changes — including all- new frames, cushion bolstering and seatback springs — to create a sitting position that reduces pressure on the lower back and pelvis. Similar enhancements have been made to the rear seats as well.
Now, to the heart of this hybrid: the powertrain. The biggest change is a choice of battery, a first for the Prius family. The base Prius gets a nickel-metal hydride battery, while the Technology and Touring trims get a lithiumion one. There is no discernible difference in the performance or efficiency. According to Toyota, the lithium-ion battery is used simply to keep the weight down in the heavier, higher-trim levels.
Other redesigned and improved items include the hybrid axle and electric motor, along with shift-by-wire technology. While it uses the same 1.8- litre four- cylinder gasoline engine as its predecessor, the 2016 version boasts improved fuel efficiency, thanks to a number of clever engineering tricks, including a large-volume gas recirculation system, a redesigned air intake port and improvements to combustion efficiency. There are also allnew active grille shutters to help regulate temperatures. It all adds up to a combined fuel efficiency rating of 4.5 L/100 km, improving on the 4.7 in the 2015 model.
Base model pricing starts at $ 25,995 ($ 300 less than the 2015 base model), Technology at $ 28,730 and Touring at $ 29,330. In addition, there are upgrade packages available for Base and Tech trims, to add such features as the all- new Toyota Safety Sense package and heated front seats to the entry-level trim, and head- up display and blind- spot monitoring to the Tech trim. .
The 2016 Toyota Prius will be in Canadian showrooms this spring.