A PRIUS WITH PERSONALITY
THE HYBRID MOVEMENT’S POSTER CHILD GETS SOME DESIGN PIZZAZZ
It seems like an eternity, but i t was probably only about 18 years ago that the hybrid mobility movement really started to register on my awareness scale. As the proud owner of an obnoxious V8, it was a profoundly disturbing moment, a feeling shared by many f riends i n motor sports and custom- car circles. For them it was the first inkling that gas- guzzling, big- block horsepower might very well be on its way to extinction. As for me, I could no longer pretend that I wasn’t complicit in the destruction of species and habitat.
“Game- changer” might be one of the most overused terms in the automotive lexicon, but in this case, it fits. When the Toyota Prius arrived nearly 20 years ago, i t marked the beginning of a new era in automotive technology; it was a pioneer in a segment that simply didn’t yet exist. While the public initially considered it little more than a marketing scheme, a curiosity, early adopters and environmentalists recognized the Prius as a groundbreaking first step toward mainstream hybrid and EV mobility. Thanks to a savvy campaign that was the first to make use of online marketing, the Prius was embraced as a status symbol and demand for it exploded, exceeding all expectations.
It has since become the acknowledged leader of hybrid mobility, with nearly four million sold annually — more than all other hybrid brands combined. Although its bland looks and numb character hold a certain reverse cachet with the staunchly eco- conscious, most mainstream drivers would agree that the Prius was long overdue for a little infusion of style.
Love it or loathe it, the Prius’s new look is anything but boring. It’s not exactly the prettiest car on the road, but there’s an edginess to the slashed sheet metal that’s a refreshing change from its lumpen predecessor. Even at a quick glance, there’s no question that it’s a close relative of Toyota’s hydrogen Mirai.
More importantly, it’ s underpinned by a new global platform that, for the first time, gives us a Prius that actually handles well. Aside from a lower, wider stance and better centre of gravity, there’s a more sophisticated suspension that substitutes the previous rear torsion-beam axle for a double-wishbone setup, with gas struts up front. The result is a more compliant ride, absorbing bumps without losing composure.
The cabin retains a futuristic style, but its frumpiness gives way to cleaner lines and updated use of soft- touch materials. In the case of our tester, this means rather than dreary grey plas- tics, there’s an abundance of shiny “piano black” components, augmented with white trim.
The result is striking, although the smooth, enamel-white centre console is disturbingly basin like, and rather reminiscent of bathroom fixtures. A more sophisticated seven- inch touch screen, colour head- up display and wireless smartphone charger are some of the noteworthy new tech features.
Although the new platf orm i ncludes a l ower roofline, the seats are situated lower, delivering a less perched and more conventional seating position. Rear passengers, however, will find there’s slightly less legroom — not a strategic modification when you consider the Prius’s considerable success with taxi fleets.
From t he beginning, we’ve been merciless about the Prius’s nerdy looks and wobbly handling. Finally, we have one that’s interesting to look at — and to drive. But the Prius’s raison d’être is fuel conservation; a new personality might be fine and dandy, but not if it comes at the expense of consumption numbers. Luckily, there are a number of small factors that all add up to an actual improvement over the outgoing model.
That striking, origami sheet metal is also more aerodynamically slippery, with a 0.24 drag coefficient. As with the previous model, the new Prius is powered by a 1.8- litre, four- cylinder Atkinson cycle engine coupled to an electric motor, but the engine’s been tweaked for better fuel efficiency and it’s mated to a more compact CVT. Upper trim levels get a lighter, higher- tech lithium battery for energy storage. They may be small changes, but they’re enough to drop the combined fuel consumption to 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres, versus 4.7 L in the outgoing model.
Sure it’s more engaging to drive, but the most compelling aspect of being in a Prius is being rewarded for your own efficiency, thanks to the colourful graphics display.
There’s an Eco mode that ostensibly lets you motor completely fuel and guilt free, but it only engages consistently under 50 km/ h. Still, this is one of the very few vehicles that actually delivers better fuel economy in the city than on the highway. Bettering my own fuel consumption became surprisingly addictive, and I was pleased with an overall low of 3.7 L/100 km, despite being chided by the colour display for not-so-smooth acceleration.
Overall, the new Prius goes a long way toward assuaging the fears of drivers worried that new technology could mean the end of enjoyable driving. It boasts the same level of impressive technology and astounding fuel economy, but it’s wrapped in a more interesting, likable package.