PRIUS UPS FUN, SHEDS ‘ENVIRO-WEENIE’ IMAGE
While most every automaker offers some form of hybrid vehicle, there’s no denying the name Toyota is synonymous with the fuel-efficient technology. Of the more than nine million gas-electric 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 full hybrid that got the “green” ball rolling, it remains the undisputed leader.
It’s been 16 years since the first Prius silently crept onto Canadian roads, and almost that long since one started plying Vancouver streets of this West Coast city as a taxi — launching a revolution in that industry. Little wonder, then, that driving the all-new, 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 the 2000 model debuted, so, too, has the Prius. The original 200 model was an oddly shaped compact car proudly waving its “enviro-weenie” flag; the mid-size 2016 model boasts aggressive mainstream styling lines. 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 boasts plenty of firsts, from its chassis architecture and a suite of safety features to its surprisingly fun-to-drive characteristics. One look at the all-new, fourthgeneration Prius tells you all you need to know about how far it has come. It’s longer and lower — and more sporty — than the outgoing version. Where that model’s dimensions seemed inspired by a loaf of bread, the 2016 iteration and has the sinewy cheekbones of the looks like the offspring of a Lexus luxury sport sedan and a Scion FR- S. In fact, the Prius’s front badge is at the same height as the Scion sports car.
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. Standard bi-beam LED headlights are housed in a striking array straight off a Star Wars animator’s draft sheet. Likewise the tail lights, which when illuminated give the Prius a distinctive and futuristic rear signature.
All those sharp folds and angular, sweeping lines provide a super-slippery drag coefficient of 0.24 — further helping classleading efficiency.
Pursuing such futuristic design elements in a cabin is fraught with peril and often results in sterile and downright uncomfortable spaces for drivers and passengers. But the Toyota design and engineering teams have risen to the occasion. As space-age as that horizontal dash looks, it proved 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 surfaced dash design improves occupant space and creates an uncluttered atmosphere. The white accent on the steering wheel and console tray further 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.
Now, to the heart of this hybrid: the powertrain. The base Prius gets a nickel-metal hydride battery, while the Technology and Touring trims get a lithium-ion one. There is no discernible difference in performance or efficiency. According to Toyota, the lithium-ion battery simply keeps 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. There are also all-new active grille shutters up front to help regulate powertrain 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. Upgrade packages are 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 blindspot monitoring to the Tech trim.
One of the biggest challenges for the Prius — and all hybrids — is that maddening, often irrational, thing called human nature. “When gas prices go up, so do hybrid sales,” acknowledged Toyota Canada vice-president Stephen Beatty. “When gas prices go down, people run out and buy SUVs.”
What Toyota is hoping to do with the fourth-gen Prius, he noted, is to break that price-conscious cycle, to position the model not as a fuel-saver in times of high pump prices and a nerd-mobile in times of cheap oil, but simply as a mainstream vehicle with great styling, handling and technology.
Toyota is likely encouraged that hybrid sales in January were 35 per cent higher than in the same month last year, despite fuel hovering around the loonie-per-litre mark in B.C.
The 2016 Toyota Prius will be in Canadian showrooms this spring.