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2005 Toyota Prius Road Test

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Alexandra Straub
Moving inside, the Prius is tightly knit and nicely designed. It has a touch-screen system that controls basic

The interior of the Prius is tightly knit and nicely designed. (Photo: Toyota Canada)
functions like audio and climate, and it is also used for the optional navigational system. I am quite familiar with my local surroundings, and therefore I rarely needed the assistance of the GPS system. However, I did have to venture out of my cloister once to run some errands, so I decided to take advantage of it. I was impressed at how easy it was to operate. I didn't even have to reach for the owner's manual to figure out the system. I'm not one who can readily determine how to use electronic gadgets, but the Prius' navigational system boosted my confidence. Maybe I'm not as technologically impaired as I thought!

Even with the simplicity of operating the touch-screen, I found it a little distracting, especially the climate control. But

Even with the simplicity of operating the touch-screen, I found it a little distracting. (Photo: Toyota Canada)
the solution to my plight was the steering-wheel-mounted controls. When I wanted to adjust the cabin temperature, I simply switched to the climate control screen and adjusted away with my fingers on the steering wheel. Had it not been for these controls, I might have been a little frustrated. What isn't frustrating about the Prius is the price. Starting at $30,300, such features as air conditioning, keyless entry remote, cabin air filtration, cruise control, steering wheel controls and power windows and locks come standard.
Alexandra Straub
Alexandra Straub
Automotive expert
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