Third-generation hybrid engine
The Prius is certainly more powerful – but is that actually obvious? I don’t believe so. The 134 combined ponies of the 1.8-litre engine aim to emphasize economy and efficiency rather than power. Mission accomplished, and greenies everywhere will be thrilled by the Prius’s technology. Toyota’s statistics speak for themselves. The Prius is 25% more powerful, 9% more fuel efficient, with a rating of around 4 L / 100 km, and produces 14% less CO2 than the second generation. In order to limit its environmental impact, the engine is much more compact, and thus much lighter, than before. The reduced rpm limits fuel consumption, and I was surprised to note that acceleration is slightly friskier, as there’s more available torque at low rpm.
There are three driving modes. The first, electric mode is used for start-stop situations or when the car is technically travelling under 40 km/h. The second mode is all heat engine, used for situations where full power is required, i.e., acceleration and enthusiastic driving. Finally, the combined mode is used for situations in between the first two. There’s also a soporific ECO setting, where the car itself controls engine power in order to maximize fuel efficiency. But whatever the circumstances, the engine is always a paragon of serenity and silence.
Peace of mind
It’s hard to describe the Prius’s driving experience as lively. The electronic steering assist sterilizes all contact with the road. In the same vein, the CVT is efficient but bland. Like most hybrids, the brakes also recover the kinetic energy generated by the reduction of speed. While this feature increases fuel economy, the regenerative system emits a loud noise on top of creating a spongy, disconnected pedal feel.
Kudos do go to the general comfort level of the Prius, the seats offering an appropriate amount of support for longer trips. It’s also worth noting that the flexible suspension ensures decent road-going behaviour. However, because of its height, the Prius is fairly subject to the effects of lateral winds.
Conclusion
The Prius is a car at the height of its game, namely hybridization. Extremely efficient fuel-wise, it’s one of the top performers on the market. However, the arrival of conventional-cum-hybrid cars does call into question the necessity of sacrificing driving enjoyment in the name of fuel efficiency.
The Prius is certainly more powerful – but is that actually obvious? I don’t believe so. The 134 combined ponies of the 1.8-litre engine aim to emphasize economy and efficiency rather than power. Mission accomplished, and greenies everywhere will be thrilled by the Prius’s technology. Toyota’s statistics speak for themselves. The Prius is 25% more powerful, 9% more fuel efficient, with a rating of around 4 L / 100 km, and produces 14% less CO2 than the second generation. In order to limit its environmental impact, the engine is much more compact, and thus much lighter, than before. The reduced rpm limits fuel consumption, and I was surprised to note that acceleration is slightly friskier, as there’s more available torque at low rpm.
There are three driving modes. The first, electric mode is used for start-stop situations or when the car is technically travelling under 40 km/h. The second mode is all heat engine, used for situations where full power is required, i.e., acceleration and enthusiastic driving. Finally, the combined mode is used for situations in between the first two. There’s also a soporific ECO setting, where the car itself controls engine power in order to maximize fuel efficiency. But whatever the circumstances, the engine is always a paragon of serenity and silence.
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| The 134 combined ponies of the 1.8-litre engine aim to emphasize economy and efficiency rather than power. (Photo: Toyota) |
Peace of mind
It’s hard to describe the Prius’s driving experience as lively. The electronic steering assist sterilizes all contact with the road. In the same vein, the CVT is efficient but bland. Like most hybrids, the brakes also recover the kinetic energy generated by the reduction of speed. While this feature increases fuel economy, the regenerative system emits a loud noise on top of creating a spongy, disconnected pedal feel.
Kudos do go to the general comfort level of the Prius, the seats offering an appropriate amount of support for longer trips. It’s also worth noting that the flexible suspension ensures decent road-going behaviour. However, because of its height, the Prius is fairly subject to the effects of lateral winds.
Conclusion
The Prius is a car at the height of its game, namely hybridization. Extremely efficient fuel-wise, it’s one of the top performers on the market. However, the arrival of conventional-cum-hybrid cars does call into question the necessity of sacrificing driving enjoyment in the name of fuel efficiency.
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