The most famous hybrid is celebrating a decade in Canada this year. Not only is the
Prius one of the most successful models of its kind, for many people it’s also the very epitome of the word « hybrid ». Keenly aware that the competition is coming fast and furious from all sides and classes, Toyota has introduced an even greener version of its ecomobile.
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| The most famous hybrid is celebrating a decade in Canada this year. (Photo: Toyota) |
Its styling is logic itself. With a drag coefficient of 0.25, it’s one of the most efficient cars against aerodynamic resistance today. Its teardrop shape is even more pronounced than that of the outgoing generation. Thanks to a slightly lower front, an elevated roof line and a small tailgate spoiler, it slices through the air with virtually no resistance. The more elaborate design of its arrow-like head lamps gives it the oomph it needs to counterbalance a rather passive image. You like it or you don’t – but you definitely feel something.
The cabin is a study in boldness. The storage spaces are numerous and fairly well positioned. The vast space, huge windows and few apparent controls give the impression of sitting in an airy environment. The Prius has evolved in such a way that it can easily be considered a family car. It’s very spacious, and five people will travel comfortably within. And thanks to the high ceiling, the taller among us have ample room for our head. Smaller passengers may be less pleased with the interior layout, as steering wheel movement is limited. The update sees the trunk gaining 35 litres, bringing it up to a total of 445. And once the seats are folded down, that number climbs to 1,120 litres, which is quite impressive.
One of the current disappointing Toyota attributes has unfortunately found its way into the Prius, to wit the abundant use of plastic and the lack of supple materials. And while many people like their dials in the middle of the dash, but personally it’s not an arrangement with which I’m particularly comfortable. The empty real estate over the steering wheel highlights the plastics, and to those who claim it improves visibility, I’d like to remind you that for your safety it’s important to look ahead into the distance and not at the end of your hood.
The
navigation screen displays a lot of different information, such as the intervention of the electric engine. The Technology package includes solar panels on the roof, the first of their kind on a large-scale production model. The solar energy harnessed doesn’t stimulate the Prius’s performance, but is rather used to power the air conditioner.
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| The navigation screen displays a lot of different information, such as the intervention of the electric engine. (Photo: Toyota) |
