Hatchback Offers More Functionality than Outgoing Trunk
If you like the thought of reducing noxious emissions while saving on fuel costs but need a larger car than the current crop of hybrid gas-electric vehicles, Toyota is listening. For 2004 its Prius goes through a major transformation, in style, performance and spaciousness.
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| The 2004 Prius, shown here being unveiled at the New York Auto Show, boasts a hatchback to greatly increase cargo room. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Soon to be sized closer to a midsize family car than the economy class of the current model, the Prius is only 152 mm (6 in) longer on the outside. Its much more functional hatchback design allows for increased storage capacity over the 2003 model's conventional trunk too.
A much improved hybrid system increases overall output, due to a more powerful 1.5-L gasoline engine and much more robust electric motor that produces 500 volts, compared to 273 volts in the current Prius.
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| Although larger than the previous model, the 2004 Prius will actually be 15% more fuel efficient. (Photo: Toyota) |
Despite its increased size and improved performance, the new Prius is expected to increase fuel efficiency by a further 15 percent over the current model's 4.5 / 4.7 city / highway rating, while 0 to 100 kn/h goes from twelve and a half seconds to about ten and a half.
Expected out in the fall it is expected to cost about the same as the current $29,990 Prius, which should help the Japanese brand to reach its target of doubling sales to 36,000 units annually.