Toyota recently unveiled its third generation Prius, which has been completely overhauled for 2010, giving it improved fuel economy and stronger performance.
The new sheet metal has been sharpened and reworked slightly while retaining the space-age shape of the Prius that's influenced many other offerings in the compact segment. Despite the same basic lines, the 2010 Prius is a slightly larger vehicle in all dimensions, which gives rise to more rear seat leg and headroom.
The real news isn't what's outside but rather what's under the hood. Here one will find a revised Miller-Cycle inline 4-cylinder gas engine that has grown to 1.8-litres of displacement - and in this case bigger is better. The engine produces more power while burning less fuel than last year's 1.5-litre mill.
Complementing the highly gas efficient engine is a reworked electrical power plant that now delivers 650 volts of current, up from the 500 volt system of generation II. The re-engineered electrical components are now smaller and lighter overall, adding to the amazing efficiency of the new Prius.
Drivers will be able to select from three distinct hybrid power modes, choosing between performance, economy and electric operation. Those not wishing to involve themselves in the management of the sophisticated hybrid system can ignore the three settings and allow the on-board computer to calibrate operations, finding the best ratio of power to economy.
Along with an astounding combined city and highway fuel economy rating of only 3.8L/100km, 2010 Prius owners will undoubtedly marvel at the vehicle's upscale interior and smoother, quieter ride.
photo:Toyota
The new sheet metal has been sharpened and reworked slightly while retaining the space-age shape of the Prius that's influenced many other offerings in the compact segment. Despite the same basic lines, the 2010 Prius is a slightly larger vehicle in all dimensions, which gives rise to more rear seat leg and headroom.
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The real news isn't what's outside but rather what's under the hood. Here one will find a revised Miller-Cycle inline 4-cylinder gas engine that has grown to 1.8-litres of displacement - and in this case bigger is better. The engine produces more power while burning less fuel than last year's 1.5-litre mill.
Complementing the highly gas efficient engine is a reworked electrical power plant that now delivers 650 volts of current, up from the 500 volt system of generation II. The re-engineered electrical components are now smaller and lighter overall, adding to the amazing efficiency of the new Prius.
Drivers will be able to select from three distinct hybrid power modes, choosing between performance, economy and electric operation. Those not wishing to involve themselves in the management of the sophisticated hybrid system can ignore the three settings and allow the on-board computer to calibrate operations, finding the best ratio of power to economy.
Along with an astounding combined city and highway fuel economy rating of only 3.8L/100km, 2010 Prius owners will undoubtedly marvel at the vehicle's upscale interior and smoother, quieter ride.
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photo:Toyota
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