Bigger, Better, Faster and Cleaner, More Fuel Efficient, More Practical
Who makes the most fuel efficient midsize production car in the world? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is Toyota's all-new gasoline-electric hybrid Prius.
The EPA just confirmed official fuel economy estimates for the 2004 Prius, stating that its fuel economy rating is 3.9 L/100 km (60 mpg) in the city and 4.6 L/100 km (51 mpg) on the highway, with a combined city/highway rating of 4.3 L/100 km (55 mpg).
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| "The completely redesigned Prius will provide the best fuel efficiency rating of any mid-size vehicle in America." (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Not only is this an impressive number for any car, its solid improvement over the previous edition Prius' combined fuel economy rating of 4.9 L/100 km (48 mpg) is amazing, especially considering the new models growth in overall size and enhanced performance.
"The completely redesigned Prius will provide the best fuel efficiency rating of any mid-size vehicle in America," stated Don Esmond, Toyota Motor Sales senior vice president and general manager. "What's more, with these EPA ratings the midsize Prius will return an even higher combined mileage rating than any compact sedan sold in America."
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| The updated Prius delivers midsize interior seating accommodations, larger cargo capacity, improved power and handling, upgraded interior style and quality, and enhanced standard features, all for the same price as the outgoing model. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
But fuel economy is only half the story, with the new model's 30 percent fewer emissions over the outgoing Prius deserving of serious praise. This number results in approximately 90 percent less smog-forming emissions when put side-by-side with conventional internal combustion powered cars. In the end the new Prius has been certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) as well as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV).
The best part of the equation is Toyota's solid bang for the buck proposition, delivering midsize interior seating accommodations compared to the old model's compact dimensions, larger cargo capacity, improved power and handling, upgraded interior style and quality, enhanced standard features, and the list goes on, all for the exact same price as the outgoing model - $29,900 (USD$19,995). Now, unless you're family is the size of a small village, there's no legitimate excuse not to go green.