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What is it? The much-anticipated third-generation Prius will use a larger, 1.8-liter gasoline engine for better acceleration, yet Toyota claims it will get better fuel economy than before. The company says this is partially because the engine will turn more slowly on the highway for more relaxed and efficient cruising. The new Prius also saves gas with aerodynamics, having the most efficient aerodynamic shape of any production car, Toyota says.
The new Prius also comes with a host of advanced safety features, including active head restraints, brake assist, stability control, a pre-collision system, and optional radar-guided cruise control, lane departure warning, and a backup camera.
The car is almost exactly the size of the outgoing Prius, but has more rear legroom and cargo space, because of hollowed out front seatbacks and smaller battery-cooling units.
What's new or notable? All accessories, including the water pump will be driven electrically. For the first time, a sunroof and heated seats will be available, and the former will come with a solar-powered climate control system to reduce the demand on the batteries (recharged by the gas engine) to run the air conditioner. The climate control system can be activated remotely to pre-heat or cool the cabin before you get in. Three new drive modes are available: Power, Economy, and EV. Power improves throttle response; Economy reduces throttle response for better gas mileage, and EV mode will allow the car to drive about one mile at low speeds without using the gas engine. At least for now, there will be no mass-production plug-in option, though limited field tests are planned.
CR's take:
Hybrids and electric cars were all the rage at Detroit this year, but here is the third generation of the car that made hybrid a household name. Power and economy are both up, aided by making the familiar shape more aerodynamic and reducing the weight of the hybrid components. No mention was made of attempting to make the Prius more fun to drive, though. The current Prius is very space efficient, but this one promises even a bit more room for the same exterior size. Toyota repeatedly used the phrase midsize Prius in their presentation, maybe to distance itself from the smaller Honda Insight that hits the market three months before the new Prius.
If you want to spend more money, there are a lot more options vying for your dollars. A more elaborate display for fuel economy gives normal drivers and hypermilers alike more info. The controls are somewhat more traditional than those in the current car, but the giant arching console looks like a rock arch formation you'd visit in a national park.
When will it be available? Spring 2009.
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
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