First it is strange, then it becomes ingrained. In brief, this is how I summarize my first kilometers behind the wheel of the new Toyota Prius.
Last week I went to Valencia to see the new Toyota Prius, the fourth generation of a model that was born 18 years ago and which has sold over 3.5 million units worldwide. Naturally, I've seen it before in pictures and I confess it wasn't love at first sight. Arriving in Valencia, I looked at him a dozen more times (waiting for that loving click…) and nothing.Not being a pretty car by mainstream standards, the Toyota Prius is above all… a Toyota Prius. The Japanese design team never worked for the Prius's design to be consensual – but in fact its live lines actually work well. Contrary to industry standards, the Prius was designed to please a very specific clientele, who like the difference, who like environmentally friendly proposals and look at the car in a less petrolhead and more utilitarian way.
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Aesthetic considerations aside, the 4th generation Toyota Prius has evolved in every way: engine; dynamics; technology; comfort; and quality. It is the first model of the brand to use the TNGA-C (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, a structure that guarantees 60% more rigidity compared to the previous model.
With this new platform the Prius also gained a competent independent rear suspension, the batteries started to be “tidy” under the rear seats (previously they were under the trunk) and with this, it was the dynamic behavior that won out. It is 6 cm longer (4540 mm), it has kept the wheelbase (2700 mm), it is 15 mm (1760 mm) wider and 20mm (1470mm) shorter. As you can see, the dimensions have changed little, but the lower gravity center, the centralization of the masses and the new rear suspension change the dynamic register of the model by 180º.
Unlike the 3rd generation, in the new Toyota Prius we feel like we are driving a real car – the brakes respond well, the chassis reacts to our inputs and the steering is communicative. Can I use the word fun? That's right, the new Toyota Prius is fun to drive. The front is easy to aim into the corner and the rear under higher loads slides in a controlled way to help maintain the 'moment'. Yes, it's a Prius and it does this…
Animating the new platform is the 1.8 liter petrol engine of the previous generation (Atkinson cycle) and two electric motors working together with the thermal unit – for a combined total power of 122hp. However, there are several new features that make what is similar at the outset (engine and electrical system) on the road to work better than before.
The engine received some changes that made it more efficient – Toyota says this 1.8 is the most efficient petrol engine on the market (thermal efficiency 40%) -, the electric converter is 30% smaller, the batteries recharge 28% more fast and the CVT box is faster (reduced power losses by 20%). Result? An engine that is always available and pleasant, without that “scream” typical of engines with a CVT gearbox at more abrupt accelerations.
Acceleration from 0-100km/h is achieved in just 10.6 seconds and the announced average consumption is 3.0 liters/100km and emissions of just 70 g/km (in versions with 15-inch wheels) – I doubt that in the “real world” we can reach 3 liters to 100, but the goal of 5 liters to 100 at a lively pace is possible – even less if we are careful with our right foot.
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Inside, once again evolution is notorious. We're sitting closer to the ground, the steering wheel position is correct, the materials are better, and the assembly doesn't deserve criticism. The head-up display is in color, the infotainment system is easy to read and the driving aids (automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, etc.) are part of the equipment available. The luggage compartment has more than 500 liters and there is plenty of space for the occupants in the rear seat. In a Prius where everything (finally!) seems to work in unison, silence reigns on board – one of the great concerns of Toyota men for this 4th generation.
In short, the Prius may not be a “love at first sight” but it convinces by its concept, dynamics, space on board and technological solutions. If you are thinking of buying a comfortable car, different and with familiar features, try taking a ride in the Prius. The new Toyota Prius is already available on the national market from €32,215 (Exclusive version).
