Toyota marks 20th anniversary of the Prius with special edition

Toyota is marking the special anniversary of the groundbreaking Prius, the foundational car of its global hybrid leadership, by offering the Prius 2020 Edition for model year 2021.

Toyota will offer 2,020 of these special models, based on the well-equipped XLE FWD grade.

Available in a choice of Supersonic Red or the new Wind Chill Pearl, the 2020 Edition features striking black exterior trim and unique features, including a colour-keyed rear spoiler.

The 2020 Edition model includes black inserts for the 17-inch alloy wheels, blackout head light components and trim, B-pillars and mirror housings. Unique to the Prius 2020 Edition are a '2020' insignia key fob and floor mats, as well as black shift knob and interior A-pillar trim and smoked HVAC vents.

The overall look is both sporty and elegant, with just a touch of mischief. But there's nothing mischievous about a car rated at a manufacturer preliminary-estimated fuel consumption of 23km/L city, 21km/L highway and 22km/L combined and equipped as standard with one of the auto industry's most advanced driver-assist safety systems.

The Prius, which already had Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) standard, steps up to the more capable TSS 2.0 for 2021. Also for 2021, all but the Prius Limited add Android Auto compatibility with Apple CarPlay compatibility already standard on 2020 models.

Its 2020 livery gives the 2021 Prius an added edge of distinction on the road. The unmistakable Prius silhouette is still the car's signature design feature, made to cheat the wind with an ultra-low 0.24 Cd.

The foundation of Prius efficiency is the Toyota Hybrid System II. The system combines the output of a high-efficiency 1.8-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with that of two motor-generators through an electronically controlled planetary-type CVT. The advanced Power Control Unit is the key to extracting the greatest efficiency from the powertrain. In most situations, the Prius launches on battery power alone and then seamlessly starts the gas engine and blends its output once underway, turning it off when its power is not needed.

Thanks to ultra-low internal friction and efficient combustion, the Prius gasoline engine exceeds 40% thermal efficiency. The air conditioning system, which uses a quiet electric compressor, works intelligently to maximise energy efficiency, with the Smart-flow mode directing airflow only to seated occupants to conserve energy.

The super-low-drag Prius shape is also highly practical thanks to its generous cabin room which earns an EPA rating of a mid-size car.

The front-wheel drive models, including the 2020 Edition, offer 1,436 litres of cargo space with the rear seatbacks folded down, which is more than in some small SUVs. The Prius XLE grade on which the 2020 Edition model is based comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, SofTex-trimmed eight-way power driver's seat, SofTex-trimmed heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel, three-door Smart Key system with Push Button Start, remote illuminated entry, rear wiper, and Qi wireless phone charging tray that accommodates larger phones.

All Prius models share the familiar central screen interface, a signature feature in every Prius since the original.

The 4.2-inch colour Dual Multi-Information Display with customisable screens includes Energy Monitor and Hybrid System Indicator with Eco Score, Eco Savings Record, Drive Monitor, Eco Wallet, and Eco Diary features, plus displays for climate control, driver support systems, audio system content, and the navigation system.

Toyota will introduce two all new hybrids during the Toyota 2020 New Product Showcase on 18 May 2020, 11pm Singapore time. The reveal will be hosted by Bob Carter, Toyota's Executive Vice President of Sales, and Jack Hollis, Group Vice president and General Manager, Toyota division. View the livestream on Toyota's Vimeo channel here.