Toyota Prius Hybrid

The Toyota Prius had set a new benchmark in the luxury hybrid car segment. The new Toyota Prius has been upgraded in terms of performance parameters and styling features. The exteriors feature new LED headlamps and fog lamps with daytime running lights. The new interior features introduced in this model include a multi-information instrument cluster with a head-up display and a new touchscreen display music system with 10 speakers.

Have driven this car for 1 year covering over 35,000 kms.

Pros:

1.) Good handling and pretty good ride comfort.

2.) Passengers compliment comfort being very near to a Camry model.

3.) Extremely good fuel economy. Averaging 28 kms per litre over 35,000 kms.

4.) Zero mechanical issues, incl the hybrid battery.

5.) Torque is adequate for overtaking.

6.) CVT gear shift is seamless and engine is extremely silent.

7.) Driver seat visibility is great.

Cons:

1.) Nothing to complain of, other than it's a popular car being used for Grab and Uber. So is Mercedes a perennial choice of premier taxi operators worldwide.

Being driving the 4th Gen Prius with Toyota Sense for the last 3 months which replaced my scrapped 2nd Gen Prius. Everything is a quantum improvement over the 2nd Gen which have served 190,000+ km for the last 10 years. Don't get me wrong as the I did consider renewing the COE for another 10 years as we loved it to bits with the excellent fuel consumption of 20 km/l, reliability, refinement, and the original hybrid battery was still going strong.

The 4th Gen is averaging 27 km/l, and frequently over 30 km/l. It's quieter, ride is better & more comfortable, more spacious & handling is sharper (rear double wishbones). The throttle is set-up for pulse gliding which is a way to drive to maximise FC. The electric motor is stronger & cruising at 70+ km/h without the ICE is easily achievable. Better still, if one masters the two-footed driving ie left leg on the brake, the modulation ensures a super smooth driving.

The seating position is lower unlike the 2nd Gen which is more upright. Surprisingly, because of this, it makes you look further up ahead & aids in anticipatory driving.

The Toyota Sensing package comes with dynamic cruise control, lane departure & emergency braking. DCC is an absolute delight to cruise with even on our congested expressways. The other safety features like 8 airbags, VSC are std.

Running costs is considerable lower than normal cars as my Gen 2 used only 3 lead acid 12 V batteries, need not change the front brake pads, changed only a pair of front shocks, two water pumps (one under warranty), one blown headlamp besides tyres & wiper blades. Gen 4 would be similar or better.

Most of all, it's the refinement when running on electric. Better still, do the car up with a bit of sound insulation. The CVT is also quieter & works well when used with pulse gliding.

The electric/eco/normal/sports mode toggle allows one to enjoy the car in it's various intended mode.

Although the Prius is now very popular because of Uber and taxi companies, it is still a very impressive car.

Can get an average of 25km/L with just normal driving. If drive carefully can get even better.

It is also very smooth and quiet, and quite well-specced. Got head-up display, Bluetooth, heated seats and cruise control.

One of the most fuel saving car that i have came across! Stylish, totally new design from toyota. Years of hybrid technology. No qns asked!

Really like the new prius. Its good looking, comfortable and extremely spacious on the inside. Boot space is plenty, and the flat loading bay, and the way the boot lid raises upwards, makes it extremely easy to get big stuff in.

drives really well, to a point its easy to forget its a hybrid. It accelerates very well, and actually has good steering and handling feedback, unlike the older ones. Doesn't have that "Numb" Feeling. Very very impressive. Also, the fuel economy numbers are off the charts.

Tried out the new Prius and was impressed by its improvements. It is surprisingly fun to drive, especially considering its a full on hybrid. It accelerates well, handles with confidence and its easy to forget its a hybrid car. Of course the hybrid system works well, the estimated range on the car is fairly incredible.

The car also has improved its looks. Its now sharper and more sleek. The interior is also quite cool. The wide dashboard stretching across the cabin was initially a bit weird, but after a while it becomes quite intuitive. Very impressed by the new Prius.