What We Like
Good economical fuel consumption of 17.5km/L under hard driving
Spacious vault-like cabin
Easy sliding and folding functions of seats
Ample storage space
What We Dislike
Can't say it's a good-looking car
Do not expect sporty handling
The Toyota Wish is now a thing of the past. Replaced with the petrol-electric hybrid Prius+ that you see here, the Wish was one of the most impressive MPVs in its segment, with its generous space and a composed powertrain.
With big shoes to fill, can the Prius+ stand up to its peers like how the Wish did?
That + that differentiates this from the Prius hatch
More of everything
There seems to be more of everything in the car, especially space. Having a longer and wider body as well as a longer wheelbase over the Wish translate to a relatively roomy cabin. Boot space has also increased from 186 litres to 200 litres.
Perhaps this has got to do with the placement of the 56-cell lithium-ion battery pack. Located within the centre console between the front seats makes up more room for third row passengers.
As a result, you get an MPV that can properly fit seven occupants, even if seats six and seven gives you lesser legroom.
The Prius+ is 55mm longer than the Toyota WishMore relevantly, getting in and out from the third row is also a fuss-free affair, thanks to easy-to-use folding functions and a wide door opening.
Familiarity and hardiness
Elsewhere, the Prius+ carries over its design and layout from the third generation Prius hatchback, which isn't a bad thing at all. This means straightforward controls and buttons that do not require you to have a Master's degree to operate.
Everything here falls into place as it should be and then some. Up front, you get a large glovebox that splits up into two compartments and ample storage trays and cubby holes for your convenience.
Ample storage space is available in the car's cabinHard plastics fill the cabin but that's a really small quibble considering its attractive $115,988 (as of 10 August 2018) price tag and its impeccable fit and finish.
In fact, with the Prius+, there is a strong sense of security with its vault-like cabin. You get the feeling that this is one car that will serve you and your family for at least two full COE lifespans.
With big shoes to fill, can the Prius+ stand up to its peers like how the Wish did?
More of everything
There seems to be more of everything in the car, especially space. Having a longer and wider body as well as a longer wheelbase over the Wish translate to a relatively roomy cabin. Boot space has also increased from 186 litres to 200 litres.
Perhaps this has got to do with the placement of the 56-cell lithium-ion battery pack. Located within the centre console between the front seats makes up more room for third row passengers.
As a result, you get an MPV that can properly fit seven occupants, even if seats six and seven gives you lesser legroom.
Familiarity and hardiness
Elsewhere, the Prius+ carries over its design and layout from the third generation Prius hatchback, which isn't a bad thing at all. This means straightforward controls and buttons that do not require you to have a Master's degree to operate.
Everything here falls into place as it should be and then some. Up front, you get a large glovebox that splits up into two compartments and ample storage trays and cubby holes for your convenience.
In fact, with the Prius+, there is a strong sense of security with its vault-like cabin. You get the feeling that this is one car that will serve you and your family for at least two full COE lifespans.
Out and about ever so efficiently
On the go you are also served with a choice of driving modes - Electric, Eco, Normal and Power. Regardless of which mode you choose, the Prius+ makes driving around town a breeze, even with its larger dimensions.
Cabin sports a clean and nicely laid out dashboardEven on highways, the economical MPV makes things easy for the driver. Thanks to 142Nm of torque that is instantly available from lower revs, executing an overtaking manoeuvre is as easy as breathing and it does so without exhibiting the car's heft.
Weighing 200kg more than the Wish, the Prius+ naturally doesn't feel as quick, even if both cars share the same century sprint timing of 11.3 seconds. But where the Prius+ does better is the way it delivers power ever so efficiently and linearly. As such, that the car has lesser horses than the Wish doesn't matter one bit.
1.8-litre engine pumps out 134 horses via an E-CVT gearboxIt also has handling traits that are not commonly associated with MPVs. Around bends, the Prius+ feels neutral and reasonably precise, with body roll kept to a minimum.
But buyers wouldn't get the Prius+ for all its road bravado. Instead, its fuel consumption as a hybrid will be a priority for most. Over a three-day test drive, we managed to attain 17.5km/L, which isn't too shabby for a car that weighs close to 1.6 tonnes.
Plus is more
In more ways than one, the Prius+ offers a fair bit more than the Wish. Better storage space, better fuel economy and more space for occupants, it's certainly a good way of transporting the whole family.
Boot space is enhanced with the third row seats foldedYes, the Prius+ may not have a sporty drive or dashing good looks to boast, but all these do not come to mind when you're behind a wheel of a car that can provide this much comfort for everyone on board for this little fuel.
So can the Prius+ stand up to its peers like how the Wish did? You bet...
On the go you are also served with a choice of driving modes - Electric, Eco, Normal and Power. Regardless of which mode you choose, the Prius+ makes driving around town a breeze, even with its larger dimensions.
Weighing 200kg more than the Wish, the Prius+ naturally doesn't feel as quick, even if both cars share the same century sprint timing of 11.3 seconds. But where the Prius+ does better is the way it delivers power ever so efficiently and linearly. As such, that the car has lesser horses than the Wish doesn't matter one bit.
But buyers wouldn't get the Prius+ for all its road bravado. Instead, its fuel consumption as a hybrid will be a priority for most. Over a three-day test drive, we managed to attain 17.5km/L, which isn't too shabby for a car that weighs close to 1.6 tonnes.
Plus is more
In more ways than one, the Prius+ offers a fair bit more than the Wish. Better storage space, better fuel economy and more space for occupants, it's certainly a good way of transporting the whole family.
So can the Prius+ stand up to its peers like how the Wish did? You bet...
