Here's a look at the new Prius, photographed at the Fuji Speedway north of Tokyo on Friday.
Equipped with the same 1.8-litre motor, but modified in several ways to improve thermal efficiency by a stated 40 per cent -- to a rating near a diesel engine's -- fuel economy should be improved. The current Prius V uses about 5.6 litres/100 km highway/city combined.
Canada's leading hybrid is being built with Toyota's "new global architecture" -- design intended to boost driving dynamics as well as manufacturing efficiency at the company's plants. A new hybrid system includes smaller, lighter components including the power control unit and battery.
Introduced in Canada 15 years ago, the Prius in its fourth generation and gets a long awaited - albeit subtle - redesign to evoke a 'fun to drive' spirit opposed to, say, memories of a frustrating drive to the Vancouver airport in one of the city's ubiquitous Prius taxis. The beltline is angled more forward, roof peak moved forward by 170 mm, maximum height lowered by 20 mm, the nose dropped 70 mm, all to produces a sleeker appearance.
Toyota used the word "emotion" a lot during conversations in and around the press preview day at the Tokyo Motor Show. Accordingly, the redrawn LED tail lights are meant to generate an "emotional appeal".
Inside, thinning the instrument panel and keeping operational areas in front of the driver add to the feeling of roominess in the cabin. Two 4.2-inch unobtrusive monitors and a heads-up display house all the regular info.
A white accent on the steering wheel and console tray add a touch of flair. However the slick sheen on the tray guarantees some noisy skidding of keys and coins, and the dash still comes in a hard plastic.
Front seats are new, with better cushioning and a more snug fit to reduce pressure on the pelvis. And moving the battery under the rear seat opens enough additional trunk space to carry four cases of Okanagan pinot.
The tech package includes collision avoidance (camera and radar) to go with the existing pedestrian and vehicle detection, lane departure alert, radar cruise control and auto high beam. Parking assist guides drivers to the correct position to back a car into a space. Blind spot monitor lights up a side mirror.
A full review with driving impressions will be available by the middle of November.
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