The 3rd generation Prius Hybrid. More of a good thing!
By Juan Robbin - June 2009

 

Some say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, with the 3rd generation of the now ubiquitous Prius, Toyota has created a segment that uses the distinctive and efficient constant radius crescent shape as the definitive hybrid design element other car companies are copying. 

Imagine being in an auto show in 1980 envisioning what a futuristic four door sedan should look like in 2010. The Toyota Prius may in fact, come close to that vision. Everything part of the Prius’ design is either function or efficiency driven. The body lines and shape are tight and angular, creating a slippery .025 drag coefficient in wind tunnel testing. There are unique aerodynamic enhancements to the front-lower bumpers as well as the rear tail light lenses. 

A major, yet almost unnoticeable change with the exterior design from generation 2 was the top of the roof curve which was shifted further back along the roof line in order to give rear passengers better ease of entry as well as rear seat headroom. Not to mention, the rear hatch has a longer and shallower angle as well. The rear half of the roof is fitted with solar power cells that convert solar energy to electric power, enough to run interior vent fans. What a super idea! Simply press a button on the left of the dash and when the panels have enough solar energy, ambient air is vented throughout the car. The pre-production prototype this writer drove also had the optional remote A/C operation. Press “A/C” on the key fob and the car’s air conditioning system will operate for up to three minutes. Time it right and you can walk out to a car that’s cooled after hours in the sweltering heat. Inside you instantly notice the futuristic, clean, spacious look of the cabin. 
The center console is divided by a “flying buttress” giving plenty of under center dash storage. The controls are well thought out and intuitive to use. 

There is a small knob that is actually the gear selector, adding to the high-tech, and futuristic theme of the whole car. Just forward and right of the gear selector are three push buttons that give the driver individual operation modes that they wish to use. ECO mode is default, giving best overall economy by reducing accelerator and A/C strength. To the left is EV Mode. This gives the option of, under certain conditions, to drive up to one mile at 25 MPH or less only on electric power. (Great for late night covert driving operations… read. Your son getting home unnoticed after curfew) Far right button is the POWER setting, which gives full authority of the throttle and max A/C capabilities. This setting gives the driver the most performance as we found out later in the week. 

Don’t think that just because it’s a hybrid the Prius is a slouch, in our unscientific stop light test we happen to come across an eager older gentlemen driving a mid 80’s Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 16V sports sedan. He looked over at me and I knew he wanted to see what the Prius had under the hood. I smiled at the silver haired gentleman and discretely selected the Power mode, we were ready for the stop light challenge. Green light and off we went; pretty much dead even up to 30-35 MPH, the 190E huffed and puffed and by the time we hit 50 MPH he was barely a half car ahead of me. Holy Battery Connectors Batman! The Prius held its own against a sport sedan. Impressive! 

When driving a car such as the Toyota Prius one can’t help but to feel more efficient. I for one, worked hard at driving smoother, trying to squeeze better fuel economy on every trip and to increase the average MPG. We saw a best of 49.5 MPG during our stint with the Prius, definitely the best mileage I have ever had in any car.

Click on pictures to enlarge

The 2010 Toyota Prius, a smooth, efficient and comfortable futuristic sedan available now.
The essentials:

MSRP range: $22,000.00-$27,300.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 47 MPG
Engine: 1.8 liter 4 cylinder / Permanent magnet electric motor. 134 HP 
combined.
Popular options: Navigation, roof solar panel, Bluetooth connectivity, Smart 
key, Homelink, remote A/C system
Visit: www.toyota.com