Toyota Prius Car Review in India

After the alluring success of the Fortuner SUV in India, Toyota has announced a slew of launches for the growing Indian market. The Prius hybrid car was on the card and the Japanese car honcho rolled it out in India at the 2010 Auto Expo.

The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid electric mid-size car that first went on sale in Japan in 1997 and it is the first mass-produced hybrid car. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001 and is sold in more than 40 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America. In May 2008, global cumulative sales of the Prius reached 1 million units and by August 31, 2008, the Prius reached worldwide cumulative sales of 1.43 million units. The Toyota Prius is the most fuel efficient car currently sold in the U.S. according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The Prius hybrid car is available in two variants and comes as a CBU in India. The Prius can be selected from a choice of four exciting colours, namely, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Beige Metallic and Abyss Grey Metallic.

The Toyota Prius is powered by the outstanding performance of its intelligent system incorporating a 1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE engine. The engine features various technologies such as the Atkinson-cycle, a cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, electric water pump and intake side VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent) to enhance fuel efficiency. The Prius' powertrain also include a nickel-metal hydride (Ni MH) battery pack which is a synchronous alternating current motor.

The Prius can be driven in three driving modes-Power mode, Eco Mode and EV (Electric Vehicle) mode. All these modes give a refined handling performance and driving stability to ensure maximum driving pleasure.

The Prius features Electrically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The 1.8-litre engine has output of 98 bhp. The combined total power of the engine and the electric motor as a hybrid system is 134 bhp. The Prius can do a 0-100km dash in 9.2 seconds.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) seamlessly combines the best characteristic and optimises operation of the highly efficient petrol engine and powerful electric motor based on driving conditions, to deliver smooth and responsive driving performance and low fuel consumption and exhaust emission.

The Prius features a new platform to satisfy the car's basic performance that includes collision safety, stability, control and ride comfort, as well as aerodynamics. The suspension system has gas-filled shock absorbers with a stabilizer bar with MacPherson struts at the front and trailing arms, gas-filled shock absorbers with torsion beam at the rear. The suspension system is optimised for roll rigidity and torsional rigidity to provide a high level of stability, control and ride comfort. The Prius rides on 15-inch aluminium alloy tyres that accentuate the look of the car.

The exterior of the Prius has been crafted to reduce air resistance. The Prius flaunts powerful projector type headlamps. The body coloured bump houses the vertical turn signals and fog lamp configuration to give a sporty look to the car. The LED tail lamps enhance the rear fascia by creating different visual qualities.

Coming to the inside of the Prius, it has spacious interior and ample room for luggage. The detail and ample cabin space add a warm feeling of comfort. The front seats provide convenience and flexibility. The seats can be reclined for optimal comfort. The slim design of the front seatbacks contribute to the excellent knee room in the rear seats. Retractable saddle-type headrests on the rear seats enable good rear visibility. The head up display projects various driving information on the lower windshield glass directly in front of the driver. With light touch operation, the electronic shift lever automatically returns to the home position after shifting, enabling smooth shift operation. The parking range switch lets the driver change to the parking range with one touch. The touch tracer feature displays the switches integrated into the steering wheel into the metre. The 5-inch screen of the Eco drive monitor shows an array of information to support fuel-efficient driving. The drive mode switch allows the driver to choose between three driving modes to suit their driving style.

The Prius comes loaded with top level of safety features. The crash safety body is comprised with front and rear crumple zones. It is equipped with SRS driver airbag, front passenger airbag, SRS driver knee airbag, side airbags and curtain shield airbags. The Active Headrest contributes to reduction of neck impact. The EPS-VSP (Electric Power Steering-Vehicle Stability Control) integrated control system integrates and controls VSC, ABS, EBD and Traction Control system.