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Toyota unveils restyled, upgraded 2016 Prius
Toyota revealed the all-new Prius in Las Vegas last night to a room packed with automotive journalists.
The fourth generation of the groundbreaking hybrid is noticeably lower, wider and sleeker than its elder siblings, though like its predecessors, the styling is likely to be polarizing. Active safety technology in TSS includes an automated pre-collision braking system, lane keep assistance, dynamic radar cruise control that can bring the auto to a full stop, and automatic high beams that adjust to the surrounding light and oncoming traffic. Along with a compact double-wishbone suspension set-up, Toyota claims there’s no boot intrusion, so practicality should be improved, which is good news for families.
The hybrid system is smaller and lighter with higher-density batteries to provide more energy.
Toyota will launch the 2016 Prius later this year starting from Japan.
Whether those heads will like what they see is another matter – the new Prius’ sharp lines and fragmented, nearly cubist headlights are bold, but I’m finding it hard to describe them as handsome.
The sales of not only Toyota Prius, but other hybrid cars have also been affected due to a drop in gasoline price; however, the Prius still remains one of the most popular hybrid vehicles in the American market. Details are forthcoming, but the manufacturer promises the new Prius will offer best-in-class fuel economy among vehicles without a plug.
Many more Prius have been imported second hand, with buyers recognizing the fuel economy and environmental benefits of the hybrid technology.
After a teaser photo released by Toyota and two more generous images showing the new Prius bare naked, the Japanese carmaker took another step forward and presented the as scheduled, in Las Vegas.
Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division said of the new 2016 Prius, “What was once a rational purchase that for many customers focused on fuel economy, is now so much more”.
In addition, the new Prius is the first vehicle built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture, which will allow Toyota to produce vehicles with shared components.
The size of the new generation version has increased, by 2.4 inches in length and 0.6 inch in width, but height has been reduced by 0.8 inch. According to CNN Money, Toyota Prius is an icon among environmentally friendly green cars.
Toyota has been focusing on simplifying its dashboards and the Prius continues that trend, with a huge slab of gloss-black finish and an infotainment display mounted in the centre of the fascia.
