Ready to go before?

Presenting the latest iteration of the world’s most famous hybrid car, the Toyota Prius

The benchmark for mass-produced hybrid cars has been raised yet again. At this year’s North American International Motor Show, better known as the Detroit Motor Show, Toyota unveiled its third-generation Prius — a car capable of delivering a claimed 20 kpl, all the while keeping emissions very low.

The all-new Prius features cutting-edge, reliable technology which has resulted in the filing of over 1,000 patents all over the world. It has been designed to reduce pollution right from production on the assembly line to driving and finally, disposal. So what drives this showcase of technology on wheels? Read on.

A more powerful and bigger 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine and a powerful yet lighter battery pack are the main components of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy System. It can run on the petrol engine, on battery power or on a combination of both the power sources, resulting in the stupendous fuel consumption figures that this car promises to deliver.

The new Prius offers the driver a choice of three driving modes: EV-Drive mode to drive the car at low speeds on electricity alone, Power mode for a sportier feel and Eco mode which maximises fuel efficiency. Modes to suit your every mood? Sure! Just because the focus is on economy does not mean that performance takes a back seat. The new Prius will go from 0-96 kph in 9.8 seconds, which makes it quicker than most cars sold in India.

The new Prius also features a new iteration of the Prius’s instantly recognisable design. The highly wedgy shape remains, but as can be seen here, the lines are freshly penned. It now looks more geometric and sportier than before, and there is a reason for that triangular shape as well.

What you see here is one of the world’s most aerodynamically efficient cars, with a drag coefficient of just 0.25, as compared to 0.26 for the previous model. The new shape also liberates more interior space than before, and along with the newly designed seats, it makes for a more comfortable experience on the inside.

The name Prius means “to go before” in Latin and that is exactly what the Prius has done. It has set a precedent for others to follow, one that the competition will find hard to match. Though India is already an important market for the Japanese giant, you’re not likely to see the Prius mingling with the traffic on our roads.

Blame it on the current duty structure that will make it prohibitively expensive; even the eco-conscious might not consider it. But we still do hope that we get it anyway. Just so the Prius can ‘go before’ once again!