Automotive experts Lauren Fix, The Car Coach and WLS Drive Chicago’s Paul Brian test drive the new 2016 Toyota Prius Hybrid in sunny California. Check out the pros and cons of the #1 selling hybrid! Lower, lighter, sleeker, and even a tad sportier, there are some big changes to the new Prius platform. Watch the new His Turn – Her Turn video car review!
2016 Toyota Prius Hybrid
8 millionth hybrid vehicles, the hybrid leader
#1 hybrid vehicle in the class
redefining what a hybrid can be – Revolutionary Design
TNGA platfrom – makes for a lower center of gravity and more efficient design.
More striking exterior capacity
54 MPG, in ECO 58 MPG in city
started Fall of 2000, now has a big personality change, now 4th generation
new rounded more sports car steering wheel and full color TFT monitors
reduced wind noise and less drag coefficient
new under body panel to make the car slipperier through the wind
Power:
System Net Power – 121
Enhanced electric power delivery for improved low speed throttle response
In EV mode – max speed 42 mph
battery performance: Nickel – 1 mile on a full charge to assist.
MPG – 54 / 50 / 52
Prius Two Eco
MPG – 58 / 53 / 56
Overall, the vehicle is lighter, sleeker, more fuel efficient, more compact, more interior space, better design, better fuel economy.
Hybrid battery is now under the seat rather than behind the seat, which lowers the center of gravity.
Prius offer a NIckel hybrid battery, which is smaller and lighter.
Lithium ion battery power on all other models. These are more energy dense and improves MPG.
Handling is improved too. New double wishbone suspension, car handles flatter in the turns, lower center of gravity, makes it more fun to drive.
Improved seat comfort, more comfortable rear seats
No spare tire – tire repair kit
In cabin technology –
Dual 4.2″ Full color FT display
wireless charging pad
heads up display in color – with advanced technology package
lane departure
bluetooth
Drive mode switch – power, normal and ECO
Entune – uses Siri eyes free capable
Intelligent parking assist
Perpendicular and parallel
uses ultra sensitive sensors
IPA with ICS Quick Facts
Available on Prius Four and Touring
(Premium Convenience Package)
Toyota First – offers automatic steering in addition to parking guidance.
Equipped with support functions for:
reverse parking
parallel parking
parallel parking departure
Pre-Collision warning and brake
audible and visual alert and will brakes will engage
Lane departure alert – audible and visual alerts with steering assist correction.
Automatic high beams – switches between high and low as needed
Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection – audible & visual alert and engages brakes if needed. Functions from 7 mph to 50 mph for alerts and braking.
Prius ECO – $24,700
Touring – 17″ wheels – $30,000
Prius 4 and Touring you can add advanced technology package
Fuel cell technology hydrogen powered Murai.
Vehicles Courtesy: Toyota Motor Company
Location: Dana Point, CA
For more automotive industry news go to www.laurenfix.com
For breaking news:
Follow Lauren on Twitter @LaurenFix
Follow Paul on Twitter @ThePaulBrian
Sign up for the Free Monthly Car Coach Report Newsletter: eepurl.com/CBl_z
Listen to Paul Brian – Drive Chicago Saturday mornings at 8am central on WLS 890AM or iHeart Radio. Subscribe to the podcasts at www.WLSAM.com
Car Courtesy of Chrysler Division
Destination: Austin, TX
Music: by AudionautiX.com
Disclosure: Free Royalty Music
His Turn – Her Turn® is a production of Automotive Aspects Inc.
