Toyota Prius hybrid: characteristics, where to buy and price in Russia. Test drive Toyota Prius - one of the best hybrid cars in the world Technical characteristics of Toyota Prius hybrid

Toyota Prius is by far the best-selling hybrid vehicle on the planet. More than 2 million hybrids have been sold since 1997. For the first three years, the car was sold exclusively in Japan. Today Toyota Prius can be bought in Russia as well. The mass hybrid has survived three generations. In 2014, the next restyling of the model took place.

The principle of operation of the hybrid power plant of the Toyota Prius is as follows. The 1.8-liter petrol engine with only 99 horsepower transmits torque to the generator, which in turn charges the nickel-metal hydride high-voltage battery. The Prius battery powers the electric motors that power the vehicle. The most interesting thing is that the latest generation of the hybrid can also be charged from a regular household outlet, which makes the car even more economical. Also, when braking, kinetic energy through the recuperation system recharges the battery a little. That is, the Prius has two braking systems, a regenerative one and a conventional frictional one, which starts to work with sharp braking.

Many are primarily interested in the dynamic performance and fuel consumption of the Toyota Prius. It is no secret, acceleration of the Prius to a hundred takes just over 10 seconds, and the fuel consumption in the city is 3.9 liters, on the highway this figure is slightly less and amounts to 3.7 liters. AI-95 gasoline is used as fuel. The top speed of a hybrid car today is 180 km / h

Toyota Prius gasoline engine works autonomously, that is, the computer system itself decides when to start it and when to shut it down. In city traffic jams, the car usually moves on electric traction. As such, the car does not have a gearbox. The electric motor picks up any speed pretty quickly. The power of the electric motor is 60 hp, plus 99 comes from the gasoline unit.

Toyota Prius exterior is determined by the desire to save fuel, so such a streamlined silhouette of the car body is not casual. The drag coefficient is 0.25, an important indicator when overcoming air resistance. This defines the entire body shape. The latest restyling brought the front end of the car into line with the common denominator of the current corporate identity. Therefore, the front end is very similar to the exterior of the Corolla. We look photos of the European version of the Prius.

Photo Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius interior for passengers is not much different from a regular car. However, the driver lives in a different reality. Instrument panel, center console, gear lever, or rather the mode selector. At first glance, all this is very unusual. The monitors and displays constantly display information about the operating mode of the electric motor, hybrid power plant. According to the manufacturer's assurances, interior trim materials are also very environmentally friendly. Photo of the Prius salon Further.

Photo salon Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius trunk it also differs little from the luggage compartment of a conventional hatchback, and the ability to fold the rear row of seats makes the car very practical in everyday life. The volume of the luggage compartment is 445 liters, which is a good indicator, given that there is a high-voltage battery under the boot floor. Prius trunk photo see below.

Photo trunk Toyota Prius

Specifications Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius specifications very interesting. The hybrid is less than 4.5 meters long and has a wheelbase of 2.7 meters, which gives the car a very spacious interior. The vehicle weighs almost 1.5 tons. The ground clearance of the Prius is not large, only 140 mm. Although why a large clearance for a car that was created as an exclusively city car, under the wheels of which there should always be smooth asphalt.

The Prius 4-cylinder gasoline engine is a 16-valve DOHC with variable valve timing VVT-i, a displacement of 1.8 liters. With a power of 99 hp the torque is 142 Nm. We add to this an electric motor producing 60 hp. at 207 Nm of torque and we get a rather dynamic car.

Toyota Prius transmission has exclusively front-wheel drive. In addition to the gasoline unit and the electric motor, there is also a hybrid continuously variable transmission under the hood of the car. Therefore, in the engine compartment, as the saying goes, "the apple has nowhere to fall." Below are the detailed dimensions of the Prius.

Weight, volume, clearance, dimensions Toyota Prius

  • Length - 4480 mm
  • Width - 1745 mm
  • Height - 1490 mm
  • Wheelbase - 2700 mm
  • Front and rear wheel track - 1525/1520 mm
  • Front / rear overhang - 925/855 mm
  • Cabin length - 1905 mm
  • Interior width - 1470 mm
  • Interior height - 1225 mm
  • Trunk volume Toyota Prius - 445 liters
  • Fuel tank capacity - 45 liters
  • Tire size - 195/65 R15
  • Ground clearance or clearance of Toyota Prius - 140 mm

Configuration and price of Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius price in the basic version today is 1,245,000 rubles... For the money, you get a well-packed 5-door hatchback. The initial configuration "Elegance" includes a fairly large set of options, among which -

  • 15-inch alloy wheels
  • Electrically adjustable, heated, foldable side mirrors with turn signals
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Fog lights
  • Rear View Camera
  • 6.1 inch color LCD display on center console
  • Climate control
  • Steering column tilt and reach
  • Touch control system on-board computer on the steering wheel (Touch Tracer)
  • Frontal airbags
  • Luggage compartment cover
  • Intelligent vehicle access system Smart Entry (for driver's door)
  • Polyurethane multifunction steering wheel
  • Engine start "Push Start"
  • Eco drive display Eco drive support monitor
  • Head Up Display
  • Audio system with CD / MP3 / WMA support 6 speakers
  • Side airbags
  • Safety curtains for all rows of seats
  • Driver's knee airbag
  • Brake Assist (BAS)
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
  • Rear light-emitting diode (LED) lights
  • Traction Control (TRC)

But this is not the limit, there are two more configurations, this is "Prestige" for 1,451,000 rubles and "Lux" for 1,595,000 rubles. A special feature of the "Prestige" package is the presence of LED headlights, rain and light sensors, cruise control, an advanced audio system and a leather interior.

The "Lux" version will please with the presence of a sunroof and a solar panel on the same roof. The energy from the solar panel in this configuration goes to the automatic air conditioning system in the passenger compartment. That is, you can leave the car in the parking lot under the hot sun, and the system itself will cool the interior.

The price of a hybrid Toyota Prius is, of course, higher than that of a conventional car. However, according to the manufacturer, for several years of active operation it will be possible to save a lot of money on fuel. This is especially true in countries where gasoline is quite expensive.

Video Toyota Prius

Video review and test drive of Prius, watch a rather interesting video.

The market prospects for sales of hybrid vehicles in our country are not as bright as in Japan, Europe or the United States. But hybrid technology does not stand still and continues to evolve. Let's remember that at one time mobile phones were inaccessible to the general public, since they cost a lot of money, but the situation quickly improved. Let's believe that hybrid cars will become more affordable just as quickly.

With the introduction of the new generation Hybrid Synergy Drive, Tayota continues to revolutionize the automotive industry. Sharp handling, powerful acceleration dynamics, the best aerodynamic performance and fuel consumption figures - this is the Toyota Prius hybrid.

In the comfortable and spacious interior of the Toyota Prius, which thanks to its two electric motors can be driven exclusively on electric traction in "EV" mode, you can enjoy the latest technical innovations, which are easy to use thanks to touch controls and intelligent design.

The new Prius has it all: spaciousness, style, fuel economy, plus the unique Hybrid Synergy Drive. For more than a hundred years, they have been talking about the end of the era of the internal combustion engine. For more than a decade, experts have been struggling to create electric cars with decent performance characteristics. It seems that very soon there will be electric motors under the hoods of Toyota Prius, which will make drivers forget about refueling. Nevertheless, the victorious march of such cars around the world has not yet begun.

Toyota decided not to wait for it, which offered back in 1997 year serial technology of mutual assistance of electric and gasoline engines. The best example of the company's right decision is the Toyota Prius hybrid car. An expensive car, but ... it allows you to save a lot on fuel.

In our country, the third generation Toyota Prius has become available since spring 2010.

Our drivers were lucky that they did not witness the "childhood" illnesses of the first models, and Toyota Prius is a perfect product, in which all the little things have been worked out.

Toyota Prius is the pinnacle of technical progress. It contains all the most advanced options that exist for cars of this class: a rear-view camera and LED headlights, navigation and climate control, Parking Assistance and Touch Display, start "from the button" and keyless entry, but most importantly - the "advanced" hybrid system, which in economy allows you to achieve phenomenal results.

Exterior

Toyota Prius design is impeccable. The streamlined body shape has been optimized for economical fuel consumption and better dynamics. In the D-class to which the car belongs, it has the best indicator of aerodynamic resistance - 0.25 Cx.

Both passengers and driver have plenty of headroom thanks to the high roofline. The Toyota Prius is equipped with a state-of-the-art Head-Up Display projector that projects instrument readings onto the windshield. The driver can, without looking up from the road, observe speed indicators, information on the operation of the hybrid system, and navigation information. Thanks to Eco Drive Monitor, the screen provides information on the distribution of energy flows, current fuel consumption and fuel remaining, which helps the driver understand how efficiently he is driving his Prius and improve his skills, if necessary. The sleek lines of the Toyota Prius blend beautifully with modern aggressive ideas such as elegant LED headlights. The spacious interior is also such thanks to its clear lines, competent spatial layout.

Remote system

Fuel efficiency can be monitored on the display panel included in Eco Drive Monitor. Thanks to the clarity of the image, the driver sees how eco-friendly he is pedaling.

For the first time in the world, Toyota Prius is equipped with Touch Tracer Display allowing remote control of various systems. Using the buttons located on the steering wheel, while driving, without taking your hands off the steering wheel, you can receive information about the status of various Prius systems, adjust the air conditioning system, control the acoustics in the cabin, etc. When you touch these buttons, the graphical menu is duplicated on the screen monitor.

Acoustic system

Sound reproduction is beyond praise. In the Sol configuration, the speaker system includes: a radio receiver, a turntable format WMA and mp3, 6 speakers, of which two are tweeters. The Premium package includes a CD player with single slot loading capability for up to two discs and eight speakers. The system supports voice control and is also equipped with an on-board Bluetooth communication system. Both systems have a low frequency input where external devices are connected. The speaker buttons located on the steering wheel are part of the Touch Tracer Display.

Interior

The modern, tranquil interior of the Toyota Prius features the latest technology and natural textures. Basically all devices are touch-controlled, which makes driving the Prius fun, safe and easy. To reduce emissions into the atmosphere, many parts, including the instrument panel, are made from reusable raw materials. Interior trim plastic specially designed for Toyota Prius. It is based on exclusively ecological estimates - from oil and vegetable raw materials. The developers did not save on security either: seven airbags.

The center console is very avant-garde. She seems to be floating in the air. Seats - leather, but there is no clear lateral fixation, and the short pillow does not please. But you can envy the rear passengers: there is a lot of space, the floor is without a tunnel, and there is plenty of space above your head. There is a niche under the center console for storing things: napkins, maps, sunglasses, etc. - everything that should be under a friend on a trip. In addition, there are many storage boxes in the cabin and a spacious trunk in the back.

The Toyota Prius hybrid is ideal for family travel, daily city commutes and business trips. The interior of the pleasant and maneuverable Toyota is spacious and comfortable.

Driving modes

In addition to the normal mode, the car has additional: "Eco" ("Economy"), "EV" ("Electric car"), "Pover" ("Sport")... Almost two kilometers allows you to go on an electric traction mode "Electric". This is not found in any other hybrid! When the Economy mode is selected, fuel is saved due to the fact that the Toyota Prius responds very smoothly to pressing the gas pedal. Finally, the "Pover" mode means that both engines (electric and gasoline) are working, thanks to which the ride becomes dynamic.

The responsiveness and smoothness of the Toyota Prius, made possible by a variator or continuously variable transmission, make driving a real pleasure. Without taking into account the fuel economy, it can be argued that this unit provides an effective interaction between the electric and gasoline engine, due to which the gear ratio and acceleration are adjusted extremely smoothly.

Trunk

The Toyota Prius is spacious. There is enough space for everything! With the backs of the rear row seats raised, its volume is 445 liters... If the backrests are folded, this figure rises to 1120 liters. It seems that everything is provided by the designers, even a strap with a hook, which allows you to securely fix your luggage in the trunk.

Hybrid drive

The heart of the Prius Hybrid is the company's proprietary hybrid powertrain, the HSD. When driving, a 1.8-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors can be used alternately or simultaneously. The main difference between this hybrid and other modern cars is the possibility of movement and exclusively on electric traction. Toyota's top speed in this mode is 45 kilometers per hour. What is a second electric motor for? It functions as a generator charging the battery. From a place Toyota moves exclusively with the help of an electric motor, which means that the "Stop-Start" function additionally saves fuel.

Thanks to the combined use of the engines, the Prius's fuel consumption by one hundred kilometers is equal to only 3.9 liters, the noise from the running engine is minimal, and the CO2 indicator in the exhaust gas barely reaches 89 g / km. Total power of the hybrid installation - 139 h.p. allows you to enjoy driving.

Toyota Prius is recognized as the most dynamic hybrid of our time. It is stable on the road, easy to operate, demonstrates tremendous dynamics, even at high speeds, and is quiet.

Specifications

Dimensions Toyota Prius: length - 4460mm, wheelbase - 2700 mm. The power unit of the car with a capacity of 136 hp. provides acceleration to "hundreds" in 10.4 seconds, which is not bad even for an ordinary car. Traditionally for Toyota, the Pruis has shifted the suspension to the comfort zone. Toyota copes well with coating defects, and only a little annoying squeaky plastic in the cabin. You don't need to recharge your Toyota from the outlet because you can get a full charge in a few good brakes.

Price

Output

A comfortable progressive Prius that can be driven fast like a gasoline car or economically like an electric car.

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehicle that hit the market in 1997. Six years after the first variant of the Toyota Prius appeared, the company decided to release a new version of this model. The second generation Prius, as soon as it appeared, won four prestigious awards in the United States at once, including the best car of 2004 in North America.

In the design of hybrids, there are two approaches - sequential (the engine works exclusively to charge the battery, and the electric motor is responsible for the movement of the car) and parallel (the car is driven by one of the power units, depending on the situation). As the experience of operating the first Prius has shown, the best option is to combine both approaches.

The second Prius remained true to this principle. Apparently, this is why the power plant of the car is called Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. The unit includes a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 78 hp. and a 68-horsepower electric motor with an outstanding torque of 400 Nm. The whole setup develops: 113 hp and 478 Nm. By the way, the gasoline engine of this car is significantly ahead of the latest EURO IV standard in terms of emission of harmful substances - its CO2 emissions in the combined cycle are only 104 g / km. Also, it should be noted Toyota Prius is quite economical. In the urban cycle, fuel consumption is 8 liters per 100 km, and 5.5 liters per 100 km on highways.

Hybrid Sinergy Drive has four main modes of operation. When starting off and at low speeds, the engine is turned off - the car is driven by an electric motor powered by a battery. As soon as the speed increases, the gasoline engine wakes up (the battery is resting). Part of its power is transferred to the wheels mechanically, and the other is converted by the generator into electricity and given to the electric motor (there is no gearbox and the accelerator pedal always controls the electrical part of the installation). Active acceleration uses energy from the petrol engine and battery. But with uniform movement, as with braking, the gasoline engine stops again, and the traction motor becomes a generator and charges the battery. This happens as on electric locomotives, which also brake recuperatively, giving energy to the contact network. If the battery is too low, the computer starts the combustion engine by itself to replenish the battery.

The Prius II has a lot of electronics. Needless to say, second generation ABS, EBD and VSC, which controls the operation of the electric power steering. Electric drive of the air conditioner, which saves energy, which is not scattered in this car, and universal control by wires: electronic brakes and an accelerator pedal. Perhaps it was the absence of mechanical drives that helped the designers create an original image. Matured and moved from the golf class to the “D” segment, the Prius is now unconditionally monolithic. This is no longer a sedan, but a practical hatchback with minivan features. And it looks quite futuristic, unlike the "Central European" Corolla and Avensis. However, it would be strange if the philosophy of the car was not reflected in its appearance.

The exterior of the car doesn't make much of an impression. However, if you are not chasing beauty, but prefer comfort, then you will undoubtedly love the new car. The Toyota Prius seats are very comfortable and meet high ergonomic requirements. The car interior is very light and spacious. The nice dashboard deserves praise, and in the center of the console you will find a 14.5 cm LCD monitor of the on-board computer.

If you touch your finger to the inscription "Energy" - then you can get complete information about the flow distribution of power between the engine, wheels and battery. By touching the “Consumption” sign, you will find out how much fuel is left in the gas tank and how many kilometers it will last, as well as the kilometers traveled during the trip. And this information is updated every 5 minutes. The monitor also serves as a visual map of the DVD-based navigation system. The main advantage of LCD navigation systems is that they are easy to use, unlike push-button systems.

In 2009, 12 years after the debut of the model, Toyota introduced the third generation. The second generation Prius brought worldwide recognition to the car, and in creating the successor to the legend, the designers faced a difficult task: to maintain the identity of the image, but at the same time bring something new to it. Compared to the second generation, the length of the car has increased by only 15 mm, and the width - by 20 mm, the height of the body and the length of the wheelbase remain the same. The developers decided not to deviate far from the iconic "triangular" silhouette, which has become the symbol of the "eco-mobile".

The front and rear lights are now, as it were, connected by a light stroke that extends across the entire side of the body. This detail adds zest to the Prius's previously soft and flowing lines. Another difference from the previous model: the highest point of the roof is shifted towards the center of the cab (previously it was directly above the heads of the driver and front passenger). Thanks to this, comfort in accommodating rear passengers has been added - now, with a height of 170 cm, here you can not be afraid to hit your head. The front seat backs are 30mm thinner, which also adds knee room. The shift knob has moved to the center console raised above the floor (previously it was located on the dashboard). Depending on the configuration, the car is equipped with 15- or 17-inch wheels.

Another difference of the new model is the small protrusions in the front bumper. This is not so much a design element as a functional nuance, it is done for better airflow control. The drag coefficient of the third generation Prius is Cx = 0.25, which is 0.01 less than the Prius II.

The body brand name changed from NHW20 to ZVW30. This reflects the fact that the 1.5-liter N-Series is replaced by the 1.8-liter Z-Series. The larger engine is used to reduce fuel consumption at high speeds. The electric motor is equipped with a planetary gearbox. The system is complemented by an electronic oil pump and a unique exhaust gas heat recovery system. In general, the configuration remains the same.

In addition to the "EV Mode" (driving exclusively on electric traction), the new model received two more: "ECO Mode" (economy mode) and "Power Mode" (for dynamic driving). With normal driving style, with stops and ascents, the fuel consumption sensor on the car is 4 liters per 100 km. In eco mode, you can reach an incredible 1.75 liters per 100 km.

The premiere of the restyled version of the third generation of the model took place in Frankfurt in 2011. To freshen up the Prius a bit, the designers redesigned the front bumper, head optics with LED sections, and enlarged the air intake. The interior materials have been updated, the arrangement of some elements has changed, but the biggest innovation is the Touch & Go Plus multimedia system screen on the center dashboard. In addition, the Japanese have worked on soundproofing.

By modernizing the chassis, the engineers reconfigured the suspension, making it stiffer. The Toyota Prius is driven by the Hybrid Synergy Drive power plant, which consists of a 1.8-liter petrol "four" with a capacity of 99 liters. with. and an 82-horsepower electric motor. On the combined cycle, the vehicle consumes only 3.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, using a planetary ECVT variator as a transmission. The hatchback, among other things, can move exclusively on electric traction, but the power reserve in this mode is only 2-3 km at a speed not exceeding 50 km / h.

The Prius is assembled at Toyota factories in Japan, Thailand and China.



Throughout its existence, Toyota Prius received only positive reviews. This is a really well thought out car that has been in production for over 12 years in various modifications. Over the entire production period, more than 2 million copies of this vehicle have been made - the largest number of such Japanese cars per population in Sweden. And this figure is 6 cars per 1000 people. This success can be attributed to the desire to do less harm to the environment and the high cost of fuel. As a result, these machines are being sold out in this northern country with a bang.

Test drive Toyota Prius:

History

Be sure to install LED lamps for lighting (additional environmental friendliness). The appearance somehow intersects with the Corolla, but still there are features that are characteristic of this particular car.

Cars are supplied to domestic open spaces complete with 15-inch ones. Although for North America and Scandinavia there is also a modification with 17 inches. That is, if you wish, you can install just such discs and drive without problems. But that depends on the discretion of the vehicle owner.

Specifications Toyota Prius
Car model:Toyota Prius Wagon
Manufacturer country:Japan
Body type:Hatchback
Number of places:5
Number of doors:5
Engine displacement, cc:1797
Power, hp / rpm:99/5200
Maximum speed, km / h:165
Acceleration to 100 km / h, s:10
Type of drive:parallel
Checkpoint:5АКПП
Fuel type:AI-95 gasoline
Consumption per 100 km:city ​​4.2; track 3.8
Length, mm:4615
Width, mm:1775
Height, mm:1575
Clearance, mm:140
Tire size:205 / 60R16
Curb weight, kg:1470
Full weight, kg:1805
Fuel tank volume:45

Let's start looking at the technical characteristics of the Toyota Prius from the engine. More precisely engines. This car has 2 engines, which, depending on the situation, can work alternately or even in pairs. The main one is the 1.8-liter internal combustion engine. Up to a hundred, this power unit runs up in 10 seconds. The speed ceiling is 180 km / h. Although the most favorable modes are those in which the car travels less than 140 km / h. The maximum power of this internal combustion engine is 99 hp. with the air conditioner or stove turned on, it will be 8 liters per hundred kilometers.

The second motor installed here is electric. It is designed to operate at speeds less than 70 km / h. The maximum power of this electric unit is 82 HP.

Using a hybrid engine - the car turned out to be very economical

Japanese designers have tried to maximize the vehicle. For these purposes, there are two modes of operation of the power plant. The first one is called EcoMode. In this mode, the car does not drive so briskly and due to this, the maximum level of gasoline savings is achieved. The second mode is called PWR Mode (from the English word Power). The most dynamic mode of car operation, in which the emphasis is on speed, and fuel consumption is practically not controlled.

The above technical characteristics of Toyota Prius allow, at the most economical consumption, to consume only 2 liters per hundred kilometers. Which in itself is a fantastic indicator.

The well-organized technical part of this model has led to the fact that only positive reviews of Toyota Prius are received. This is a sense of the solid approach of Japanese specialists who have made another masterpiece of this kind.

Guarantee

To attract as many customers as possible, this largest Japanese automobile corporation has set up very favorable warranty conditions for this car brand. The full warranty period is 3 years or 100 thousand kilometers at the discretion of the vehicle owner. A separate warranty is provided for hybrid parts, including the battery. Their warranty period is 5 years. In comparison with America, these indicators are reduced in our country, but still, against the background of competitors, they look quite solid. And when you can not be afraid of breakage. At least you won't be left in the lurch by a leading Japanese passenger vehicle manufacturer.

Ecology

Most Western Europeans look at the emissions when buying a new car. First of all, it is taken into account - carbon monoxide or CO and CO 2. This can be explained by the fact that there are certain tax breaks or, even better, subsidies. All this concerns the owners of such hybrid vehicles. They are much less harmful to the environment. The overpayment that is obtained during the purchase process is more than offset by benefits. Therefore, the popularity of such cars is regularly increasing. Direct confirmation of this is a little more than 2 million cars of this brand, which are sold all over the world and not only in Western Europe.

Environmentally friendly and low fuel consumption - that's all about Toyota Prius

But on the territory of our country, such a "green tariff" has not yet received widespread distribution. In this direction, it is necessary to change the situation from above. This requires legislative initiatives that will be based on advanced world experience. So far, not a single step has been taken in this direction, and it is not yet clear when these actions will be taken.

Price policy

To date, only two modifications of this hybrid vehicle have been presented. One of them is basic. The price of Toyota Prius - in this configuration is 1 million 125 thousand Russian rubles. An improved modification of this model will cost significantly more. Despite some functional infusions, it makes sense to overpay for them. The price of an improved Toyota Prius will cost 1 million 374 thousand Russian rubles. Which option to choose is usually based on the capabilities of your budget. And then . At least the majority of domestic motorists do just that.

Conclusion

This is the end of a kind of test drive Toyota Prius. It is safe to say that this car has already become a cult model on a global scale. But in the domestic open spaces, he takes so far only the first and small steps. On its way, it meets many obstacles - high cost, bureaucratic obstacles of the legislative plan. But one thing is safe to say - this car is slowly conquering its niche. It is safe to say that the demand for such vehicles will grow from year to year. The whole world is gradually switching over to such transport. Such a transfer from one car to another is even stimulated. And we are worse. No, we also keep pace with the times.

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The family of cars Toyota Prius is already in the 4th generation and has, in addition to hybrid variants, plug-hybrid versions, known as the Toyota Prius Prime. In addition, there are a large number of spacious family cars on the market, however, a particularly attractive option is the Toyota Prius V, which comes with five or seven seats.

Also, the line of hybrid vehicles of the Japanese company has its own version in the B-class - Toyota Prius C, which debuted at the end of 2011 in Tokyo. For the Japanese market, the Toyota Prius Alpha was envisaged, and for the European countries - Plus. You can also purchase the Toyota Prius PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vechicle). This model has been produced in Japan since 2012 and is a fairly popular car. The whole.

Car history

During the Kyoto Protocol, which was signed in 1997, many states committed themselves to reducing toxic emissions into the air. Considering the fact that Japan was one of the initiating countries, a large number of massive Japanese enterprises decided to implement a whole list of programs that are designed to lower their emissions. Toyota Motor was among such firms.

Such documents were able to identify one of the most prevailing tendencies of the company's activity today - the development of the latest environmentally friendly technologies. Taking this program into account, several types of engines were being developed, including a hybrid engine, which was formed in 1997 on Toyota Prius Hybrid vehicles.

First generation (1997-2003)

The development of a car with hybrid equipment began back in 1994. The engineering staff was set the most important goal: to create an electric motor and an energy source that would be able, if not to replace, but productively supplement the main internal combustion engine. The very name "Prius" from Latin means the first, the original.

The debut impersonation of the first generation Toyota Prius was shown to the public in the fall of 1995 during the Tokyo Auto Show as a concept model. But its mass production, which was designated by the index "NHW10", went on sale from dealers only at the end of 1997. The hybrid model was produced until 2003, after which it was replaced by a new family.

2001 Toyota Prius

Based on the words of Toyota engineers, they tested more than one hundred varieties of various schemes and layouts, which provided an opportunity to design a truly productive scheme called the Toyota Hybrid System.

Toyota Prius of the first generation is a four-door sedan "golf" -class, which has the corresponding external parameters: length - 4315 millimeters, height - 1475 millimeters and width - 1695 millimeters. The wheelbase of the car is 2,550 millimeters, and the ground clearance is 140 millimeters.

The curb weight of a Japanese hybrid vehicle ranges from 1,240 to 1,254 kilograms, whichever version. If we mention the above-described THS system, which is a combined power plant, it consisted of an internal combustion motor, a pair of electric motors and a continuously variable HSD gearbox.






The 1NZ-FXE 1.5-liter petrol powerplant produced 58 horsepower. The total power of the electric motors was 30 kW. Electric motors run on energy stored in high-voltage batteries with a reserve of 1.73 kWh.

The most important distinguishing feature of the engine can be called the fact that electric motors could still function as a generator - while driving on an internal combustion engine, as well as during regenerative braking, it was possible to charge the battery.

Because of this, it was possible to use it again after a while. The electric motor itself functioned like Atkinson, which is why the average fuel consumption in urban areas ranged from 5.1 - 5.5 liters for every 100 kilometers.


First generation engine

The electric motor can function both alone from the main "engine", and in a joint manner, which contributed to a more lively acceleration to a more economical transmission. Thanks to such innovations, it was possible to reduce the number of toxic emissions into the air to almost 120 g / km. To understand this better, you can compare the hybrid "hypercar", which has a given figure of 330 g / km.

The first generation Toyota Prius was installed on the front-wheel drive platform "Toyota MC", where there was an independent running gear in front with McPherson struts and in the rear with a four-link system. The hybrid car has a rack and pinion steering gear equipped with electric power steering.

The front wheels have ventilated disc mechanisms, and the rear wheels have simple drum devices. Already in the basic configuration there is an ABS system.
Despite all the advantages and economy, the Japanese car Toyota Prius Hybrid was greeted quite coldly.

This was partly due to a kind of power equipment, which is not powerful enough even for a measured ride of a car that weighed more than 1,200 kilograms. To somehow remedy this situation, the management decided to modify the power equipment in the NHW11 modification.

As a result, the power of the internal combustion engine was increased from 58 to 72 “horses”, and the power of the electric motor from 30 to 33 kW. In addition, with the help of minor improvements in the energy storage system, the capacity of the high-voltage battery was increased to 1.79 kWh.

Second generation Prius NHW20 (2003-2009)

During a demonstration of the new vehicle, a company spokesman made a statement:

We decided to completely discard the first concept and started from scratch.

In fact, it turned out that way. If before there was a sedan of small dimensions, then the 2nd family was a huge five-door hatchback. Thanks to the modernized hybrid drive, gasoline consumption has been significantly reduced.


Prius NHW20

A new driving mode began its work, operating exclusively on electric traction: no exhaust gases were produced and the car followed almost silently. Summer 2003 allowed the start of production of second-generation vehicles at the Tsutsumi Plant in Toyota, Japan.

After 2 years (in 2005), an assembly was organized in China, the city of Changchun. We assembled cars at a common plant with the company. Before the round date of the hybrid car (10 years from the date of production) in December 2007, a total of about 900,000 cars were sold. The production of vehicles continued until 2009, after which, in the spring, the company officially presented the third generation car.

Appearance and design of the II generation

A completely different body in the form of a hatchback has become larger, however, the short hood, together with tilted headlights, preserved the style of unity with the car of the 1st family. Many hours of work of specialists on the subtlest refinement of the appearance of the machine in a wind tunnel made it possible to guarantee the necessary balance between appearance and streamlining.

With the help of a unique triangular profile, it turned out to provide for the Toyota Prius II generation the lowest drag coefficient in the segment - 0.26. This was partly achieved thanks to an almost flat bottom, a spoiler installed on the rear window and a rear bumper, which is similar to the diffuser of a sports car.

To reduce weight and increase structural rigidity, steel used high strength steel, and the hood, along with the luggage compartment lid, was made of aluminum. Interestingly, the battery shell was also involved in order to strengthen the body in the aft area.
The car can have six airbags, and the built-in airbags have two-stage deployment as standard.

With the help of a special sensor for the position of the driver's seat, it is possible to more accurately calculate the response time of his pillow. The car was mostly able to successfully pass American, European and Australian independent crash tests. Only the Insurance Institute of America has allocated an insufficiently good degree of passenger protection during a side impact of a hatchback without side airbags.

To increase safety, the Toyota Prius is equipped with 2 LED brake lights, which work ten times faster than conventional lamps. On top of that, they don't consume much electrical energy.

When 2005 came, the specialists of the Japanese company carried out a small modernization of the machine. The front fenders have received the text "Hybrid", the grille has a chrome strip in the center, and the headlights and taillights have been slightly altered.

To protect against electric shock during an accident, the high-voltage part of the hybrid technology was automatically shut down.

Prius II generation salon

The inside of the car has become much better, the ergonomics have been improved. The high seating position was noted by many owners, thanks to which the Toyota Prius II improved visibility and made it easier to get in and out. The oval steering wheel, which housed additional keys for setting the music system, ventilation and telephone, did not interfere in any way.

Provided for voice control of these options. All models of the basic configuration installed Bluetooth to communicate with a smartphone, as well as a 7-inch touchscreen display used for the navigation system, controlling the operation of the hybrid system and displaying important information.

Near the steering wheel, the designers placed an electronic transmission mode switch, which resembled a game joystick on a computer. The hand lay on this joystick comfortably, and it was so easy to move it that it was done even with the help of your fingertips.

When a signal was applied to the transmission control unit, the spring-loaded small lever automatically returned to its base position. Toyota Prius 2nd generation did not have an ignition switch, and to start it, you had to press the "Power" button installed on the front panel.






The "electric key" itself had to be inserted into a special slot located near the steering wheel. An option was envisaged for ordering a "smart" key that could open and close doors and luggage compartment automatically. All you had to do was put it in your pocket to get the system up and running.

For the first time, the machine, produced in a conveyor version, had an air conditioner that had an electric compressor drive. In addition, with the help of an electric motor, there was a drive to the water pump of the cooling system of the "engine", which also serves the heater.

It turns out that the "climate" system was able to function independently from a gasoline power unit. After the 2005 updates, new upholstery materials were used inside the hybrid car, and the rear sofa became a little wider.

Prius Generation II Specifications

The main novelty of the modernized hybrid THS II system was a 2-fold increase in the supply voltage of the electric motor. Thanks to this, its power increased to 50 kW, it began to turn on more often and operate for a long time, which, in turn, allowed unloading the gasoline "engine". All this led to fuel savings and lower emissions.

This AC synchronous motor, entirely developed by Toyota, features an optimized rotor shape with special magnets. The generator speed limit has increased from 6,500 to 10,000 rpm. Because of this, its output increased at medium speeds of the internal combustion power plant.

The newest inverter was 20 percent smaller and, along with the DC to AC conversion, increased voltages from 201.6 to 500 volts. Since the units generated a lot of heat, they had their own liquid cooling system.

The four-cylinder, 1.5-liter petrol engine, operating on the cycle of the aforementioned Atkinson, now had an increase in power to 77 horsepower, thanks to an increase in its maximum revs. On top of that, the shape of the combustion chambers was changed in the engine, they began to use lightweight pistons and piston rings with reduced friction.

The "engine" was started quickly and smoothly due to the electronic system that precisely controls the position of the crankshaft when it stops. An electric motor, together with a generator and a gasoline engine, were combined with each other using a planetary gearbox.

Speaking for the nickel-metal hydride battery, which was specially developed for the second family car, it lost 14 percent in weight and gained 35 percent more charge density. This was achieved through the use of improved electrode elements and an optimized battery cell connection system. Importantly, the battery was discharged 23 percent less, which allowed for a longer time to maintain a charge when the battery was not working.

The "combined" output of all power plants was equal to 110 horsepower. Such indicators allowed the car to reach the speed mark of 170 kilometers per hour, and the first "hundred" was given to the hybrid in 10.9 seconds. The average consumption of the car did not exceed 4.6 liters. gasoline in a combined cycle for every hundred kilometers.

The Toyota Prius 2 features a Toyota MC front-wheel drive architecture. The Japanese hatchback has independent suspensions front and rear, where McPherson struts are used in front, and a multi-link system at the rear. The liftback also has a rack-and-pinion steering system, which is complemented by an electric booster.

The brake system of Toyota Prius 2 has disc brakes both front and rear. The front devices received a ventilation function that works in conjunction with ABS and other electronic fillings.

Third generation Prius ZVW30 (2009-2016)

A hybrid variant of the 3rd generation Toyota Prius was first presented officially at the beginning of 2009 during the International Auto Show in Detroit. Closer to the summer, the vehicle went on sale. The car was able to keep the platform of the previous model, however, in all other aspects, the car has changed significantly.

Six months later, the concept version of the Prius Plug-In debuted, which can be charged from a simple outlet, but mass production of the car was not started until 2011. The five-door model lasted in production until 2015, after which it was replaced by a new, fourth generation of the Japanese hatchback.


Prius Plug-In

Despite some commercial success, Toyota's engineering staff continued to upgrade the vehicle in order to increase its autonomy with the use of clean energy sources and subsequently reduce emissions. On the platform of the THS system, a completely new series-parallel hybrid transmission Hybrid Synergy Drive has been developed, which works by analogy, however, with a list of significant transformations.

Prius III generation exterior

The exterior of the "treshki" Toyota Prius is modern, recognizable and original. Japanese designers were able to create a distinctive car that can quickly stand out from the crowd of "classmates". It is clear that it will not be possible to call a hatchback the most exquisite car, but its appearance has a certain elusive attractiveness and balance, which is not found in every vehicle.

Initially during the design of the car, the designers, along with the aerodynamic specialists, worked hard together to achieve a very low drag of 0.25. Considering all this, the specialists were able to maintain the ratio of the standard "Prius".

To do this, it was necessary to reduce the open area of ​​the radiator grill as much as possible. The flat side surfaces of the front and rear bumpers direct air flow around the wheel arches, which reduces turbulence.

At the bottom, the vehicle has special shields in front of the wheels and panels that cover the engine, as well as suspension and gas tank elements, which make a significant contribution to the unified aerodynamic performance of the novelty.

Prius III generation salon

Inside, the "Japanese" looks pretty common, and only a 2-layer screen, which is visible from the "cave" on the very top of the front panel, and replaces the standard instruments, as well as a 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel with a flattened rim below, adds to the interior decoration.

The center console has a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a "microclimate" unit with a monochrome narrow horizontal display and a transmission joystick. Only high quality materials are used inside the vehicle, and as regards the assembly itself, we can say that it is at a good level.

The front panel itself was divided into 2 areas. All controls are located conveniently on the console, which seems to weigh in the air. Above it there is a control lever for driving modes, and below it there is an abundance of space for storing small things. The basic equipment of the 3rd generation Toyota Prius has a projection system on the windshield of the main parameters of the car's movement.

Interestingly, the air conditioner can be turned on remotely 3 minutes before getting into the car. With the help of an electric motor, the compressor was powered by the VVB and provided a cool interior. And when it was hot, thanks to a solar panel mounted in the roof, the electricity that it generated was enough for a special fan to ventilate the interior.






This was very convenient, since the electronics did not require auxiliary energy and did not allow the interior of the machine to overheat. The front of the Toyota Prius 3 has comfortable seats with a middle side bolster, acceptable adjustment ranges and a heating function.

The second row can even accommodate three people. There is enough free space for everyone. The luggage compartment of the 3rd family is quite roomy according to the class criteria - 445 liters. If the rear seats are folded down, this figure rises to 1,120 liters of usable space. In addition, you will get a fully flat floor.

Under the boot floor you can find a full-size spare wheel, a tool organizer and a traction battery. If there is a need for more space, you can opt for the Toyota Prius Alpha, which will be clearly larger and more spacious.

Prius Generation III Specifications

The movement of the "Japanese" was driven by a hybrid power plant, the total output of which is 136 horsepower. The main unit was a gasoline, four-cylinder, 1.8-liter engine, all functioning according to the same Atkinson type. The engine had multipoint injection, an exhaust gas recirculation system, a 16-valve gas distribution mechanism and variable valve timing.

All this made it possible to give the installation 99 "horses" at 5,200 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The internal combustion engine is assisted by a synchronous electric motor-generator, which received 82 horsepower and 207 Nm of rotational forces.

In addition, a traction 200-volt air-cooled nickel-metal hydride battery was installed, as well as a planetary transmission connecting the motors to the front axle. You can reach the first "hundred" kilometers per hour in 10.4 seconds, and the maximum speed limit is calculated at 180 kilometers per hour. In the combined cycle of driving, the car "eats" no more than 3.9 liters. gasoline for every 100 kilometers.

As mentioned above, the car could come in a different Plug-in Hybrid modification, which has batteries with a capacity of 4.4 kWh.

There is a possibility of recharging from a stationary outlet in an hour and a half. Only on battery charge, Toyota Prius III can travel about 23 kilometers.

The third generation "Japanese" was built on the basis of the front-wheel drive "New MC", where there is an independent "hodovka" type McPherson in front and a semi-independent architecture with an H-shaped cross member at the rear. Stabilizers are used on both the front and rear axles.


Plug-in Hybrid Engine

High-strength steel is used in the body part of the car, and some of its elements are made from the original "Japanese" plant-derived polymer TSOP. The hatchback has a rack and pinion steering system, which is equipped with an electric booster. The braking system is represented on the liftback by disc mechanisms on 4 wheels, where the front ones received a ventilation function.

"Brakes" are complemented by ABS, EBD and other technologies. It is noteworthy that the Japanese company installs similar systems not only in the hatchback, but also, for example, in the Toyota Prius Alpha, which is also quite popular among buyers. It turns out that specialists are trying to maintain and improve all models of their production, which deserves special praise.

The cost and configuration of the Prius III generation

The secondary market of our country offers to buy the third generation "Prius" from 400,000 rubles. The price of later models can go over 1,300,000 rubles. All configurations have:

  • Seven airbags;
  • Heated front seats;
  • ESP, ABS, EBD;
  • Starting the engine using a button;
  • Two-zone "climate";
  • An audio system designed for 6 speakers;
  • Leather interior;
  • Fully LED optics;
  • Four electric windows;
  • 15-inch "rollers";
  • Rear parking sensors, lights, rain and other equipment.

Exterior Prius IV generation

The way the car began to look not only attracted attention to it, but first of all made it fresher and more modern, forcing us to look back at the unusual exterior. Since the initial versions did not shine with an interesting appearance, Toyota had to change something.

At first, the body shape was rather unattractive and the manufacturer got away with it due to the new hybrid concept, but not for long. Therefore, each time the designers had to change something, gradually coming to what we are now discussing. The decision they have come to now when decorating the exterior can be safely called a desire for something new and modern.

Also, the modernization of the exterior was aimed at attracting a younger generation of consumers by making a sports-city car out of a hybrid. The main feature was the new design of the front end of the Toyota Prius. The absence of a false radiator grille replaces the usual black radiator grille trapezoid integrated into the bumper.

Optics, like many modern cars, displays the narrowed gaze of a seriously minded predator. Angular shades, bent strongly, clearly fit into the overall picture, passing from the bumper, almost along the entire hood. The engine compartment lid is slightly lower than expected and is decorated with minimalist ribs to complement the headlights.

The side lights were hidden in the air intakes. A diffuser is located under the bumper itself, which provides protection when driving on wet surfaces. The "cherry" is the company's logo on the pediment. When you look at the nose of the novelty, it seems that this is a typical sports car. And if you look closely, you can see the similarities with the new sedan from Toyota Mirai.

The side of the Prius shows us the striking large doors, which speaks of the improved comfort of getting into the car. On the front doors there are almost the same rear-view mirrors with turn signal repeaters that could be seen on the third generation. The wheel arches look impressive and are not huge in size.

Stylish rims flaunt under the fenders, among which there is even a choice. The completion was of course the traditional lines and grooves, now they are in the area of ​​the lower sides and rear fenders.

Based on the words of the chief engineer of the Prius project, Cozdi Toyesima, during the development of the external appearance, the car was made sporty, because it is now much faster and more dynamic than its previous versions.

Behind restayl touched a few moments. The shade remains the same curved as the previous generation, acquiring a stylish red hue. Even flatter with the redesign of the rear light, the luggage compartment lid is now more user-friendly. And the nearly horizontal rear window adds sportiness to the model.

The dimensions of the Toyota Prius are perfectly matched to the comfortable D-class family car. The hatchback is long - 4540 mm, width - 1760 mm, height - 1470 mm, wheelbase - 2700 mm, and ground clearance 140 mm. "Toyota Prius" has repeatedly proved that during its construction materials were used that meet the requirements of European environmentalists and their standards.

In this kind of tests, the hybrid always took the first places. However, despite its modern and extravagant exterior, not everyone will agree that the designers' decisions were appropriate. But there's nothing you can do about it, because you can't please everyone, but you can make an impression.

The functional and futuristic exterior is completely subordinated to impeccable aerodynamics and depicts the striking character of the most popular hybrid car. Based on the concept of "YU-BI-SHIN" (engineering beauty), the design team fully reimagined the recognizable appearance of the vehicle, making it lower and wider.

IV generation Prius interior

In the new generation of Prius, the insides are not inferior to the appearance, although they have not changed much. Everything is arranged in a very practical and rational way. The Prius also keeps up with current innovations. And why change something if the consumer is satisfied? A three-spoke multifunction steering wheel falls into the hands of the driver, which fits well into the hands. In addition, it also has practical additional functions.

In the center of the steering wheel, the Toyota logo flaunts as standard. There are no usual sensors for monitoring the engine operation behind it. Next is a multifunctional "tidy" installed in the center of the "torpedo". A 4.2-inch touchscreen is built next to it for controlling multimedia devices, an HVAC climate control unit and various service buttons.

I would like to note that the system was developed several years ago and changed little at the moments of restyling, however, it still pleases with its practicality and ability to provide the driver not only with all the necessary information, but also with high-quality audio equipment. Accordingly, the source of energy for the engine is regulated from here, and other features of driving a car.

Underneath all this is the original transmission control center, the location and size of which will take some getting used to. The joystick for choosing the direction of travel is stylishly designed. The parking brake button, Drive Mode and EV Mode are located next door. An innovative feature here is induction charging in a dedicated compartment for smartphones (just put and charge).

Naturally, the designers made sure that the use of all this took a minimum of effort and movement, allowing not to be distracted from the driving process. And the tactile sensations due to the well-chosen material are very pleasant. The doors received semi-chrome handles in a dark shade. Sound insulation has also been raised to a new level of quality.






Front row seats delight with comfort, in comparison with the previous generation, they are much softer. A person with a height of about 1.9 m will be able to settle there without difficulty. But the shape and prominent sides, unfortunately, do not keep the riders in place during turns. However, they maintain the correct body position, which makes them feel less tired after a long trip.

It's nice that the seats are equipped with a wide range of adjusting capabilities. Passengers in the back row will also be able to sit comfortably, having enough legroom, the only exception will be tall people, since it is to the back row that the roof goes down and creates obvious inconveniences.

Complemented by a panoramic roof, which, in tandem with large side and windshields, provides excellent visibility. A battery is mounted behind the backs of the rear passengers, which can be accessed through the trunk. Also, the luggage compartment is not only accessible and practical, but also pleases with a volume of 502 liters (57 more than in the previous generation).

After visiting the 2017 Toyota Prius showroom, you realize that futurism is coming into fashion, which is still in the "Japanese". A little upset by the glossy center console. If you believe the assurances of the company, then this plastic should not be scratched and it should be easy to care for. However, if you take a picture of the center console with the camera, every speck of dust will sparkle in the pictures.

At least, on its dark part, so it will be simply necessary to take a special microfiber with you. Also, the 2017 Toyota Prius interior has an unsuccessful placement of the seat heating buttons. It is not clear why the designers placed them under the center console, in the depths, because they are very difficult to notice in this place, and it is much more difficult to reach them.

However, there is a regulation of the intensity and heating area, which made me happy. Separately, I would like to thank the Japanese specialists for the availability of an autonomous electric cabin heater.

Salon Toyota Prius IV generation is the embodiment of functionality and style. The driver-focused interior space, together with the sporty lowered seating position, helps to tune in to the active driving mode.

Prius Generation IV Specifications

Powertrains and battery

The Synergy Drive system combines the operation of two units. The first, 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a volume of 1.8 liters, with a capacity of 97 horsepower with a peak torque of 142 Newton / meter. It works on the principle of changing Miller cycles, which is analogous to the Atkinson cycle.

The main advantage of such work is efficiency and precise work, although there is a loss of power. The second, an electric motor equal in power to 73 "horses". In general, this makes it possible to reach 100 km / h in about 10 seconds. An interesting fact is that a gasoline engine is primarily intended for recharging an electric motor and is not responsible for movement. And accordingly, the Toyota Prius has no idle speed. The movement of the vehicle is monitored by the electric motor itself.

If you release the gas pedal, then all the energy that can be attributed to and received from coasting or braking is transferred to charging. The greater the number of such braking or coasting, the faster the battery will be charged. It turns out that the car is ideal for urban conditions and traffic jams.

Such solutions in the design of the power unit made it possible to improve the consumption of the system efficiency from 38.5% to 40%. The estimated fuel consumption directly depends on the improved thermal efficiency, which has increased from the previous 38.5% to 40%. Although the car is not gluttonous outside the city, spending only 3-4 liters per hundred, it is presented as a sitikar.

In a city, a car will need twice as much to travel 100 kilometers as in a city - 8 liters. Although the difference seems to be a large consumption, it still remains modest, especially given its environmentally friendly focus. In the combined driving mode, a car consumes an average of 5-6 liters for the same hundred kilometers.

True, one should not forget that sometimes you still have to charge the battery from your home network, and this also entails some costs. The good news is that with a fully charged battery, the hybrid can travel up to 50 kilometers. I would like to note that such a device was put into use by the manufacturer a long time ago, but it still pleases with its performance.

Toyota Prius IV has a nickel-metal hydride battery with a capacity of 1.3 kWh. I was pleased that 163 Nm of rotational forces are already available from the electric motor immediately, at the start.

Transmission

The drive is distributed by a stepless automatic both to the front axle and to the rear. The box is represented by an electromechanical variator with a planetary power divider.

Chassis

Toyota Prius of the fourth generation is built on the TNGA platform, the main point of which is that it lowers the center of gravity and improves resistance to torsion, all this is possible due to the increased body rigidity by 60% more than before the restyle. It's easier to get used to the handling due to the sophisticated adjustment of the independent suspension, which is presented in the front in the MacPherson levers, and in the rear in the form of wishbones instead of a bending beam.

Moreover, this solution has increased the safety while driving a car. In addition to the quality of the materials, attention was paid to the weight. This contributed to an average weight loss of 100 kilograms, namely: 113 for the version with a standard battery and 85 kilograms, the equipment that can be charged from a home network became lighter. The braking system contains ventilated discs on all four wheels.

Security

After the introduction of the TNGA platform into the fourth generation, it was possible not only to make the body more rigid, but also to integrate a whole range of safety systems into it. Now in the Toyota Prius, in addition to 7 or 9 airbags, there is a package called Toyota Safety Sense (abbreviated as TSS).

A laser radar and a camera provide information to the TSS computer. The complex can control automatic braking using the Pre-Collision System, as well as recognize pedestrians using the Pedestrian Detection program. There are also such assistants as Lane Departure Alert and Steering Assist, Full-Speed ​​Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and automatic headlight control that reacts to approaching objects.

Among the airbags there are frontal, side, curtains for all rows of seats, a driver's knee airbag. In addition, there is the presence of active head restraints in the first row of seats and the Isofix child seat attachment system. Electronic systems include tire pressure sensors, anti-lock braking systems and other active safety and dynamics control systems.

We did not forget to install the electronic brake force distribution (EBD), emergency braking assistance (BAS), exchange rate stability system (VSC +), traction control (TRC).

Since the model meets the latest equipment criteria, that is, a rain and light sensor, as well as the presence of cruise control, a rear camera with dynamic marking lines, a head-up display. Based on EuroNCAP data, the car was recognized as one of the safest, which is why it received the maximum 5 stars.

Options and prices

From a number of changes that have occurred in the Prius model, we can conclude that in comparison with the previous version, a strong rise in price should not have happened. Toyota put price tags on the base kit - in North America $ 25,000, and in Europe more expensive than € 27,000. In Russia, the price for the basic version is 2,112,000 rubles.

Interestingly, the basic configuration includes LED headlights, an ERA-GLONASS system, a head-up display, leather interior and 15-inch wheels. And despite everything, the car is popular in both regions. The model has received a fairly rich package of functions that will serve the benefit of the driver and passengers.

The list includes:

  • Chamber;
  • Automated climate control;
  • Multimedia system with 6 speakers located around the perimeter of the car;
  • Heated exterior mirrors;
  • On-board computer;
  • Electric power steering;
  • Steering column adjustment:
  • Slope and depth.

Safety is provided by as many as 9 airbags that can save passengers even in the event of a severe accident. All the functions of the multimedia system cannot be enumerated, but it is worth noting the presence of a standard set: Bluetooth, AUX, CD and USB input. The available package is optionally expanded by installing a modern GPS system.

The text on the screen can be pronounced by the robot-speaker. All systems are controlled by a full-color touchscreen monitor. Among other things, you will find in the salon: multifunction steering wheel; rear view camera; power windows; keyless access to the salon. The safety system can be supplemented with an option containing the Toyota Safety Sense protective complex.

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