Sep 24, 2009, post by ALTUM
The new fully hybrid Prius is the third Toyota model to be granted a 5-star rating this year, after the iQ and new Toyota Avensis. It incorporates the same safety components of the previous generation Prius that in 2004 achieved the greatest 5-star rating for occupant safety protection.
The new Prius is the first fully hybrid car tested by Euro NCAP, and it easily passed with flying colours achieving 82% overall for child occupancy and 88% for adult occupancy in the test results – some of the highest scores ever. Active, passive and pedestrian safety features have all been upgraded throughout.
The major safety equipment includes seven airbags and active headrests, whiplash injury lessening seat design, knee protection panel and seatbelt reminder system for the driver, front and rear passengers. Whilst driving safety systems include electronically controlled braking (ECB), vehicle stability control (VSC+), brake assist (BA) and full traction control (TRAC).
Jul 01, 2009, post by ALTUM
As some of Toyota’s regular visitors will know, the new hybrid Prius has been busy touring the UK over the last few weeks. The third-generation Prius is faster, more economical and has more technology than its predecessors. Toyota has changed the 1.5 litre engines from the two previous models with a larger 1.8 litre power pack. This allows driving at lower-revs so ultimately uses less fuel on motorway runs and in cold-start situations. Bodywork has been re-engineered to improve the drag co-efficient to 0.25 and torque has been increased, leading to an impressive 0-60mph time of just 9.8 seconds, a second quicker than the previous models.
The new model has three driver-selectable driving modes. ‘EV-Drive’ lets you run on the battery alone for up to a mile if conditions allow. ‘Power Mode’ increases the sensitivity of the throttle for a sportier ride and ‘Eco Mode’ which prudently alternates between petrol and electric drives to return the best MPG.
Toyota is previewing the car to journalists and customers at the Longcross test track and proving ground in Surrey. Watch out for the full showcase of the Prius at this years Geneva motor show.
