Toyota Prius Part 1 of 3: Design
A blend of appealing design and high-mileage aerodynamics
The third generation Toyota Prius arrives on the heels of its hugely successful predecessor, ready to take the baton and continue leading a growing pack of hybrids. With a more mature design, the newest Prius builds on the positive attributes of its forebears, while leaving behind some of the less desirable elements.Rather than looking like just another car, the Prius embraces its status as the hybrid car poster child by actually looking the part. You won't see a Prius and confuse it with anything "normal" as the design of this car has become the very definition of what a hybrid should look like.
The science of aerodynamics dictates much of the car's shape, but there's more to it than that. Toyota very cleverly hasn't ventured too far away from the look of the grand-slam sales success that was the second generation Prius. Instead, the company has matured the look, continuing to define its aero-imposed silhouette with subtle sculpturing in key areas.
Examples of this sharp attention to detail are found at the front of the car, where the corporate badge sits on a softly raised nose that adds personality to the cars face. We also see crisp surface changes on either side of the lower intake, as well as on the corners just outside of the driving lamps. These facets perfectly illustrate the collaborative efforts of aero engineers and designers in achieving functional shapes that also look great - a true win-win scenario.
Around the back - where aerodynamics continue to play a huge role - we find more clean surface breaks at the corners. Artfully integrated into the taillight shapes and the trailing edge of the hatch, this crisp line allows the laminar flow of air passing along the sides of the car to cleanly break away at the back, resulting in reduced drag, and of course - the primary goal of the Prius - higher mileage numbers.
Toyota has also been crafty in carefully massaging the car's proportions, perhaps the single weakest element of previous Prius models. One key ingredient to that end is the availability of larger, 17-in. wheels on the top-line Prius V model. These work wonders for the car's stance and its overall visual appeal.
While I wasn't a fan of the "glorified golf cart" that was the first Prius, the second generation was significantly better, although in my opinion, still a little dorky looking. This newest one, however, is a huge improvement that to my eye, actually looks pretty good. But - and this is a big but - it MUST have the optional larger wheels from the Prius V in order to avoid looking goofy.
Finally, the increased width of the car contributes as much to the improved proportions as to interior volume, another win-win for the Prius design team.
Slowly but surely shedding the "tech-geek" look of its predecessors - if not completely its similar image - the Toyota Prius has grown in both size and appeal, looking perfectly positioned to continue its impressive sales success.
Toyota Prius
Performance
- Acceleration: Not even remotely quick - CVT keeps the engine crying at its horsepower peak when you're on it - not enough of that electric-car surge
- Handling: Its weakest dynamic element - Prius V model offers firmer suspension... should be standard
- Braking: Regenerative brakes more transparent than previous model - spongy feel is at least consistent with the car's handling
Design
- Exterior: Perhaps its strongest attribute, with excellent aero detailing - the de facto hybrid look - larger wheels fitted to Prius V an absolute must
- Interior: Again, defines the category - excellent overall design, but with cheap looking and feeling materials
Utility
- Comfort: Given its size, excellent for front and rear occupants - strong A/C system, too
- Space: Adequate for its size - aero silhouette costs it some packaging space, but not as much as its main rival, the Honda Insight
Safety
- Dynamics: Ah... no - intrusive stability control system is actually welcomed
- Technology: All the safety technology that a super power like Toyota can muster up
Value
- Price: The biggest disadvantage compared to the Honda Insight - Toyota cleverly left room at the bottom for a Prius I stripper
- Mileage: The King
Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Only if you can get your thrills from maximizing mileage
- Fun to spank: Simply not applicable
SPECIFICATIONS
Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 1.8-liter, Inline-4 / electric motor hybrid
Power (SAE): 134 hp (hybrid system net power)
Gearbox: Constantly Variable (CVT)
Curb Weight: 3042 lbs.
0-60 mph: 9.8 sec.
Top Speed: 112 mph
Mileage: 51 city / 48 highway
Base Price: $22,000
Competitors: Honda Insight, Honda Fit, 10-speed bicycle
