Toyota Expands Prius Family with Prius v for More Versatility
Toyota Prius v (Courtesy of Toyota Media) The new 2012 Prius v (NOT a Roman numeral, but v for versatility) hopes to bring new buyers to the countrys best-selling Hybrid family. A group of journalists from the southwest met in Boulder, Colorado, recently to test drive the new midsize vehicles, which are scheduled to hit the market this fall.
How is it different from the older models?
Were so glad you asked!
The new v model has a lot more cargo space (even more than 80 percent of compact SUVs), an efficient Hybrid Synergy Drive that can achieve a combined MPG rating of 42 MPG (44 in town and 40 on the highway), premium-level safety systems, integrated multimedia that offers all the technology required by the target demos of young, active families, plus Pitch and Bounce Control and a panoramic-view moon-roof.
Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter said, Because its a Prius, it produces 66 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle and will have the best mileage ratings of any SUV, crossover, or wagon sold in America. We think thats a win-win for everybody.
Press materials explain that the Hybrid Synergy Drive is built around a specially adapted, efficient 98-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle and contributes to a total system horsepower of 134.
Key components include an electric water pump that requires no belts, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that helps warm the engine quickly, reducing fuel consumption when the engine is cold.
Compact and light weight, the! engine produces minimal noise and vibration. Sophisticated valve control, injector design, and other technologies reduce emissions to allow the Prius v to qualify for SULEV and Tier2 Bin3 emissions standards.
In Power mode (my favorite!), enhanced mid-range response makes it easier to cope with slopes and to climb mountainous terrain.
In EV mode, the Prius v can run on battery power alone for short distances and lower speeds, up to about a mile (useful when coming down from the mountain).
In Eco driving mode, the engine management system prioritizes fuel economy, managing throttle response and limiting power consumption from the air conditioning.
Even the backseat passengers have plenty of legroom (as demonstrated by one of the 64 journalists attending the Boulder drive). The 60/40 split and folding rear seats allow four different seat positions, while the front passenger seat can also be folded flat for longer cargo.
The rear hatch opens wide to show off 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which Toyota designers say is the most space of any dedicated hybrid vehicle currently on the market.
Storage spaces include dual glove bo! xes, a c enter-console utility tray and five cup holders, with bottle holders in the front and rear door pockets and an overhead storage space for sunglasses or small items. Side storage units can hold gloves and car wash items or other tools, and theres even a special umbrella slot under the rear seats.
SofTex, a new spill-resistant seat material designed for easy cleaning, is lighter to help reduce the vehicles weight by 50 percent.
How is it different from the older models?
Were so glad you asked!
The new v model has a lot more cargo space (even more than 80 percent of compact SUVs), an efficient Hybrid Synergy Drive that can achieve a combined MPG rating of 42 MPG (44 in town and 40 on the highway), premium-level safety systems, integrated multimedia that offers all the technology required by the target demos of young, active families, plus Pitch and Bounce Control and a panoramic-view moon-roof.
Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter said, Because its a Prius, it produces 66 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle and will have the best mileage ratings of any SUV, crossover, or wagon sold in America. We think thats a win-win for everybody.
Hybrid Synergy Drive
The Prius v will utilize the same Hybrid Synergy Drive system as the third-generation Prius, with the advantages of high mileage, low emissions, and never needing to be recharged.Press materials explain that the Hybrid Synergy Drive is built around a specially adapted, efficient 98-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle and contributes to a total system horsepower of 134.
Key components include an electric water pump that requires no belts, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that helps warm the engine quickly, reducing fuel consumption when the engine is cold.
Compact and light weight, the! engine produces minimal noise and vibration. Sophisticated valve control, injector design, and other technologies reduce emissions to allow the Prius v to qualify for SULEV and Tier2 Bin3 emissions standards.
Driving Modes
While driving through the beautiful mountain terrain outside Boulder we did a lot of climbing, and enjoyed trying the different driving modes available on the test model. Along with the standard mode, Prius v drive system includes an Eco driving mode, an EV driving mode, and a Power mode.In Power mode (my favorite!), enhanced mid-range response makes it easier to cope with slopes and to climb mountainous terrain.
In EV mode, the Prius v can run on battery power alone for short distances and lower speeds, up to about a mile (useful when coming down from the mountain).
In Eco driving mode, the engine management system prioritizes fuel economy, managing throttle response and limiting power consumption from the air conditioning.
Comfortable Inside Proportions
Overall, proportions inside the Prius v are extremely comfortable for a driver and four passengers, while visibility is enhanced, thanks to a high seating position that still provides ample headroom.Even the backseat passengers have plenty of legroom (as demonstrated by one of the 64 journalists attending the Boulder drive). The 60/40 split and folding rear seats allow four different seat positions, while the front passenger seat can also be folded flat for longer cargo.
The rear hatch opens wide to show off 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which Toyota designers say is the most space of any dedicated hybrid vehicle currently on the market.
User-Friendly Controls
The Prius v is very user-friendly, with a center-mounted instrument panel, driving controls that include pushbutton start, parking switch, drive-by wire shift toggle, and driving mode buttons only a touch away.Storage spaces include dual glove bo! xes, a c enter-console utility tray and five cup holders, with bottle holders in the front and rear door pockets and an overhead storage space for sunglasses or small items. Side storage units can hold gloves and car wash items or other tools, and theres even a special umbrella slot under the rear seats.
SofTex, a new spill-resistant seat material designed for easy cleaning, is lighter to help reduce the vehicles weight by 50 percent.
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