Toyota Prius

  • Bodywork berlina
  • Puertas 5
  • Plazas 5
  • Power 223 cv
  • Consumer goods 4,1 l / 100km
  • Assessment 4,8

Throughout the more than 100 years of automobile history, few have been the cars that appear with gold letters, but the Toyota Prius It is one of them. Born more than 25 years ago, the Prius of Toyota It is recognized around the world as a car that has transformed the industry, the first commercial hybrid that ushered in the era of electrification.

Although it was not until the second generation that it truly achieved worldwide success, today there are already five generations that have been launched on the market.. The last of them is presented at the end of 2022 to leave in the past the 2019 Toyota Prius. A significant leap is produced not only at a mechanical level, but also in terms of presentation, going on to offer the new design DNA of the house that is partially inspired by models such as the Toyota bZ4X, the company's first electric.

Technical characteristics of the Toyota Prius

New Toyota Prius

At first glance, the first differences between this new generation of the Toyota Prius and the one that is left behind are obvious, but it is not the only one. Beneath the slim body is the second-generation TNGA-C platform.. It is the first model to use it on a global scale, although other models use derived formats such as Toyota Corolla or Toyota RAV4.

The natural tendency of the market is to make each generation bigger than the last, but that's not the case with the new Prius. Toyota considerably modifies the measures to adapt to the compact segment: 4,53 meters long, 1,78 meters wide and 1,42 meters high are its new heights. To these figures we must add a wheelbase of 2,75 meters, 5 centimeters more than the previous unit.

That means that Toyota has improved the interior space without making the car bigger. The presence of very short overhangs stands out, especially the rear. The interior capacity will allow up to five passengers to go with some comfort. Given the recent launch, we still have some information to know, such as the cargo capacity of the trunk.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Toyota Prius

New Toyota Prius

Toyota has a very marked electrification roadmap, and although many accuse the Japanese company of lagging behind in its 100% electric cars, the evolution of the Prius shows very well which is the way forward. The fifth generation completely changes its approach to Europe, getting rid of conventional hybrid versions and aiming exclusively at a plug-in hybrid mechanics. In Spain it will have the ZERO label of the DGT.

The propulsion system uses a two-liter displacement Atkinson cycle gasoline engine as the main block. By itself it develops a power of 151 horsepower. Next to it we find an electrical block that adds 163 horsepower. At maximum performance, with both engines working together the Prius offers a maximum power of 223 horsepower. Much more performance than the Prius PHEV that we have known so far.

The electrical part is fed from a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 13,6 kWh, which allows it to offer an approved autonomy of 68 kilometers in WLTP cycle. At the moment, no technical data on charging power has been provided, although it has been reported that a roof with a photovoltaic panel will be available as part of the optional equipment.

Equipment of the Toyota Prius

New Toyota Prius

Behind closed doors, the Prius completely changes its creative approach. The presentation is much more modern than that of the previous generation. The main structure is reminiscent of that of the bZ4X. Digitization takes almost all the leading role in the cabin thanks to two panels. The first is found doing the instrumentation functions, showing information related to driving.

The second screen is that of the multimedia system. Toyota uses the latest version of its operating system to improve the user experience, handling and ease of use. With a size of up to 12 inches, almost all the car's functionalities are collected in it, with the exception of air conditioning. Toyota has decided to keep a separate module much more practical and safe.

As far as equipment is concerned, Toyota Spain has not provided information on how the range will be structured. The usual trim levels are expected, which will not only modify the technological load, but will also allow the general design of the car to be changed. In this way, the client will be able to have a unit more adapted to his particular style. Highlights are eye-catching paintwork never seen on the Prius.

The Toyota Prius on video

The Toyota Prius of Km 0 and second hand

Being first gives you a huge competitive advantage. The Toyota Prius enjoyed many years as the world's best-selling hybrid. The success of its second and third generation has been enormous. In all these years it has earned a well-deserved reputation for durability and savings. Thanks to this we find numerous units available in alternative sales channels, where less than average depreciation can be seen of the segment.

If we take a look at the used and second-hand market, we see that the cheapest units correspond to the second and third generation, sold en masse all over the world. Prices start at figures close to 5.000 euros for models with more than 250.000 kilometers. The Km 0 channel has no units available since all dealers expect the arrival of the fifth generation in mid-2023.

Rivals of the Toyota Prius

The changes that the Prius has undergone force us to look at new rivals within the category. We can define it as a compact saloon with plug-in hybrid mechanics. With these characteristics we can find several models capable of standing up, such as: Peugeot 308, Kia Niro, DS 4, Mercedes A-Class Sedan, Opel Astra y CUPRA Leon, among others. All of them similar in terms of size and with plug-in hybrid mechanics.

Highlight

  • Integrated
  • Performance
  • Equipment

To improve

  • High price
  • Few mechanical options
  • Interior customization

Toyota Prius Price

For the moment Toyota has only reported the launch of the model, although the start of sales will be delayed until mid-2023. Until then we will not be able to know the sales prices for the Spanish market, although everyone assumes that it will grow compared to to the outgoing model. The first notes indicate a minimum starting price of around 40.000 euros, without offers or promotions.

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