The Toyota
Prius Hybrid
(Updated:
November 2009)
About
the Toyota Prius
In an
unusual move, Toyota will offer both 2nd and 3rd
generation Prius hybrids when the 2010 Prius becomes
available in May.
While
early predictions assumed the new Prius would be priced
significantly higher than the current Prius, rumors from
Japan indicate that the new Prius might be priced much
closer to the current Prius.
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Customized
your hybrid yet? The
second generation Prius, on the other hand, will be
priced much closer to the Honda Insight hybrid - around
$20,000. However, the 2nd generation Prius will probably
be stripped down, even more so than the current base
Prius. The
Big Question: Fuel Economy The
current Prius is rated 48/45 mpg city/highway. The 2010
Prius will achieve 51/48 mpg city/highway. However,
early testing has indicated that the third generation
Prius can achieve more than 60 mpg in some conditions. Ultimately,
hypermilers have achieved far better fuel economy than
the EPA, and the new Prius will offer hypermilers even
better tools for those seeking to extend the fuel
efficiency of their hybrids. Third
Generation Prius versus the Second Generation Prius The
2010 Toyota Prius, aka, third gen Prius, will use a
hybrid drive that was almost completely redeveloped. Likewise,
while the second generation Prius used 1.5 liter
Atkinson cycle engine, the new Prius will use a 1.8L
DOHC 16-Valve VVT-i 1.8L Atkinson cycle engine that will
provide quicker performance and greater fuel economy,
especially on the highway. The
battery pack in the two Prius hybrids is relatively the
same in terms of voltage, but the new battery back was
reduced in size and repositioned. This provides
increased cabin room and cargo space, as well as better
battery efficiency, which is warranted at 10
years/150,000 miles. The
new Prius will also add new driving modes compared to
the current Prius, rather than just normal and eco. EV
Mode will help the 2010 Prius stay in electric mode only
for about a mile at speeds less than 25 mph. ECO and
Power modes are pretty obvious, but it is worth noting
that ECO mode is great for those whom drive in snow and
ice. In
terms of Packaging, the new Prius will offer a number of
new features and options, such as an Advanced Technology
Package that includes a Pre-collision system, Lane Keep
Assist, and Intelligent Parking Assist, as well as and a
Solar Roof Package. The
Solar Roof Package is not about charging the battery to
extend the fuel efficiency of the Prius, rather the
solar roof is used for ventilation and air conditioning. So,
the new Prius will offer a bit more room, especially in
the cabin and cargo areas, while also offering better
performance and fuel economy. Additionally, the Prius
will offer a host of new features for technology fans. Does
the Prius save money? According
to a an Edmunds.com
study, the Toyota Prius can recover its hybrid
technology costs in just three years. Of course, this
study was carried out when both gas prices were high, and when Toyota qualified for the full clean
vehicle tax credit. So this data is going to change
significantly.
For
instance, how does this data change if the new base
Prius only costs $20,000?
Likewise,
how does this change if the 2010 Prius costs the same as
the second generation Prius - at the base model - but
adds a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy?
Ultimately,
however, it all comes down to gas prices. It's hard to
argue that the Prius recovers it costs in less than 5
years at current energy costs. Nonetheless, gas prices
are expected to increase, not just this summer, but into
the future, especially when the recession concludes. In
fact, many, such as Boone Pickens, are predicting a huge
oil price spike in 2011. So, we here at Soultek believe
that either Prius will be a worthy investment.
Which
should you buy?
So, which
Toyota Prius is the right Prius for you?
First,
it's important to note that JD Power data consistently
shows that consumers of the Prius are extremely happy,
and Consumer Reports consistently recommends the Prius
as a Best Buy.
Thus, the
2nd generation Prius is a top notch car. For those whom
have budget constraints, a slightly stripped down Prius
- such as one without keyless entry - could be a
fantastic deal if pricing is about $20,000.
For those
seeking a bigger statement, the Prius will be the
choice, especially for early adopters. Moreover, for
those consumers used to a bit more luxury than what the
Prius typically offers, the 3rd generation Prius will
offer the kind of innovative features, such as Parking
Assist to help with parallel parking, that could be the
big difference. Still, it will all come down to pricing.
And, after
you buy your new Prius, be sure to add
a Prius testimonial. And, if you aren't sure about
Prius performance in the real world, again, check out Prius
testimonials.
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More
on the Toyota Prius Hybrid
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Test
Driving the Toyota Prius Hybrid
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Toyota
Prius Testimonials, including gas mileage
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Tax
deduction for the Toyota Prius
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Read about the Prius
on the Hybridcarblog.
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