Toyota's Prius upgraded for 2012
Better value and improved dynamics denote the revised Toyota PriusAn updated Prius for the new model year will sit snugly between the recently released Camry Hybrid and the brand new Prius c, a smaller hatch aimed at the light-car segment. And for the time being, at least, it remains clear of both Honda's Insight and Civic Hybrid models.
"Prius has laid the groundwork for hybrid cars to be immersed into the mainstream and the latest improvements make it an even stronger proposition," said Toyota's director for sales and marketing, Matthew Callachor, as quoted in a press release issued today.
The base model Prius is now $33,990 — $1000 less than before and fully $6000 less than the Prius on its debut in Australia back in 2001. Not only has Toyota whittled away the price, but the company has also respecified the base model with standard reversing camera and 6.1-inch EGA colour display. In addition, the base-grade Prius now boasts daytime running lights, power fold-in mirrors and an eco-friendly eight-speaker audio system.
Pricing for the high-grade Prius i-Tech remains positioned at $45,990, but the upmarket variant scores more standard equipment still: 17-inch alloy wheels for starters, along with eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, hard drive for the satellite navigation, digital radio and revised leather trim.
The Prius has been facelifted around the front end and is updated inside also. A larger grille combines with the revised from bumper for a wider look, according to Toyota. Fog lights have been repositioned and the LED DRLs are located in the bumper, beneath the indicators. Tail lights have been restyled, as have the alloy wheels for the base-model Prius. Toyota states that the facelift has increased the overall length of the Prius by 20mm, but without adding to the wheelbase or adversely affecting the car's aerodynamic drag (0.25Cd). Dynamic Blue and Scarlet are two new exterior colours adding to the total selection of eight.
Front seats have been reshaped for better support, Toyota claims, and interior has been revised in detail. A new, built-in cupholder in the centre console is now open and doesn't require the user to lift a lid first. Toyota designers have relocated the USB port, AUX radio input terminal and 12-Volt power socket for easier access from the front of the centre console. Trim materials are darker and silver inserts decorate the centre console and air vents. The start button is now blue in colour and the multi-information display now provides a higher resolution read-out. Data now provided through the display include a monthly fuel consumption record (with rolling archive going back as long as five months) and a savings calculator.
Underneath, the Prius now rides on a stiffer body, courtesy of more spot welds and structural reinforcement during the manufacturing process. This has allowed Toyota engineers to specify a softer suspension setting without detriment to handling and roadholding. Toyota claims that the stronger bracing adopted has improved the rigidity of the steering column for better feel. And NVH is reduced by means of fitting better sound-insulation materials in the cabin.
Otherwise the Prius is mechanically unchanged.
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