Toyota Prius Hybrid (Next-Generation) – Auto Expo Report
The all-new fourth-generation Toyota Prius was presented at the just concluded 2016 Delhi Auto Expo. Being the world’s first mass-produced petrol hybrid, more than 3.5 million Prius has been already sold worldwide in the last two decades. In India too, the Toyota Prius became the first hybrid car to enter the market in 2012.
The new Prius comes with a striking design and higher fuel efficiency than before, with a combined mileage of 40.8 kmpl in ‘Eco’ mode as per the manufacturer (in a JDM-spec car).
The 2016 Toyota Prius is built on the company’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) modular platform. Radical changes to the car comes from the new high-strength body structure, a fresh double-wishbone independent suspension at the rear, and a lower center of gravity out of numerous body tweaks for a more engaging driving and road dynamics. There have been improvements made in terms of aerodynamics, along with all-new exterior design and roomier interiors. It’s ‘lift-back’ layout is now more prominent.
The mid-size hybrid car retains the 1.8-litre four-cylinder VVT-i naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 98 PS (72 kW) and 142 Nm of max torque, as the principal power source. Working in tandem are the two electric motors of varying capacities – one delivering 53 kW and 163 Nm of torque, while the other making 5.3 kW and 55 Nm of torque. A CVT gearbox aids the power delivery to the front wheels. The car features regenerative braking technology linked to the hybrid battery pack. The JDM-spec (Japanese Market) Prius is also available with all-wheel drive technology.
Design wise, the new Prius is now more sharper-looking thanks to the angular headlamp and tail lamp designs, sharply defined body surfaces and character lines on the sides, and an arced contour of the roof integrating with the tailgate that ends abruptly with the vertical-sweeping tail lamps. On the inside, the Prius gets tweaked dual-tone interiors along with centrally mounted guage panel, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, Qi wireless charging, and a 4.2-inch color dual Multi-Information Display.
The new next-generation Prius is likely to be launched in the months to come in the domestic market. At the auto expo, the company also presented the Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Hybrid, and unveiled the next-generation 2016 Toyota Innova Crysta MPV.
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