Toyota rolled out its third-generation Prius, the top-selling gas-electric hybrid vehicle in the world. Toyota is still building upon the basic Prius concept with hatchback design. The third-generation Prius is built on a new platform that enables improved handling control, quieter operation and also roomy enough to be practical as a family sedan. The Prius most direct competitor is probably the 2010 Honda Insight, which is also newly redesigned, also comes only with hybrid power. Credited with establishing hybrid technology as a foundation for future vehicles, the three generations of the Prius model have set new standards for innovative hybrid design and technology, raising its level of convenience features and performance to new heights as a five-star ratings in hybrid-electric class.
The design of the new Prius’ front and rear corners are sharp, sporty and aerodynamic. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the smooth, geometric shape. Viewed from the rear, wider rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted stance. The 106.3-inch wheelbase is the same as the previous generation. Overall length is slightly increased by 0.6 inches, in part by moving the front cowl forward. The overall height of the Prius is the same as the previous model, but moving the peak 3.9 inches to the rear alters the roof profile. This change maintains the wedge shape, and also allows for enhanced rear headroom and improved aerodynamics.
Inside the cockpit, the center cluster smoothly flows from the instrument panel to the console. Handy storage space has been added under the shift lever by taking advantage of the shift-by-wire system. Simple, fin-type air vents are consistent with the cabin’s efficient appearance. Judicious use of silver accents adds a finished, technical feel. The cargo area of the new Prius was made 0.4 inches longer and 2.2 inches wider by using a new and an improved layout for the battery cooling unit. Rear seat legroom is enhanced by a new space-saving contoured front-seat design.
The 2010 Prius’ powerplant consists of a 1.8-liter, 98-horsepower gasoline engine and two electric motors tied together by a planetary gearset that acts as a continuously variable transmission. Total horsepower is now 134, up from 110 before. Average fuel economy range between 48 and 52 mpg, in keeping with the EPA’s rating for the 2010 Prius of 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway. Where the previous model had a 1.5-liter engine, Toyota bumped the displacement up to 1.8 in the 2010 Prius, and also made some refinements in the electric drive system. Toyota claims the larger engine actually gets better fuel economy in some circumstances than the smaller one.
Source: AutoBlog
