The fifth generation Toyota Prius is a “Hybrid Reborn” with great looks.
In the era of battery electric vehicles, the hybrid is beginning to look like yesterday’s news. Today almost every premium European sedan is offered as a hybrid by default. Today the car that popularised the hybrid trend 25 years ago, the Toyota Prius, is back for a 5th generation and it looks to change what’s expected of ‘hybrids’. We like this new direction for the Prius and hope that UMW Toyota can make the case for it here.
The all-new Toyota Prius replaces the fourth generation model, which was globally revealed in 2015 but was never brought into Malaysia (unlike the third generation model). As before, the Prius will be built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), but evolved for a 2nd generation.
There are additional reinforcements throughout the body for increased rigidity and improved quietness. The chassis setup features MacPherson struts in front and double wishbones at the rear.
It will be available as a Series Parallel Hybrid (HEV) by the end of 2022 and as a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) early next year.
For the HEV model, a more powerful 193PS 2.0L engine has been fitted with Toyota’s E-Four all-wheel drive system. Despite the 1.6X increase in power and improved traction, the HEV features the same fuel efficiency as the Prius 1.8L that it replaces.
As for the Prius PHEV, this will come with a 2.0L Dynamic Force engine and lithium-ion batteries for 223PS, enabling a 0-100km/h time of just 6.7 seconds while maintaining the previous model’s fuel efficiency levels. What’s more, PHEV models get a new, efficient solar charging system which can recover 1,250km of electric driving per year. The system charges the drive battery when parked and charges the auxiliary battery when on the move.
What’s more, EV driving range is 50% higher than before. Users can also do more with in the vehicle when immobile and charging. The battery pack has been relocated under the rear passenger seats, so cargo room is no longer affected. The car can also serve as an external power supply as standard.
The 5th generation Toyota Prius will also feature the latest Toyota Safety Sense package with improved functions as standard and Toyota Teammate is available.
Styling is of course, subjective, but we think Toyota has designed its best Prius yet. The recognisable ‘monoform silhouette’ of the Prius takes on a low centre of gravity and puts on a set of 19″ wheels. The hammerhead shark look from the bZ4X and other upcoming electric Toyotas looks understated and cool without being needlessly aggressive. The Prius will be available in 8 body colours, including Ash and Mustard as shown in the press photos.
Inside, an “island architecture” concept enables the driver to focus on the road with minimal distractions. The instrument panel uses Toyota’s first illuminated warning system.
