Was it a good idea to bring the new Toyota Prius back to the UK?
Exterior – Front
So, let’s start with the styling as this has changed the most on this new Prius. The old Prius never look good but this one is completely different. It looks decent. So, let’s start with the headlights. They have a new 2-layer design to them giving it a modern concept like look. The actual headlights are on the lower layer and are very slim. The headlights are connected to a thin black grill. Lower down we have a central air vent with a silver effect surround and a gloss black surround with bits that stick out to make the Prius look wider than what it is.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and we get the usual sleek silhouette of the Prius. We also get minimal creases to make the car as smooth as possible. We get some big windows to let loads of light in and we also get sporty alloy wheels which make the Prius look more premium than before.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and we get a bit of an odd design, but it is better than what the previous Prius was which is a good start. We get a light bar and this black panel that leaks down to the side of the Prius. Nothing we have seen before on any car. It does look modern and futuristic though just like the big Prius lettering in the centre. The bumper mimics the style of the front central air vent which I like. Let’s have a look at what engine, battery, and motor options you can have with the Toyota Prius.
Car and engine specs and price
so, with the Prius expect the similar engines as the previous model. Let’s start with the plug in hybrid option. This uses a 2-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. This gives you 220 bhp which allows for a 6.7 second 0-62 time. This is not bad. Electric only driving is also good at about 60 miles. For the normal hybrid models, you can have either a 1.8 litre petrol engine or a 2.0 litre petrol engine with 190 bhp. The price of the new Toyota Prius has not been announced yet at the time of making this video. If it has been announced when this goes live, I will leave a comment below.
Interior – Design
So, getting inside and if you remember the old Prius interior, it was never the best looking. It was always odd. This new interior on the other hand feels like it comes from an actual Toyota car. The new Toyota Prius interior has stepped up of design and materials. Let’s start with the dashboard. We get the new Toyota infotainment system that can also be found in the Lexus and Subaru cars as well as other new Toyota cars like the upcoming CH-R. this infotainment system is easy to use, and the graphics are very clear. The instrument cluster is now in front of the driver and again it is very easy to see. The whole dashboard design is minimalistic with a thin set of climate control switches and a premium centre console, and a gear shifter taken from a Lexus. What I do like though is that Toyota have copied Peugeot. They have put a small steering wheel in so you can see the instrument cluster over it and not through it. This may be a deal breaker for some drivers, but I have tested it in a Peugeot, and it is fine. The seats use premium materials and are quite comfortable and you could do long journeys in them. let’s have a look at the back seats as we all know that this car will be used as a taxi.
Practicality
So, getting into the back of the Prius and it is a bit of a disappointment. Because of the sloping roof the headroom is not the best and people over 6-foot won’t fit in with comfort. Leg room is much better though but if you want to fit 3 people in the back the middle person will not fit unless it is a child as the middle seat is raised so headroom is even less. You do get USB C ports though and rear heated seats and the rear windows go all the way down. Let’s have a look in the boot.
Boot Size
So, opening the boot you are welcomed with only 284 litres of boot space. The boot is wide and long but the reason why it is so small, it is not that deep as they have reduced the load lip. This does mean though when you fold down the rear seats, you get a flat load floor.
Summary
So, what do I think of the new Toyota Prius then. Well, the design is much better than before and so is the interior. It is just a shame that it is not that practical. The size of the boot is even less than the previous Prius. This won’t make it a great taxi car, and this is what the Prius is all about. It’s a shame as this is a much better car.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 4/5
Practicality 2/5
Total 11/15
Model | Toyota Prius |
Engine | 2.0 Litre Plug in Hybird, 220 bhp, 0-62 mph = 6.7, 60 Miles electric Only. |
Trnasmission | CVT Automatic |
Price | N/A |
On Sale | N/A |
Comments