Discussion
Whatever they've been smoking at Toyota, just say no.
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/08/21/2016-toyota-pri...
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/08/21/2016-toyota-pri...
I'll give it a chance - our Gen 2 has been absolutely faultless and proved very capable. I just hope they have retained the lower rear window for the dog to stare out of.
Looks like the shortlist for the next car might be: Tesla 3, Prius plug-in, Outlander PHEV or forthcoming ASX PHEV.
Looks like the shortlist for the next car might be: Tesla 3, Prius plug-in, Outlander PHEV or forthcoming ASX PHEV.
I need to see it in the metal to make a judgement but this is definitely on the shortlist for my next car (looking to change in Jan).
Looks wise, I'm not sure. On the one hand, the photo does not have me racing for my chequebook. On the other hand, it does seem to have a distinct identity, and I like that.
I wonder what the fuel economy will be like. The web rumours seem to be averaging out at a 10% improvement over the Gen3. I'll take that.
I'm also interested to see whether this is simply a mild evolution of the current drivetrain, or whether there is something genuinely new in there.
Looks wise, I'm not sure. On the one hand, the photo does not have me racing for my chequebook. On the other hand, it does seem to have a distinct identity, and I like that.
I wonder what the fuel economy will be like. The web rumours seem to be averaging out at a 10% improvement over the Gen3. I'll take that.
I'm also interested to see whether this is simply a mild evolution of the current drivetrain, or whether there is something genuinely new in there.
These drawings look a lot like the photos, if the drawings are right, the plug in car will get a different (and better looking IMO) front end. http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/07/this-mi...
AmitG said:
I'm also interested to see whether this is simply a mild evolution of the current drivetrain, or whether there is something genuinely new in there.
Toyota appears to be obsessed with pursuing the 'wild goose chase', that is hydrogen fuel cell cars. Despite more and more of their competitors jumping on board the PHEV / BEV bandwagon. I love our Lexus IS300H, but our Leaf is simply better and make the hybrid drivetrain in the IS300H seem overly complex and crude. I hope Toyota do well, but cannot see the next Prius bringing anything new to the party.
The thing that lets the styling down in those pictures is the front badge position, and those narrow vents either side that look like a bad moustache. Otherwise, the overall shape isn't bad at all, and fulfils the presumed brief that it has to look different to anything else on the road, and to be as aerodynamic as possible.
Anyway, it's a Toyota, and with the exception of some of their sports cars they aren't renowned for stunning design! It's the details of the drivetrain that will be interesting; rumours abound but I've seen no concrete information yet. Hopefully their engineers have managed three things:
(a) The expected increase in efficiency. 10% is an oft-rumoured figure, which would be an impressive gain over the current car
(b) A little more overall power, just to silence the critics. 0 to 60 in the low 9s region rather than just over 10s makes it comparable with the mid-range diesels that many people consider "quick"
(c) Improved performance at lower engine speeds, to address one of the common criticisms of the existing setup - that is, the high rpm required for anything more than gentle acceleration
Given that this last one would increase fuel consumption (by running the engine at less than the most efficient speed for the torque required), perhaps this should be made a feature of "power" mode.
It would also be good to see the drivetrain appear in the Avensis as well as the Auris, so as to compete with the Mondeo, Passat, Insignia et al.
Anyway, it's a Toyota, and with the exception of some of their sports cars they aren't renowned for stunning design! It's the details of the drivetrain that will be interesting; rumours abound but I've seen no concrete information yet. Hopefully their engineers have managed three things:
(a) The expected increase in efficiency. 10% is an oft-rumoured figure, which would be an impressive gain over the current car
(b) A little more overall power, just to silence the critics. 0 to 60 in the low 9s region rather than just over 10s makes it comparable with the mid-range diesels that many people consider "quick"
(c) Improved performance at lower engine speeds, to address one of the common criticisms of the existing setup - that is, the high rpm required for anything more than gentle acceleration
Given that this last one would increase fuel consumption (by running the engine at less than the most efficient speed for the torque required), perhaps this should be made a feature of "power" mode.
It would also be good to see the drivetrain appear in the Avensis as well as the Auris, so as to compete with the Mondeo, Passat, Insignia et al.
Agree with all of Jonny's points.
It will be interesting to see whether Toyota stick with NiMH batteries or whether they follow everyone else and move to lithium ion. At one point, they were saying that they were going to stick with NiMH because they are cheaper and more reliable, and that they had found a way to significantly increase the energy density of NiMH batteries, thus negating the key advantage of lithium ion.
It will be interesting to see whether Toyota stick with NiMH batteries or whether they follow everyone else and move to lithium ion. At one point, they were saying that they were going to stick with NiMH because they are cheaper and more reliable, and that they had found a way to significantly increase the energy density of NiMH batteries, thus negating the key advantage of lithium ion.
Clear photos of the front and back. http://www.motor1.com/spy/58012/new-toyota-prius-p...
AnotherClarkey said:
Yes, the Prius continues to plough it's own furrow. I would have been disappointed if it looked as bland as something like a Golf.
Agree. As Jonny said, it needs to turn heads and look like nothing else on the road, and it does that.Need to see it in real life but it looks promising, especially in silver. I like the rear, with the deep creases and boomerang lights, and I like the way that the headlights go right into the front wings. The C-pillar treatment is quite cool too.
It's a brave design, it looks forward rather than backward, and it feels distinctly Japanese. I like that.
AnotherClarkey said:
Lets see what the specs. are like - September the 8th I think?
Yes, September 8, although I am sure some snippets will leak out before then.Launch photos leaked. http://jalopnik.com/2017-toyota-prius-this-is-a-lo...
Maybe it's one of those cars like a Bangle BMW that will look better in a few years time?
Maybe it's one of those cars like a Bangle BMW that will look better in a few years time?
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