Toyota has introduced the All New Prius for the first time globally, with the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) model to be launched this winter and the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) model to be launched in spring 2023.
Coming with the tagline "Just In Time for the 21st Century", the Prius was first launched in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid car.
The second generation of this model introduces the Prius' distinctive monoform silhouette for the first time and delivers even better fuel efficiency with the inclusion of the Toyota Hybrid System (THS).
The third generation Prius introduces a larger capacity 1,800 cc engine and a more efficient hybrid system that not only improves fuel efficiency but also driving performance.
With the fourth generation, the Prius uses the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform for the first time to deliver enhanced environmental performance and a better driving experience.
Meaning "predating" in Latin, the Prius has led the expansion of the HEV for 25 years since it was first launched as a next-generation eco-friendly car with outstanding fuel efficiency.
Total cumulative worldwide sales of the Prius have reached around 5.05 million units, equivalent to a reduction of around 82 million tons of CO2 emissions as of March 2022.
Present the Prius Reborn Concept
Today, almost every Toyota model, from compact cars to SUVs, minivans and commercial vehicles, has a hybrid version that is loved and enjoyed by many customers.
While the Prius has played a major role in driving hybrid adoption, the current deployment of HEVs through various models has reached a turning point.
The development team decided to start fresh and see what the Prius needed to remain popular for the next 25 years.
Based on the desire to update the Prius itself and communicate the appeal of hybrid cars to a wider audience, the Hybrid Reborn concept was created.
The automotive industry is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation, with a range of next-generation powertrain options under development.
In order to continue to be the vehicle of choice for future generations, the All New Prius needs more than its core strength as an environmentally friendly car.
Therefore, it was developed as an exhilarating package with a stylish design that users will fall in love with at first sight and captivating driving performance.
Eye-catching Sporty Exterior Style
Inheriting the Prius' signature monoform silhouette, the HEV has been reborn with more stylish proportions through the low center of gravity and large 19-inch diameter wheels on the second-generation TNGA platform.
The simple yet sculpted exterior design expresses a delight that captivates the senses and a universal beauty that will remain popular into the future.
The hammerhead design at the front achieves a high degree of balance between functionality and style, while the rear design boasts narrow, flared taillights, further accentuating the Prius' sophisticated design.
Advanced Interior Style and Fun to Drive
The concept of "island architecture" results in a spacious and stress-free interior with a cockpit that makes it easier to concentrate while driving.
Overall, the interior offers intuitive operation and a pleasant driving experience. The interior comes with black all over and a coordinated instrument panel, as well as neat seat stitching. The interior strikes a balance between sportiness and new-style sophistication.
The instrument panel uses Toyota's first flash warning system. As well as providing ambient light that accentuates the interior, this Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) related feature is incorporated into the cabin style.
The system alerts the driver to detect objects via flashing lights before an audible warning to create a more reassuring driving experience.
Next Generation Hybrid Engine System
The All New Prius comes with Toyota's first Plug-in Hybrid 2,000 cc to deliver significantly improved acceleration and quietness from the previous model.
The combination of a high-efficiency Dynamic Force Engine and a lithium-ion battery for high-output drive achieves a maximum system power of 223 PS with the same level of fuel efficiency as the previous model.
This version has outstanding dynamic performance with powerful PHEV acceleration, reaching 0-100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. The EV mode mileage is about 50% higher than the previous model.
This means that with improved battery performance, the All New Prius can operate in EV-only mode for most of the day-to-day commuting.
It is also equipped with "My Room Mode" which allows users to enjoy the air conditioning and audio system from an external power source by turning on the power switch during charging, making the interior even more comfortable.
The battery is located under the rear seat and not in the trunk giving the Prius PHEV a lower center of gravity and increased cargo capacity. Together, these features strike a balance between sporty driving performance and increased ease of use.
The All New Prius uses the latest Series Parallel Hybrid System which offers satisfying acceleration and responsive driving in a car that reacts as expected, while maintaining fuel efficiency levels.
The maximum system output is 196 PS for the 2000 cc version, which is 1.6 times higher than the previous model thereby achieving dynamic performance suitable for sporty electrified vehicles.
This version comes with the latest E-Four system which uses a high output motor to offer better performance in difficult terrain such as snow-covered roads and better maneuverability stability.
2nd Generation TNGA Platforms
The second generation TNGA platform was developed as a continuous improvement over the mature TNGA platform to achieve Prius fun driving style and performance, enabling a lower center of gravity and large diameter tires. Additional reinforcement throughout the body has increased rigidity and quietness.
Using MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbone at the rear, the suspension system provides stability for straight-line driving, responsiveness to meet the driver's wishes in corners, and easy path tracking capabilities. Combined with the latest powertrain, it provides a captivating driving performance.
Sophisticated Safety Systems Provide Peace of Mind
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) as the latest active safety package with more advanced and better functions, is standard on all types of the latest Prius.
The range of detectable objects has been expanded even further, enabling enjoyable driving plus peace of mind. The Advanced Park feature comes with a remote function as a sophisticated driving support system.
The Prius enables easy automatic parking and exit in a variety of scenarios with seamless parking situations.
Plus the operation outside the car through a special smartphone application, the car can also enter and exit the parking lot remotely.
Additional Features That Provide a Sense of Security and Calm
The Prius is equipped with a TSS monocular camera at the front, a rear facing camera for the Digital Inner Mirror and an in-vehicle driving recorder.
This integrated camera system has a clean appearance without the impression of cameras and cables being installed.
Data is stored in ECU to avoid data corruption and other problems related to SD card and manage important camera data properly.
This model is equipped with two 100 VAC / 1500 W accessory outlets; one behind the center console and one in the trunk.
Users can select the BEV external power supply mode, which uses power from the battery alone without having to start the machine, or the HEV external power supply mode, which recharges the battery from the machine if the remaining power is too low.
It also comes with an additional external power supply as standard so that windows and doors can be closed to prevent rain and insects from entering the car during use.
The All New Prius also comes with a panoramic view moonroof which can be fully opened to create a free and spacious impression in the cabin.
PHEV models are equipped with a second-generation solar charging system that results in a more efficient conversion of solar energy into electricity. The system produces power equivalent to driving up to 1,250 km per year.
The electricity generated while parked is used to charge the drive battery, with the system not only supplying electricity for driving but also for air conditioning and other functions. The electric power generated while driving is used to equip the auxiliary battery system.
