The Nissan “Note” is a popular compact hybrid car that has been well-received by users since its debut in 2005

Changes in the Prius Shift? How has the “new shift” adopted by the new Prius changed?

How has the “Prius-style shift” changed with the new model?
　On November 16, 2022, the new Toyota Prius, the fifth generation of the Prius, made its world premiere.
　
　One of the features of the Prius is the “electric shift” adopted from the second generation launched in 2003, which is also called “Prius-style shift” by some.
　
　In this context, the new Prius is said to have adopted a new shift, but how has it changed?

Is the “new shift” of the new Prius easy to use? How is it really? See the actual car

How has the “new shift” of the new Prius changed?

　The Prius-style shift was adopted from the second generation released in 2003.

　At the time, it was described as a novel style that “achieved a new sense of operability by lightly moving the lever with the fingertips, just like a joystick attached to a video game controller.

　In terms of operation, the lever is basically set with “.” as the starting point, “N” in the position where it is moved to the right, “R” in the upper right corner, and “D” in the lower right corner.

　The shift lever has arrows indicating the direction to move it to each mode, but since the shift lever returns to the “.” position after operation, it is not possible to visually confirm which mode the driver is currently in.

　The shift position indicator on the meter panel is used to check which mode the car is currently in.

In such a situation, the new shift used in the new 5th generation Prius is located at the end of the center console. The shape of the shift lever has also been changed to a slightly larger stick shape, with a design shaped to fit naturally in the hand.

　This shape is similar to that of Toyota’s current Noah/Voxy and Crown models.

　In addition, in the previous model, it was difficult to visually confirm when shifting gears, but in the new Prius shift lever, the “P” button glows, a change that makes it visually easy to understand.

　In this way, the major changes in the new Prius shift lever are that the position of the shift lever and the shape of the hand-holding part have changed significantly, and the shift lever is now visually easier to understand.

　On the other hand, the operation method is the same as that of the conventional Prius shift.

　With regard to the Prius-type shift, responses to the complexity of the operation, such as “it is difficult to operate” and “it is hard to get used to,” have been observed in the previous model.

　One factor that makes it seem complicated is that, for example, the shift position has D and R in front of and behind each other, but from the driver’s point of view, D is in front and R is in the back, which does not match the movement of the car, where D moves forward and R moves backward.

　Some users also commented that the “B” range “would be confusing to newcomers” and that “newcomers would mistake it for reverse,” even though it originally functions as an engine brake.

　Another factor is that the shift operation itself is very light, and the shift lever returns to its original position after each operation, making it difficult to tell by the appearance of the lever or the sensation in the hand which mode the car is currently in.

　The new Prius hybrid model will go on sale on January 10, 2023, and has already gained the support of so many users that some dealers have already stopped taking orders for some grades.

　It will be interesting to see what new users have to say about the new shift of the new Prius in the future.

Toyota unveils new SUV-style Prius & Voxy for the first time! Used cars will be customized to “outdoor specs” starting March 6

Prius & Voxy now available with outdoor specs!
　Toyota Conic Pro is launching “CORDE by ,” a business that offers new value in updated car style with various partners who have their own unique world view and value.
　
　In line with this, the first customized specifications of used “Prius” and “Voxy” cars have been unveiled.

Toyota’s used cars have been given a makeover! See the changed appearance in photos!

Minivan SUV! Toyota Used Cars Get a Makeover! VOXY URBANATURE” of the new service “CORDE by” is cool!

　CORDE by is a new service developed by Toyota Connick Pro, a company that provides marketing services, consulting, and mobility services for Toyota and the Toyota Group, etc. The new service offers “styled cars” that easily add a unique personality and style different from existing new cars and conventional custom cars. The first project was the “Land Car” project, which was developed by Toyota Conic Pro, a Toyota Conic Pro company that provides customizability services and other services.

　For the first project, the company collaborated with FLEX’s Renoca, which has gained popularity for its renovation of the Land Cruiser and Hiace, to develop a styled car that is in tune with the values of the current era.

　The concept of the new style is “Urban Nature,” a concept that is being developed in an age when diverse lifestyles such as work vacations and dual lifestyles are beginning to take root,
Toyota Conic Pro and Renoca’s product development team pursued the question, “What should be the style of a car?

　The two models, “PRIUS URBANATURE” based on the Toyota Prius and “VOXY URBANATURE” based on the Toyota Voxy, have been developed in a style that is appropriate for the current era.

　One example of the Prius was created under the theme of “adding a scene-less ruggedness to the city-use character that is associated with the Prius.

　The body color of the base model is Urban Nature Gray, which blends in comfortably in both urban and natural environments, and the interior features calm dark brown leather seats.

　In addition, a THULE 859XT roof carrier, a popular car carrier brand among outdoor users, orthodox 5-spoke wheels, and MUDSTAR all-weather all-terrain tires were installed to create a rugged yet clean balance.

　The Voxy, for example, was created with the theme of “focusing on the utility that minivans originally have, and adding SUV-like strength.

　The base vehicle’s body color is Urban Nature Beige, which evokes a sense of gentleness in the city and strength in nature, and the interior is dark brown with leather seats for added comfort.

　It is made of highly durable ballistic nylon, which is safe for outdoor use, and the back seat pocket further enhances utility.

　Furthermore, orthodox 5-spoke wheels and MUDSTAR all-terrain tires give it a rugged SUV-like image.

　Both the Prius and Voxy have not been customized in terms of engine, transmission, and suspension, which are all related to the car’s basic driving performance.

　The Prius and Voxy will be sold on a build-to-order basis, with orders being accepted from March 6, 2022, through Toyota USEC’s new smart store, Chiba Minato Store.

　The online-based sales format is said to create a car lifestyle more suited to the current era in terms of the purchasing experience, from business negotiations to delivery of the car.

　Mitsuo Kawamura, brand director of Toyota Conic Pro, said, “CORDE by is a new way to bring together the diverse values and personalities of today’s consumers.

In an age where diverse values and individuality are respected, we have always felt that there should be more choices in car selection and car life, just as there are in clothing.

　By taking advantage of high-quality used cars and updating them to match your current mood and style by adding a few touches, you can enjoy your car in your own style for a long time without measuring it by its specifications or functions.

　We hope to expand this way of enjoying cars with CORDE by.
　As the second stage of the CORDE by project, a product plan for Toyota’s “Hiace Styled Car” is said to be underway.

　Prior to the start of sales, an event will be held at Kashiwanoha T-SITE (Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture) on March 4 and 5, 2023, to see the actual PRIUS URBANATURE and VOXY URBANATURE cars.