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The new Toyota Prius now in its fifth generation
Who is Toyota’s new Prius for? The design is getting rave reviews! Does “captivating driving” differ by specifications?
Who is the all-new Prius for?
The new Toyota Prius, now in its fifth generation, is said to be highly acclaimed around the world for its unique design.
So what are the differences between hybrid vehicles (HVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) when it comes to test driving, mainly in terms of car performance?The red body is amazing…! Increased coolness and presence! View
Not just cool looking! The new Prius is for those who want performance, not just fuel economy… recommended!The new Prius, which was unveiled for the first time in the world on November 16, 2022, has been a driving force in the popularization of hybrid vehicles as a “new generation eco-car” with overwhelming fuel efficiency since the first model was introduced in 1997.
Today, however, the eco-car (high environmental performance) that has been a feature of the Prius is the goal of every car, and the existence of hybrid cars has changed from being a rarity to being taken for granted.
In this context, when the new Prius was being planned, there were proposals to make the Prius a taxi-only vehicle and to sell it as an OEM vehicle from other manufacturers.
The idea was to contribute to the environment by increasing the number of vehicles with a long driving range, and to contribute to a carbon-neutral society by spreading the Prius’ environmental technology that has been cultivated over many years beyond the boundaries of manufacturers, not just Toyota.
As a result, however, the development team chose to rethink the Prius from scratch and evolve it into an emotional Prius that combines “love-at-first-sight design” and “captivating driving” under the “Hybrid Reborn” concept.
In this way, the new Prius expresses a simple yet intonating body shape through the low center of gravity achieved by the second-generation TNGA platform, which has captured the hearts of many users, making it truly a “design that makes you fall in love at first sight.
The powertrain lineup includes a hybrid vehicle and a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
The 1.8-liter and 2-liter hybrid models, equipped with the latest “5th generation hybrid system,” are available, and the 1.8-liter version achieves 32.6km/L thanks to the renewal of all electric modules.
In addition to performance, “captivating driving” is also considered in terms of functionality.
For example, the new Prius features an “organ pedal,” in which the lower part of the pedal is fixed to the floor, and when the driver steps on it with his/her foot, the pedal falls backward, contributing to a reduction in the burden of gas pedal operation and ease of control with a slight force.
In addition, the center meter used in previous Prius models had a raised dashboard, which affected visibility.
The new Prius adopts the “top-mounted meter” used in Toyota’s bZ4X and gives the impression of better visibility than the bZ4X.
In this way, there are other mechanisms for “captivating driving” besides those related to driving performance, such as the powertrain and chassis.
What kind of users are targeted by each grade and specification of the new Prius?
Mr. Kenki Oya, the head of development, says, “The 1.5-liter hybrid version of the Prius is a 1.5-liter model.
The 1.8-liter hybrid model targets customers who demand economy, in addition to business customers.
On the other hand, the 2-liter hybrid vehicle is characterized by performance and quality, and is targeted at downsizers from high-end sedans such as the Crown and minivans such as the Alphard.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles are targeted at customers who seek even higher performance and those who are conscious of everyday usage, such as the EV cruising range, which has been increased by more than 50% compared to the previous model.
Who is Toyota’s new Prius for? The design is getting rave reviews! Does “captivating driving” differ by specifications?The new Prius is designed and drives… too awesome!
So what features does it have in terms of driving performance?
On a certain day in December 2022, we test drove a 1.8-liter/2-liter hybrid vehicle (prototype) on the short course at Fuji Speedway, which is characterized by undulations and tight corners.
Our impression was that the FF version of the 1.8-liter car ran briskly and lightly, while the 4WD (E-Four) version drove firmly on all four wheels as needed.
The 2-liter FWD version, although only 200 cc different from the 1.8-liter, had a feeling of acceleration that could be described as a completely different car, and the sound of the engine starting up was a gimmick not found in 1.8-liter cars, making driving a pleasure.
The 2-liter 4WD (E-Four) version, which is the real deal, is equipped with a high-output motor that allows the car to move at will according to steering wheel operation, and the tighter you step on the uphill corner, the more forward it moves.
At any rate, my initial impression was that the car had a different level of appeal from conventional hybrid cars and sports cars.
And then a public road test drive of a hybrid car…and a plug-in hybrid car…yikes?
Then, on a certain day in January 2023, a public road test drive of the hybrid car and a circuit test drive of the plug-in hybrid car were held.The scene for the hybrid car changed from the aforementioned tight-corner circuit to daily-use city streets.
The hybrid car is basically driven mainly in EV mode at legal speeds with other cars, and the engine starts depending on the remaining battery level and how hard the driver presses the accelerator pedal.
However, the actual speed range in which the car changes from EV to engine driving has increased, and the ability to drive EV in areas where the engine would normally start is an attractive feature.
In addition, the hybrid’s control system has evolved to the point where it is almost impossible to tell when the engine starts as long as the driver is driving normally.
The aforementioned top-mounted meter is not an unnecessary hindrance when driving on public roads, and it is also linked to the navigation system.
This is more visible and requires less eye movement than the current mainstream head-up display, which may help reduce the burden of driving.
The new Prius also features improvements to the gas pedal and brakes, with acceleration and engine sound tuned to provide a greater sense of acceleration than the previous generation model at the same amount of pressure.
The new Prius uses on-demand pump-pressurized brakes, which suppress the “clunk” of the brakes when they are depressed, resulting in smooth braking that allows the driver to brake at will.
In addition, the “Proactive Driving Assist” has evolved in terms of driving support.
This function has been used in the Lexus NX, Toyota Noah/Voxy, and other models, but in the new Prius, the system supports deceleration in conjunction with access off and blinker operation when turning right or left, and supports steering operation by anticipating the driver’s operation. I got the impression that driving in town has become even easier.
Who is Toyota’s new Prius for? The design is getting rave reviews! Does “captivating driving” differ by specifications?New Prius PHEV marks 6.7 seconds for 0-100km/h acceleration
And now a test drive of a plug-in hybrid vehicle (prototype) at Sodegaura Forest Raceway.
The first lap is in EV mode.
The acceleration performance has evolved significantly from the previous generation Prius PHEV, so that even when starting from zero or accelerating from a tight corner, you can feel the powerful acceleration of the motor.
The EV cruising range is more than 50% of that of the previous-generation Prius PHEV, and the battery performance has been improved so that the majority of daily life can be covered by EV driving alone.
And the second lap is HV mode.
In HV mode, the combination of the highly efficient Dynamic Force engine and the high-power drive lithium-ion battery delivers a maximum system output of 223 hp and is said to mark a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds.
When you actually switch to HV mode and step on the accelerator pedal, you will experience a different acceleration feeling from that of a 2-liter hybrid vehicle or the EV mode mentioned earlier, and you will involuntarily think, “Is this really a Prius? “Is this really a Prius?” or “Am I driving a hypercar?” You may even think, “Is this really a Prius?
At the same time, the aforementioned brakes, which can be controlled at will, allow for smooth cornering and make you want to push even harder.
The development team of the new Prius has said the following about this pleasant driving experience: “The PHEV of the new Prius is a very comfortable car.
The new Prius PHEV has a lower center of gravity by placing the battery pack, which was previously located in the luggage area, under the rear seat.
In addition, with the second-generation TNGA, we simulated the deformation of the body immediately after the steering wheel is operated when entering a corner and found that the front end of the car is bent laterally, so we reviewed the front area.
As a result, front lateral bending rigidity was improved by up to 15%, enabling steering that can be controlled at will.
A further feature of the plug-in hybrid vehicle is the “Regenerative Boost” function, which can be adjusted in three stages.
This function allows the driver to select the intensity of regenerative braking according to the road conditions by selecting “D range → weak regenerative braking → medium regenerative braking → strong regenerative braking,” which, according to the developer, “enables easy driving according to driving conditions and road environment.
When I actually experienced the regenerative boost, I could feel different deceleration sensations depending on the three levels selected, and I got the impression that strong regeneration was best for sporty driving.
However, it is not easy to understand that the selection of regenerative boost can be done through several steps from the steering wheel switch, and it is inconvenient that the three levels cannot be changed while the car is running.
If this is the case, there is room to improve the operability of the system so that it can be changed only by using the switches around the steering wheel.
In fact, the developers also responded, “We expected to receive comments about the operability of the regenerative boost function. We will consider this issue in the future.
In this way, the new Prius achieves “captivating driving” through a variety of factors.
The hybrid vehicle has already gone on sale on January 10, 2023, and we have seen users who have test-driven it in stores, and they are satisfied with the “impressive driving” and “more power than expected, steering wheel is light and turns well.
The plug-in hybrid model is scheduled to go on sale in March 2023, and like the hybrid model, it is expected to receive a variety of positive feedback after its launch.
The 5-door version of the Suzuki Jimny unveiled on January 2023!
Is it possible to “stay overnight in a car”? How does the long-awaited new Suzuki “Jimny 5-door” rear seat and cargo area “usability” differ from that of the “3-door”?
Even the 3-door version can “”stay in the car””! Longer 5-door version is even easier!
On January 12, 2023, Suzuki unveiled the world premiere of the new Jimny 5-door at Auto Expo 2023, an auto show held on the outskirts of Delhi, India.
The new Jimny 5-door has an overall length of 435 mm and a wheelbase of 340 mm longer than the previous 3-door model, but how has the usability of the rear seats and cargo area been improved?Rear Seats and Cargo Space “”Wider! Photos of the new Jimny 5-door and 3-door
The buzz is loud and clear! The 5-door version of the Suzuki “”Jimny”” unveiled on January 12, 2023! The car is scheduled to go on sale in India in 2023, but there is no word on its launch in Japan!
The Jimny is Suzuki’s compact 4-wheel drive vehicle that has been in production for over 50 years since the first model appeared in 1970.
Based on the Japanese version, which was built under the mini standard framework, a version with a larger engine displacement and other features has been released overseas as well, and has developed into a global model sold in more than 190 countries and regions around the world.
The current model is the fourth generation, fully remodeled in July 2018. In addition to the light version of the Jimny, a smaller version, the Jimny Sierra, is available, sharing the same body frame but with enlarged fenders and a 1.5-liter engine.
The body size of the Jimny is 3395 mm (length) x 1475 mm (width) x 1725 mm (height) and 2250 mm (wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles), while the Jimny Sierra is 3550 mm (length) x 1645 mm (width) x 1730 mm (height) and has a common wheelbase of 2250 mm. (All figures are for Japanese specifications).
In January 2023, five years after its debut, a five-door version was born as a new addition to the lineup.
The announced body size of the Indian-spec Jimny 5-door is 3985 mm (length) x 1645 mm (width) x 1720 mm (height) with a wheelbase of 2590 mm, which is 435 mm longer in length and 340 mm longer in wheelbase compared to the dimensions of the Jimny Sierra.
However, the body size of the Japanese version indicates the dimensions from the front bumper to the rear bumper, and does not include the dimensions of the spare tire protruding from the back door.
For reference, the overall length of the European-spec Jimny (3-door, including rear tires) is 3,645 mm, and compared to this, the overall length difference between the 5-door version is 340 mm, exactly the same as the difference in wheelbase.
Similarly, the overall length of the new Indian-spec Jimny 5-door (3985 mm) includes the overhang of the tires.
Therefore, it is expected that the 340mm increase in wheelbase is used to expand the rear seat legroom and cargo space.
Suzuki explains that the rear seats are exclusive to the 5-door model, and there is a possibility that the size, shape, and specifications of the seats may differ from those of the 3-door model.
However, since the width of the car itself has not changed, it is believed that the rear seats will seat two people, just like the regular Jimny.
Current Jimny users who enjoy outdoor leisure activities use the roof carrier or fold the rear seats forward to accommodate cargo that cannot fit in the compact cargo space.
With the new Jimny 5-door, it is likely to be possible to secure the rear seats and carry four adults while also loading cargo.
The Japanese specifications of Jimny and Jimny Sierra are equipped with a “”stain-resistant type luggage floor”” (luggage box), which makes the cargo area flat when the rear seats are folded forward.
By folding the front seats backward and folding down the headrests to integrate the rear seats with the floor, a full flat cargo space is created.
Although the Jimmy 3-door (Jimmy Sierra) is very compact with an overall length of only 3.5 meters, it is long enough for two adults to stay overnight in the car.
If the same trick is possible with the new Jimny 5-door, it will provide even more room for overnight stay.
However, the Indian version announced this time is not equipped with a luggage box, so when the rear seats are folded down, there is a gap between the luggage compartment and the cargo area.
As of January 2023, there has been no official announcement as to whether or not the model will be launched in Japan, but we expect that the Japanese version will have similar features.
Toyota’s Hilux pickup truck is becoming a popular base for camping cars
Toyota’s “HiLux” pickup truck is becoming a popular base for camping cars, with companies like MYS Mystic customizing them into “tracamps” with detachable cabins. The HiLux-based “J-cabin H” can sleep up to five adults and boasts a spacious interior. Its body size is 5320-5340mm x 1900mm x 1840mm, with a body bus (aluminum panel) measuring 4320mm x 1840mm x 2130mm mounted on the bed. The aluminum panel interior provides ample space for sleeping, cooking, and relaxing, making the J-cabin H a comfortable and versatile option for outdoor adventures.
Nissan SUV “Kicks” latest model appeared! Available in 3 grades with an elegant body.
“Nissan SUV “”Kicks”” Latest Model Debuts in the U.S.! Three grades with a sleek body, starting at about 2.8 million yen, to be released in the U.S.
Friday, September 2, 17:40Nissan Launches 2023 Model Year
On August 31, 2022, Nissan’s U.S. subsidiary launched the 2023 model of its Kicks crossover SUV.The latest Nissan Kicks model is here! See images of the U.S. version, which is slightly different from the Japanese version
Nissan “”Kicks”” 2023 model (U.S. specifications)
The 2023 model will be available in three grades: S, SV, and SR, with Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment on all grades. Fuel economy is 31 mpg city (13.2 km/L), 36 mpg highway (15.3 km/L), and 33 mpg combined (14.0 km/L).
The Kicks S comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, three USB ports, and push-button start.
The Kicks SV adds 17-inch alloy wheels, silver-painted roof rails, intelligent cruise control, and an 8-inch touchscreen audio system.
The Kicks SR adds stylish parts such as black painted roof rails, exterior mirrors, a dark chrome front grille, and unique seat fabrics. In terms of features, the SR features LED headlights and fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, and an intelligent around-view monitor.
The SR is also available with a premium package that adds a Bose audio system (8 speakers), heated front seats and steering wheel, and NissanConnect service.
Local prices are $20,290 for the Kicks S, $22,150 for the Kicks SV, and $22,850 for the Kicks SR.”
A compact SUV similar to the new Prius.
A compact SUV similar to the new Prius? Toyota’s “bZ Compact SUV” with high “eco-friendliness” may be more affordable than “Prius”?
Following the renewal of the Prius, the leading hybrid vehicle, Toyota has announced an EV compact SUV
On November 17, 2022, Toyota unveiled the bZ Compact SUV Concept (“”bZ Compact SUV””) in the United States for the first time. It is a battery electric vehicle (BEV: electric vehicle) concept car.
Its form is similar to that of the new “Prius,” which underwent a full model change on November 16, the day before, but many people seem to think that the bZ Compact SUV, which looks more practical, is better than the new Prius, which is too sporty.Which do you like better, the new Prius or the bZ Compact SUV Concept? Photos (25 photos)
Toyota’s new BEV (electric vehicle) concept car, the bZ Compact SUV Concept, premiered in the United States on November 17, 2022.
The new Prius, the first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to undergo a full model change in almost seven years, was created as a new-generation Prius under the “Hybrid Reborn” concept.
Symbolizing rebirth, the new exterior design features a “wide and low”emotional form.
Compared to the previous-generation Prius, the overall height has been reduced by 40 mm, while the overall length and width have been increased by 25 mm and 20 mm, respectively, and the tires have been enlarged in diameter, giving the car a noticeably sporty appearance, almost like a sports car.
In order to create a packaging that can accommodate four adults, the new Prius has lowered the seat positions, and it seems that the ease of getting in and out of the car has been slightly sacrificed.
Even on social networking sites, there were concerns early on in its debut that “it will be hard for older users to get in and out of the car” and “it may not be suitable for users who frequently carry people in the back seat.
The new bZ compact SUV, which has appeared on the market in this context, has a similar atmosphere to the new Prius, with its “U” shaped headlights and emotional form, despite the difference between the HEV and BEV models.
On the other hand, the SUV is taller than the Prius and has a larger cabin, so there is no doubt that it will be more practical with more interior and cargo space.
Detailed specifications have not yet been announced, but Toyota says that it is positioned as a compact and lightweight entry model that is more compact and lighter than the bZ4X, the BEV SUV model that preceded it on the market.
Therefore, the selling price is also expected to be kept low.
This may be the reason why people are saying “Prius SUV? I have a feeling it’s going to sell well,” and “Looks like it would be perfect for driving in Japan.
The new bZ compact SUV, which Toyota describes as a “concept” at this stage, is “a model under development as a compact SUV that is easy to use in everyday life.
The timing has not yet been disclosed, but Toyota says it plans to release more information after 2023, and a production version is likely to be unveiled in the near future.
The new bZ compact SUV, which is even more eco-friendly than the new Prius, which has been reborn as a sports car, and yet seems to be highly practical, seems to be one of the most highly anticipated models of the next generation of eco-cars.
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