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Many “Hidden Prius” on the interior and exterior of the new Toyota Prius! Why are they hidden in the engraving you’ll be glad to find?

Is there a “Hidden Prius” in every part of the interior and exterior?
　The new “Prius” released by Toyota on January 10, 2023, was developed with the aim of being loved as a “beloved car” for a long time.
　
　According to the development staff, each part of the interior and exterior has been designed in such a way that the surprise and awareness of your beloved car will make you love it even more.

Where is the “Hidden Prius” located? See where the “Hidden Prius”

The “Hidden Prius” was planted in the interior and exterior of the Prius!

　The Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, was introduced in 1997, and in 2022, the 25th anniversary of its introduction, it underwent a full model change to become the fifth generation.

　To ensure that the new Prius will continue to be loved by users, the development team has rethought the Prius from the ground up, and has adopted the concept of “Hybrid Reborn.

　While maintaining the high environmental performance inherited from the first generation, the new Prius combines “a design that makes you fall in love at first sight” and “a driving experience that captivates you,” and has evolved into a car with sporty interior and exterior as well as dynamic performance.

　The new Prius has a design that aims to be loved as a “beloved car,” and it seems to incorporate design elements in every part of its interior and exterior.

　On the exterior, for example, if you look closely at the hot wire on the lower right side of the rear window, you can see a part of the “PRIUS” logo integrated with it, and the PRIUS logo is also quietly engraved on the rear fender arch molding.

　Also, on the cover in front of the engine compartment, there is an area where “HYBRID REBORN” is engraved in addition to the PRIUS logo, as well as the hot wire and fender arch molding, and this engraving is relatively large compared to the exterior logo and can be easily found when the hood is opened. It is easy to spot when the hood is opened.

　Other unique design features can also be seen in the interior, such as a motif of the Prius mono-form silhouette on the side of the dashboard, “SAFETY FAST” engraving on the rear seat side cover, and other unique design features such as large and small car names, letters representing Prius features, and silhouette designs in various parts of the interior and exterior.

　A Prius development manager explains the new Prius design as follows: “The idea for the new Prius came about during the development phase.

The idea didn’t really come to us during the development stage, but it was something that emerged in the later stages of development. We adopted this design so that customers would love it as their favorite car for a long time.

　For example, when they suddenly look at the rear pumper, I hope they will be surprised and notice the ‘PRIUS’ logo, and I came up with this idea in the hope that they will fall in love with the Prius again every time they find it.”

　For the most part, such as the “Hidden PRIUS” logo at the bottom of the fender arch, it seems to exist in a position where you have to look closely to see it, but by placing the design in a relatively inconspicuous position, it may bring about a new discovery and the moment when you fall in love with your car all over again.

　According to the person in charge, these engravings and designs are incorporated in a total of more than 20 locations, but he has not revealed the details of these engravings and designs, and they are not mentioned in the owner’s manual.

　If you have a chance to touch the new Prius, it might be interesting to discover the “hidden Prius.

　The hybrid model of the new Prius is currently on sale, and the PHEV model is scheduled to go on sale around March 2023.

The “Osha Interior Illumination,” first used in the new Toyota Prius, does more than just enhance the atmosphere! What is the safety function that the light prompts?

Atmospheric Bombastic “Oshare Illumination” is Not Just for Looks
　The new “Prius” released by Toyota on January 10, 2023, is a model with an all-out sporty design, from interior and exterior design to driving performance.
　
　One of the features of the interior is the use of “ambient lighting” to color the interior of the car, but in fact, the purpose is not only to enhance the atmosphere.

Not just “ambient lighting”! See the illumination adopted in the new “Prius”

The new “Prius” is sporty and high quality, but does not lack safety features

　The Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, was introduced in 1997. In 2022, the 25th anniversary of its debut, the Prius underwent a full model change to become the fifth generation.

　In order to ensure that the new Prius will continue to be loved by users, the development team has rethought the Prius from the ground up, and has adopted the concept of “Hybrid Reborn.

　While maintaining the high environmental performance inherited from the first generation, the new Prius combines a “design that makes you fall in love at first sight” and “driving performance that captivates you,” and has evolved into a sporty car not only in terms of interior and exterior design but also in terms of dynamic performance.

　The interior design is also based on the concept of “island architecture,” which combines a spacious interior with a cockpit that makes it easy to concentrate on driving, thereby realizing a space that allows intuitive operation and enjoyable driving.

　Among other features, the instrument panel is equipped with an “illumination notification system,” the first such system adopted by Toyota.

　The illumination in the interior normally acts as so-called “ambient light,” a kind of indirect lighting to enhance the atmosphere of the interior and create a fashionable atmosphere.

　However, it also works in conjunction with TSS (Toyota Safety Sense), an advanced driving support system, to alert the driver by flashing the illumination when a car starts ahead or when the Proactive Driving Assist function, which anticipates risk and assists deceleration, is in operation. This function also alerts the driver.

　In the past, driver alerts were mainly audible and visual alerts were usually displayed in small letters in the meter. The color is the mid-grade “G” grade and the “G” grade.

　Blue illumination is available for the mid-grade “G” and top-grade “Z” models with gradient black interior, and red illumination is available for the “Z” model with the ordered interior color, Mature Red.

　Regarding this illumination notification system, a person in charge of interior development for the new Prius said the following.

The brightness is actually different for red and blue. Even if the brightness is numerically the same, the sensory brightness in the human eye can be affected by the color.

　Because the light has not only a function as an ambient light but also a warning aspect, we adjusted the brightness so that it appears the same regardless of which of the two colors is selected.

　For normal ambient lights, the main purpose is to improve the atmosphere, so it is important to select a color that matches the image of the car interior, but for the new Prius, since it also has a warning aspect, it has been devised so that there is no difference in the appearance.

　Note that the hybrid model of the new Prius is on sale first, and the PHEV model is scheduled to go on sale around March 2023.

First Test Drive of the Hot New “Prius”! Toyota’s top level car! How good is it on public roads and circuits?

The new Prius…How powerful is the HEV?
　Since its world premiere in November 2022, the fifth-generation Prius has received a great response.

　The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) was officially launched on January 10, 2023, and we hear that the 2023 slot has already been filled.

Is this the Prius…? It just got cooler! Look at the new Prius with a red body!

　What are the features of the new Prius, which is doing so well?

The much-talked-about new Prius…what are its capabilities?

　The Prius has slightly changed its standing with the 5th generation.

　With the 12th generation “Corolla series” becoming the standard for Toyota’s C-segment models, the Prius shifted toward a more advanced and specialized version of the Corolla series.

　This is a common concept among the latest Toyota models, which is to clarify the “individuality” of each model.

　We have previously test-driven the new Prius hybrid vehicle on a circuit, but this time we will test-drive it on public roads.

　On the race circuit, we were able to experience the basic qualities of the car in areas beyond the everyday, but how is it in everyday life?

　This time, we tested the 2-liter FF/E-Four model, which is said to be the “real deal” of the 5th generation.

　The powertrain was even more powerful than on the race circuit.

　On ordinary roads, the car is agile enough to start driving instantly after stepping on the accelerator pedal, and at high speeds, the acceleration is powerful enough to keep up its strength.

　It is different from the previous generation, which accelerated with a “yokelasho” in the daily range, but at high speeds, the engine roars only with a roar and acceleration is not linked to it.

　Fuel consumption is a simple measurement, but even if you drive it normally without being conscious of it, you can afford to exceed 20 km/L.

　Because of its dynamic performance, unnecessary gas pedal operation is reduced, so the practical fuel economy may be higher than that of the previous model.

　Quietness during driving has also been dramatically improved, not only in engine noise, but also in wind noise and vibrations from the floor, and the entire car has become quieter.

　Incidentally, there are some who disapprove of the engine sound, which emphasizes bass while suppressing mid- and high-frequency frequencies, but the author thinks it is less cloying than the muddy sound quality of dynamic-force engines, and is even willing to call it a sound.

　The footwork is natural and straightforward handling with continuity in a series of car movements as in the Corolla, but it is given a slightly sporty character.

　The nose of both the FF/E-Four and E-Four turn inward when the steering wheel is turned, and the low center of gravity and low overall height are utilized for line tracing that sticks to the road surface, and cornering with a high sense of security.

　At highway speeds, both the FF and E-Four models are equipped with a level of straight-line stability that is so robust that it is hard to believe that they are C-segment models.

　In addition to the low center of gravity and wide and low basic characteristics, this is supported by one of the PDA’s functions, “Constant Steering Assist when Driving in a Lane”.

　This function changes the reaction force of the steering wheel to suppress unnecessary maneuvers and prevent delays in maneuvering, thereby supporting smooth driving. I hope this device will be horizontally deployed in other models as well.

　Incidentally, the ride quality differs slightly depending on the drive system: the FF model takes advantage of the car’s lightness, and the car’s movement is agile, giving the impression of stepping into a sporty model, while the E-Four model’s movement is more gentle than the FF model and its weight creates a sense of room and security typical of a grand tourer.

　Incidentally, the E-Four utilizes the rear motor not only for traction but also for turning.

　Specifically, by controlling the driving force when turning, the E-Four allows for less steering angle and the sensation of turning with all four wheels, resulting in “more stable” and “easier” driving.

　Until now, Toyota’s E-Four system has supported traction on low-mileage roads, but the latest E-Four system is used for turning.

　In other words, the Prius E-Four is the 4WD you will want to actively choose on paved roads.
First Test Drive of the Hot New “Prius”! Toyota’s top level car! How good is it on public roads and circuits?

I test drove the new Prius hybrid on public roads.

　Comfort is up a level from its predecessor: it has a softness that makes you forget you’re wearing 19-inch wheels, but it’s not fluffy softness, it’s clicky softness.

　In addition, the car does not sway the occupants, which means that the flatness on the springs may be the top level among Toyota cars.

　Like the handling, the character of this car also differs slightly depending on the drive system, with the FF model having a taut ride like a sporty model and a little more knack.

　The E-Four has a stiffer ride that is reminiscent of a grand tourer and absorbs even the smallest inputs well.

　All in all, the FF is the snappy FF and the E-Four is the laid-back E-Four, but to be honest, it is hard to decide which one to choose.

This is… a next-generation performance model! How powerful is the PHEV?
This is…the next generation performance model! How powerful is the PHEV?

　One more car that will further annoy users is the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which will be introduced later.

　This time, we were able to test drive a prototype for a short while.

　Since the car does not have a license plate number, it was driven at the Sodegaura Forest Raceway, but the driving pattern was designed for general driving at a maximum speed of 80 km/h. The exterior features specially designed aluminum wheels, and the interior has been designed to look like a car with a special design.

　The exterior is exclusively designed aluminum wheels, tail lamp color, and pumper color.

　The interior is almost the same as that of the HEV, with the only difference being the EV/HEV mode switch that is laid out around the gearshift.

　So the positioning of PHEV in the new model is from “special model” to “advanced grade of Prius”.

　Details on the mechanism have not yet been disclosed, but the powertrain is a 2-liter THSII, but the drive motor has been boosted from 113ps to 164ps, and the system output is 232ps, the strongest in the Prius lineup.

　Incidentally, the previous generation car used a “dual-motor drive” system, in which a generator motor is used in addition to the drive motor in EV mode to drive the car, as a desperate measure against low motor output, but the new model is equipped with a high output motor, so this system is not used.

　The battery is announced to be 13.8 kWh, up from the previous generation’s 8.8 kWh, and the cruising range is said to be more than 50% of the previous generation’s, but based on the previous generation’s EV cruising range (68.2 km), we can guess that it is definitely more than 100 km.

　In other words, it can be used almost exclusively as an EV for daily driving.
First Test Drive of the Hot New “Prius”! Toyota’s top level car! How good is it on public roads and circuits?

　The suspension set up is optimized for PHEVs in order for the footwork system to accommodate the approximate 100kg weight increase over HEVs.

　The test drive is just two laps, the first lap is driven in EV mode.

　The response when the driver presses the accelerator pedal is better than that of the HEV, and the torque rise and smooth feel that can only be achieved with electrification are really felt, but the “It’s different from the internal combustion engine, isn’t it! It has a gentle driving feel, rather than the doped-up power that is often seen in electric vehicles.

　The interior of the car is quieter than that of a typical electric car, thanks to its much quieter performance than the previous generation.

　For the second lap, we drove in HEV mode, which was sort of expected, but when we stepped on the gas pedal, the acceleration was so strong that we couldn’t help but exclaim, “Fast! I could not help but exclaim, “That’s so fast!

　The 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.7 seconds, and when you hear that the GR86’s acceleration time is 6.3 seconds, you will understand the power of this car. Incidentally, the previous generation was said to accelerate in about 10 seconds.

　Incidentally, when the accelerator pedal is fully opened, a bass sound is heard, but it does not feel noisy when accompanied by acceleration power.

　The feeling of the car is so rich that it is almost easy to forget that it is a Prius power unit, and for the first time in my Prius experience, I felt “I’m glad the engine started! (laugh).

Different colors of tail lamps for PHEV (left) and HEV (right)

　The footwork was almost imperceptible with the +100kg weight increase in this driving pattern, but since the front-rear weight distribution is more appropriate than that of the HEV, the handling balance and grand tourer-like ride feel were similar to that of the HEV E-Four, even though it is a FWD vehicle.

　In general, the PHEV has an appeal that makes us want to call it a “next-generation performance model with EV skin.

　The price is undisclosed, but probably expected to be between 4 and 5 million yen.

　It is a reasonable price, but I think it is acceptable if you look at it comprehensively. It is certain that it will be a hotly contested race just like the HEV.

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.