Toyota Prius

As the trend of “car camping” gains momentum as an innovative way of travel, and the demand for comprehensive camping vehicles continues to surge, a new wave of individuals are finding joy in casually spending the night in their everyday automobiles.

Amid this shifting landscape, the question arises: Can one comfortably spend a night inside the upcoming hybrid car, the “Prius,” slated for a full redesign in November 2022?

Unveiling the “Prius Camper”: A Glimpse into the Innovative “Relax Cabin” Overnighter

Boasting the world’s swiftest innovation, the fifth-generation “Prius” (prototype) breaks boundaries by offering a unique opportunity to spend a night within its confines! Our team took the plunge and tested the waters by actually “lying down” in this innovative automobile.

The new rendition of the Prius emerges as a fusion of its time-honored environmental consciousness since its inception in 1997 and an alluring blend of eye-catching design and captivating driving dynamics, encompassing the philosophy of a “Hybrid Reborn.”

A standout feature is its strikingly transformed exterior, adopting a sleek, sports car-inspired aesthetic. While the initial public response praised its bold aesthetics, a subset raised concerns over potential interior space constraints.

The notion of spending a night in such a stylish Prius may raise eyebrows, yet two compelling reasons challenge this skepticism.

Practicality Redefined: Ample Cargo Space

The latest Prius boasts an expanded cargo area when the rear seat backrests are folded down, revealing a spacious flat surface. A pre-commercial launch prototype underwent rigorous testing and comfortably accommodated our editorial staff member, standing at around 170 cm tall, when reclined at an angle.

Despite its stylish metamorphosis, the Prius remains steadfast as a model of exceptional practicality.

Empowering Convenience: Abundant Power Supply

The forthcoming Prius will flaunt two 100 VAC, 1500 W accessory outlets: one nestled at the rear of the center console and another in the trunk space. This electric utility promises to serve as a reliable ally during camping trips and in-car stays, devoid of the hazards linked to fire-based power sources.

An “external power supply mode” even functions when the car is stationary, with an “EV power supply mode” enabling power provision through the driving battery, obviating the need for engine operation during outdoor leisure activities.

Safety measures are in place to halt power supply upon battery depletion, preventing accidental engine starts.

Furthermore, during emergencies, the “HV power supply mode” can be activated, initiating the engine to continue power generation when the battery charge reaches a critical threshold.

While the new Prius might not comfortably house an entire family overnight, it emerges as a prime choice for spontaneous solitary road trip stays.

Transformative Potential: A Prius Fit for Overnight Halts

The concept of using the new Prius for overnight stays is not entirely unheard of. A case in point involves a Prius that underwent conversion into a “camping car.”

KAITERIA Takahashi, a Nagano Prefecture-based builder renowned for crafting campervans based on models like the Hiace, transformed a third-generation Prius (30 series) into the “Relax Cabin.” Sporting a unique design reminiscent of a snail, the camper integrates a fiberglass-reinforced shell onto the rear gate of the hatchback, drawing attention at camper events nationwide. The interior accommodates four to five adults across two tiers.

The company’s innovative supply system draws 100 V/1500 W AC power from the nickel-metal hydride battery powering the Prius, placing it ahead of competitors in terms of energy efficiency.

In closing, the prospect of staying overnight in the forthcoming Prius is not as absurd as it may seem. With a roomy cargo space and an advanced power supply system, this vehicle transforms into an unexpected contender for impromptu solo getaways.

After a long-awaited period of 7 years, Toyota has unveiled the all-new “Prius,” a complete redesign that has taken the automotive world by storm. The fresh and innovative design has captivated enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike, generating a surge of interest in the market. The big question on everyone’s mind: “Is it still available for purchase?”

The anticipation has come to an end as advance orders for the new Prius are now open. The vehicle made its grand debut on November 16, 2022, leaving a lasting impression on the global stage.

Pre-orders commenced in late December of the same year, and the public’s response has been nothing short of remarkable. Enthusiasts and potential customers have been buzzing with excitement since the unveiling.

A Radical Transformation: A Glimpse into the Revamped Prius

The revamped Prius represents a departure from the ordinary, featuring a strikingly distinct design that sets it apart from its predecessors. A detailed comparison between the new and old Prius reveals a revolutionary transformation in both interior and exterior aspects.

The design of the new Toyota Prius has sent shockwaves through the industry, and it’s no surprise that pre-orders have already begun in Japan. The question remains: How are consumers reacting to this dramatic change?

The Essence of “HYBRID Reborn”

The development of the new Prius adheres to the guiding principles of “HYBRID Reborn.” This translates into a design that ignites love at first sight and a driving experience that captures hearts.

The vehicle’s architecture, known as the TNGA (GA-C platform), has evolved into its second generation, resulting in a wider and lower profile compared to the previous 4th generation. The dimensions now stand at 4600mm in length (+25mm), 1780mm in width (+20mm), and a height of 1420mm-1430mm (-40mm), with a wheelbase of 2750mm (+50mm). Despite the changes, the iconic mono-form silhouette remains, while the interior is meticulously crafted to accommodate various functions.

Functionality Meets Aesthetics: Interior Excellence

The interior design adopts the “island architecture” concept, thoughtfully dividing the space to serve distinct roles. This approach not only enhances the driving experience but also infuses a sporty vibe for drivers to relish. The instrument panel and fabric textures, predominantly black, inject a unique touch.

Under the Hood and Beyond: Powertrains and Innovative Features

The new Prius offers an array of powertrains, including 1.8-liter and 2-liter hybrids, as well as a 2-liter plug-in hybrid. Functional innovation takes center stage with the introduction of the world’s first “anticipatory eco-drive,” a feature that switches to EV mode when nearing a destination based on GPS data, enhancing fuel efficiency in colder climates.

Advanced driving assistance systems like “Advance Park” with remote functionality and the in-demand “Drive Recorder” add to the vehicle’s allure.

Global Premiere Reaction and Enthusiastic Dealerships

Following the world premiere, Toyota dealerships were inundated with inquiries and interest. Dealer A reported a fascination with the design, while Dealer B fielded questions about specifications, release dates, and delivery timelines right after the announcement.

Social media platforms were also abuzz with comments hailing the coolness of the design and the clear departure from the previous Prius models. Enthusiastic users expressed their desire to own this new iteration.

Release Dates and Advance Orders

The hybrid model of the new Prius is set to hit the roads in winter 2022, with the plug-in hybrid model following in spring 2023. While these dates may vary slightly between dealerships, advance orders for the hybrid version commenced around December 24. The excitement is palpable, with numerous posts on social media confirming orders placed for the new Prius.

Dealerships Share Their Insights

Dealer C revealed their brisk start in accepting orders, stating they initiated the process for the hybrid version on December 24. With a quota of around 3,000 units for two years, there’s a chance it might be filled within the first year alone, given the current level of interest.

Dealer D highlighted the popularity of the 2-liter Z grade, the top-tier trim, while the 1.8-liter model is reserved for KINTO and corporate customers.

Supply Challenges and Varied Responses

Due to production delays attributed to semiconductor supply constraints and other factors, dealerships have been allocated limited units. As a result, some dealers have already closed their advance orders due to the overwhelming demand. Conversely, a few dealerships still have openings for orders in the new year.

In conclusion, Toyota’s new Prius has taken the automotive world by storm, mesmerizing enthusiasts and potential buyers with its radical design and innovative features. With the model now open for advance orders, the buzz and excitement around this revamped icon continue to grow.

Expectations for the new Toyota Prius Aero Spec! What is the difference between “”luxury aero spec”” and “”sport spec””?New Prius “”Sport Aero Spec”” and “”Luxury Aero Spec”” both expected!Toyota unveiled the new Prius hybrid car on November 16, 2022.Both the interior and exterior have been given a sporty look, and the respective specifications of Toyota’s car custom parts brands, TRD and Modellista, have been unveiled.Which do you prefer, “”Luxury Aero”” or “”Sports Aero””? Check out the differences in aero parts for the new “”Prius”” and the interior and exterior with images .

Expectations for the aero parts deployed for the new “”Prius”” The Prius was introduced in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car. Since then, it has been deployed globally as a representative model of Toyota.The fifth-generation model, which has undergone a full model change, was developed under the concept of “”Hybrid Reborn”” with the aim of creating a car that combines “”a design that makes you fall in love at first sight”” and “”a driving performance that makes you fall in love with it. The interior, exterior, and dynamic performance are characterized by an emphasis on driving.

　As a custom version of the new Prius, TRD (Toyota Racing Development) released images of a new Prius equipped with the company’s customized parts series “”GR Parts”” on its official website on the same day as the world premiere of the new Prius.The images show a white Prius with an edgy black under spoiler added to the lower front bumper and a tailgate spoiler at the rear, creating a lowered, more intonated design in the center.GR parts are aftermarket parts that are based on the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (GR) philosophy of “”feedback from motorsports,”” and can be installed on standard vehicles. The new Prius has been made even sportier.

　On the same day, TCD (Toyota Customizing & Development) also unveiled a new Prius equipped with Modellista brand aero parts.Modellista will offer two different versions, the “”NEO ADVANCE STYLE”” and the “”ELEGANT ICE STYLE.The NEO ADVANCE STYLE features large LED illumination on the front and a three-dimensional blackout to express a dynamic presence.On the other hand, the ELEGANT ICE STYLE features chrome decorations that wrap around the vehicle, emphasizing its high quality.

　While GR parts offer sporty parts for aerodynamic performance, the Modellista brand is characterized by aero parts with a sense of luxury, and the overall design is more luxurious and powerful.Both TRD and Modellista aero parts for the new Prius have different qualities, but no details or prices of the parts have been announced at this time.Expectations for the custom parts to be developed by each company in the future are growing even more.

　Modellista has announced that it will display a new Prius customized in both NEO ADVANCE STYLE and ELEGANT ICE STYLE in its booth at Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, which will be held for three days from January 13, 2023.The new Prius HEV (hybrid) model is scheduled to go on sale this winter, and the PHEV (plug-in hybrid) model in the spring of 2023.”

A lot of people want to buy a Prius! Toyota’s new “Prius” unveiled for the first time in the world. What are the changes and evolution that I felt when I touched the new and old models?What are your impressions of the new Toyota “”Prius,”” a hot topic of conversation around the world?Toyota’s new “Prius” has been the talk of the town for its “cool” design.

　How does it compare to its predecessor, the fourth-generation model?Coolness…totally different! Actual comparison of the interior and exterior of the old and new Prius! The 5th generation of the Prius is the most talked-about model in the world. What are the differences between the new Toyota Prius (left), now in its fifth generation, and its predecessor, the fourth-generation Prius (right)?The first-generation Prius was “Just in time for the 21st century.” and was born in 1997 as a pioneer of next-generation environmental vehicles.

　The second-generation model achieved even better fuel economy and adopted a unique “”triangle silhouette”” that also excelled in aerodynamics, and the third-generation model achieved even better fuel economy. The third generation of the Mazda3 was the first hybrid car to be launched in the world.The fourth-generation model, introduced in 2015, was the first to adopt the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which forms the basis of Toyota’s current vehicles.

　In addition to further improvements in fuel economy, Toyota aimed to significantly improve various basic performance features, such as “”a low center of gravity style that accentuates coolness”” and “”good driving performance, ride comfort, and quietness.The fourth-generation model features an advanced and emotional design that combines the Prius’ iconic triangle silhouette with a low center-of-gravity package based on TNGA.

　The front face of the model at the time of its unveiling featured a unique design with a fearless look in its eyes, as well as LED clearance lamps with a triangular contour for a sharp impression, but some users criticized the front face as “”Kabuki face”” and the rear design as “”torii”” shaped, and the minor changes The front design was criticized by some users as having a “”Kabuki face”” and the rear design as having a “”torii”” shape.

　On the other hand, the new Prius, the fifth generation, inherited the concept, although the name was changed from triangle silhouette to “”monoform silhouette.By adopting a new platform, the second generation of TNGA, the new Prius has been redesigned with a lower center of gravity and stylish proportions with 19-inch large-diameter tires.In addition, the fourth-generation model has a stylish coupe-like silhouette by moving the roof top from the front to the center of the body and lowering the overall height.

　In addition, while the fourth-generation model emphasized a low center of gravity with character lines on the sides of the body, the new Prius expresses a flowing beauty by minimizing the character lines and creating a simple yet intricate body shape.
What are the differences between the 4th generation model and the new Prius (late model)?For example, in the front face, the 4th generation model (late model) has a simpler impression compared to the early model, but the new Prius has a face with a sense of presence from the headlights to the central grille and a horizontal character style, and at first glance there appears to be no similarity at all.

　However, the line extending from the center of the front to the hood and the shape of the lower grille are still similar to those of the previous generation.The rear, on the other hand, is very different, with the new Prius using thin, horizontal single letter lamps to give it a more advanced look.The most different part is the side silhouette, which, as mentioned above, feels like a completely different car due to the lowered height and the position of the roof top, which has been moved backward.

A lot of people want one! The new Toyota Prius, unveiled for the first time in the world, might even be able to stay overnight in a car! What are the changes and evolution that I felt when I touched the new and old models?What are your impressions of the new Toyota “”Prius,”” a hot topic of conversation around the world?Toyota’s new “”Prius”” has been the talk of the town for its “”cool”” design.How does it compare to its predecessor, the fourth-generation model?

Coolness…totally different! Actual comparison of the interior and exterior of the old and new Prius! The 5th generation of the Prius is the most talked-about model in the world. What are the differences between the new Toyota Prius (left), now in its fifth generation, and its predecessor, the fourth-generation Prius (right)?

　The first-generation Prius was “”Just in time for the 21st century.”” and was born in 1997 as a pioneer of next-generation environmental vehicles.The second-generation model achieved even better fuel economy and adopted a unique “”triangle silhouette”” that also excelled in aerodynamics, and the third-generation model achieved even better fuel economy. The third generation of the Mazda3 was the first hybrid car to be launched in the world.The fourth-generation model, introduced in 2015, was the first to adopt the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which forms the basis of Toyota’s current vehicles.

　In addition to further improvements in fuel economy, Toyota aimed to significantly improve various basic performance features, such as “”a low center of gravity style that accentuates coolness”” and “”good driving performance, ride comfort, and quietness.The fourth-generation model features an advanced and emotional design that combines the Prius’ iconic triangle silhouette with a low center-of-gravity package based on TNGA.The front face of the model at the time of its release featured a unique design with fearless eyes and LED clearance lamps with triangular contours for a sharp impression, but some users criticized the front face as “”Kabuki face”” and the rear design as “”torii”” shaped, so a minor change was made to The front design was criticized by some users as having a “”Kabuki face”” and the rear design as having a “”torii”” shape.

　On the other hand, the new Prius, the fifth generation, inherited the concept, although the name was changed from triangle silhouette to “”monoform silhouette.By adopting a new platform, the second generation of TNGA, it has been redesigned with a lower center of gravity and stylish proportions with large 19-inch tires.In addition, the fourth-generation model has a stylish coupe-like silhouette by moving the roof top from the front to the center of the body and lowering the overall height.In addition, while the fourth-generation model emphasized a low center of gravity with character lines on the sides of the body, the new Prius expresses a flowing beauty by minimizing the character lines and creating a simple yet intricate body shape.

　What are the differences between the fourth-generation model and the new Prius ?For example, in the front face, the 4th generation model (late model) has a simpler impression compared to the early model, but the new Prius has a face with a sense of presence from the headlights to the central grille and a horizontal character style, and at first glance there appears to be no similarity at all.

　However, the line extending from the center of the front to the hood and the shape of the lower grille are still similar to those of the previous generation.The rear, on the other hand, is very different, with the new Prius using thin, horizontal single letter lamps to give it a more advanced look.The most different part is the side silhouette, which, as mentioned above, feels like a completely different car due to the lowered height and the position of the roof top, which has been moved backward.

By far the best!” Many praise for the sporty new Toyota Prius! Conventional model was not so good!Do you like the new or old Prius? The new Toyota Prius made its world premiere on November 16, 2022.The new Prius, now in its fifth generation, has evolved into a sleek silhouette. While inheriting the mono-form silhouette that has continued from the past, it will be renewed with a wider and lower stance, 19-inch large-diameter tires, and a more stylish design.

The new Prius is super cool! Center meter abolished & banana-like shift adopted! The new Toyota “Prius” (5th generation) is by far the coolest looking car ever!The previous Prius, especially the 4th generation that debuted in 2015, was controversial for its innovative design, which was also called the “Kabuki face” for its design that looked like tears streaming from the headlights.It was revised to a universal design with a minor change in 2018, but in a departure from the overly individualistic Prius, the new Prius is reborn with the advanced looks of a sports car.

　We conducted a survey on the new and old Prius to find out what SNS users thought of the new Prius.The question asked, “Which do you prefer, the new Prius (5th generation) or the previous Prius (4th generation)?” 81.8% of respondents answered “new Prius”, far exceeding the 18.2% who answered “conventional Prius”.The opinions of those who prefer the new Prius include: “The new Prius has by far the best design,” “It is well in line with global design trends,” and “It has a sporty, unusual, and ‘special’ feel that is appropriate for a new generation of Prius. It is appropriate as a Prius for the new era.

　Conversely, there were many comments on the conventional Prius, with some stern comments such as, “The conventional model’s face is not good enough,” “The previous generation looks unbalanced, and I don’t like the complicated design of the face and tail,” and “The fourth generation has no beauty points other than fuel efficiency.

　On the other hand, those who responded that they prefer the conventional Prius said, “Anyway, I thought the 4th generation was cool when it came out. The front design was also very much to my liking, and the line of the rear tail lamps was innovative and very cool,” and “I drive a 4th generation Prius and I am satisfied with it.

　Also, comments such as “The new model has too narrow lights,” and “The 5th generation has a single letter tail and a design that places the company name (car name) one letter at a time, which is adopted by Lexus and Wagen, and is too much in vogue at any cost” were received.

　The new Prius adopts a sleek coupe style, and the rear seat door knobs are embedded in the C-pillar, giving it a sporty form. It can be said that the Prius, which had pursued fuel efficiency as a pioneer of hybrid vehicles, has steered a course toward a sporty line. In the interior, the “center meter,” which was used in past models and placed in the center of the instrument panel, has been eliminated and replaced with a meter in front of the driver’s seat. It is also noteworthy that the stick shift lever, which was said to be difficult to use by some users, has been replaced with the shift lever used in recent Toyota hybrid vehicles.

Starting at 3.65 million yen! The new “Prius” with enhanced driving performance is unveiled in Japan! All cars are 4WD specification, and the driving performance is as good as a sports car?All cars are 4WD! New “Prius” with Canadian specifications Toyota’s Canadian subsidiary has announced that it will introduce the new Prius this winter. All new Prius models to be introduced to the Canadian market appear to be 4WD.

Very sporty! The new Toyota Prius shines with a fearless faceThe new Toyota Prius will soon go on sale in Canada (image: U.S. version)The Prius was born in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car. Four generations of the Prius have been launched to date, selling a total of approximately 5.05 million units globally and popularizing the “”hybrid”” throughout the world.On November 16, 2022, the new Prius, the fifth generation, was unveiled in Japan. In addition to its strength of high environmental performance, the new Prius was developed with the aim of creating a car with “”a design that makes you fall in love at first sight”” and “”a driving experience that makes you fall in love with it.

　The exterior is modern and progressive in style. The roofline is 50 mm lower, the hip point 25 mm lower, and the overall width 22 mm wider than the previous generation model, giving it a sportier appearance.The grille is fitted with front grille shutters that optimize airflow and contribute to improved cooling and aerodynamic performance. Aerodynamic stabilization under the body panels is also provided to reduce drag and road noise.The interior, based on the “”Island Architecture”” concept, provides both a spacious, pressure-free interior and a cockpit feel that makes it easy to concentrate on driving. The interior is intuitive and enjoyable to drive.

　The powertrain of the new Prius unveiled in Canada is a hybrid system consisting of a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine and motor that delivers a maximum output of 196 hp, a 14% improvement over the previous generation model. This is combined with an electric continuously variable transmission.In Canada, all models are available with 4WD, and the 0-100 km/h acceleration time is approximately 7.2 seconds, which is as high performance as the Toyota 86. The fuel consumption in Canada is announced to be 4.8 L/100 km (approx. 20.8 km/L).

　The 4WD system installed is an electronically controlled on-demand AWD system similar to other Toyota hybrid vehicles such as the “”Highlander,”” “”RAV4,”” and “”Corolla. The system ensures traction on slippery road surfaces and excellent fuel economy. By driving the rear wheels with the motor, the system enables stable driving when starting off, driving on slippery surfaces, and cornering. Driving modes include NORMAL, in which the hybrid system delivers the ideal combination of fuel economy and acceleration performance; ECO, which improves the efficiency of the hybrid system by limiting output in response to light to moderate accelerator pedal input; SPORT, which enhances dynamic performance and acceleration; and SPORT”” mode, which enhances dynamic performance and acceleration, and “”EV mode,”” which allows the vehicle to be driven as a pure electric vehicle.Advanced safety features include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard equipment, lane departure warning with steering assist, and all-speed radar cruise control.

In Canada, the base grade XLE AWD and this one are equipped with a 12.3-inch Toyota multimedia touchscreen, a JBL premium audio system with eight speakers, a glass roof, and ventilated heated seats. The XLE AWD is priced at $36,490 and the Limited AWD is priced at $42,990.In Canada, where snowfall is heavy in some areas, there seems to be limited grade development, such as AWD only. The new Prius is scheduled to be sold in Japan as well, but the price has not yet been announced in Japan, and we await further information.

Just like a sports car! Toyota’s new “Prius” with revamped AWD system for improved stability! Starting at about 3,720,000 yen in the U.S.Increased Power and Fuel EconomyOn December 14, 2022, Toyota’s U.S. subsidiary announced that the new Prius (2023 model year) will go on sale in that market in January 2023.

New interior with the center meter eliminated is so cool! Sporty new Toyota Prius looks cool! Toyota’s New “Prius” Revamped with Sleek Coupe StyleThe all-new Prius, now in its fifth generation, features a sports car-like exterior design with a sleek silhouette, low roofline, and smooth body panels. The interior design is clean and modern, and features an advanced 12.3-inch display and ambient lighting.The 2023 Prius also features a larger engine, with the U.S. version powered by a 2-liter engine. Improvements to the hybrid system have resulted in an increase in overall system output of over 60%. Output has increased to 196hp for AWD models and 194hp for FF models, while maximum torque has increased by approximately 16% from 120lb.ft to 139lb.ft for all models.

　FF and AWD drive systems are available. The AWD models feature an updated “”electronic on-demand AWD system”” that improves traction on slippery road surfaces and delivers excellent fuel economy. By driving the rear wheels with the motor, the system delivers stable driving performance when starting off, driving on slippery road surfaces, and assisting during cornering.
The new Prius to be released in the U.S. will be available in three grades: LE, XLE, and Limited, with FWD and AWD versions of each grade.

　Six body colors are available: Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, Reservoir Blue, Supersonic Red, and Windchill Pearl.In addition, it will be equipped with the latest Connected System and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and other driver assistance systems.The new Prius will be priced between $27,450 and $35,865 in the U.S., or between 3.72 million and 4.86 million Japanese yen (as of December 15, 2022), and is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in the country in January 2023.

Toyota Prius is too sporty for previous owners! The new “”Prius”” is too sporty for previous owners! Thursday, December 15, 2022 10:10 What do you think of the new Prius?The Toyota “”Prius,”” renowned as the pioneer of hybrid cars since its birth in 1997, has been fully remodeled into its 5th generation. I’ve never seen a Prius like this! Customized versions with extreme flair are already on the market!

　The new Prius is longer, wider, and lower than the previous model, and has a new sporty appeal.On the other hand, the new Prius has been criticized by some for its change of character, as it aims for a premium line that emphasizes style rather than family use.In this issue, we asked owners of successive generations of the Prius about the new model. How do they view the change from pursuing practicality and fuel economy to a more stylish and sporty line?

　Mr. T, a man in his 50s who has been driving a third-generation Prius, said that while the stylish new direction of the new model is appealing, he is concerned that it will be even harder to drive. I’ve been driving a 30 Prius for quite a long time, but originally the front of the car has a steep drop, so it’s hard to get a sense of the vehicle in front of me.

　The new model is cooler and more attractive, but I am concerned about whether the A-pillar will be laid down further, making the driver’s seat feel more oppressive and the front of the car more distant.If my parents, who are in their 70s, are also driving, I am concerned about the design, which seems to have poor ease of getting in and out of the car and poor rearward visibility, and I worry that it will not be kind to the elderly.””

　The C segment, to which the Prius belongs, is exquisitely positioned between the compact car and the middle class. There are many previous owners who don’t want to drive a compact car, but don’t want to drive a car that is too big, so the bold change of course is controversial.

I am sure that this is a proposal for a new sense of value. It is a matter of course to have good fuel economy, but we needed something more attractive, and I think the answer was ‘sportiness.It is definitely a good car if you actually drive it, but I think it would have been better if they had prioritized practicality a little more, including increasing the size of the car.It seems that many people are demanding practicality from the Prius. Especially for novice drivers and the elderly, ease of getting in and out of the car and visibility are very important. I wonder how users will evaluate this area after the car is actually sold.On the other hand, there are those who welcome this stylish line.

　Mr. E, a man in his 30s who currently drives a compact car, used to own a third-generation Prius, and he says he is quite impressed with the new fifth-generation Prius, partly because he shunned the “”overly aggressive design”” of the fourth-generation Prius.The fourth-generation Prius, especially the previous model before the minor changes in 2018, was not very perfect, to be honest,”” he said. In that respect, the new model has a novel impression in its face, but it was immune to the new “”Crown”” and I think the rear style is like a hatchback, and yet it also gives the impression of a more futuristic look.

　Moreover, thanks to its low and wide profile, it looks as stylish as an imported car, and I would like to drive it.I’m also interested in the sharp acceleration that only PHEVs can provide, and I’d like to give it a try if I get the chance to test drive one. Mr. A’s opinion seems to indicate that a car needs to have not only performance but also a cohesive overall design.

Toyota’s new “”Prius”” is too sporty for previous owners to resist! Some are concerned that the visibility will be poor…What are the features of the new Prius?What catches the eye in the new Prius is its different and elongated proportions: it inherits the 5-door hatchback style from the second generation, but clearly emphasizes a lower profile. Furthermore, the front face has been redesigned with a “”hammerhead”” motif, which is also used on the new Crown, and is typical of the latest Toyota models.At 4600 mm long x 1780 mm wide x 1430 mm wide, the new Prius is not only slightly longer and slightly wider than the previous model, but also 40 mm lower.

　At a time when SUVs are the mainstay of the market, with many models exceeding 1600 mm in overall height, the new Prius gives the impression of a much lower stance, emphasizing its sporty nature.Toyota’s new Prius Another notable feature of the new Prius is its revamped powertrain: in addition to the 1.8-liter hybrid, a 2-liter hybrid is available. In addition, a 2-liter plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be offered.Maximum output is 140 hp for the 1.8-liter hybrid, 193 hp for the 2-liter hybrid, and 223 hp for the 2-liter PHEV, with an agile 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds. In fact, as of December 2022, WLTC fuel economy figures have not been released, but horsepower and acceleration are clear, as if to emphasize the sportiness of the car.

　The 1.8-liter hybrid emphasizes economy, the PHEV uses a large amount of electric energy to drive the motor for sharp acceleration, and the 2-liter hybrid aims to combine the best of both worlds, offering the performance that users demand in a pine, bamboo, and plum arrangement, as one might expect from Toyota.The new Prius has taken the sporty route, but even at the expense of some practicality, it seems to be aiming for a premium line like the sports 4-door coupe, which has become rare nowadays.

　There are several possible reasons for this, including the fact that Toyota has a large lineup of hybrid vehicles in addition to the Prius, and that the role of the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle has been fulfilled, and that a new appeal was needed to maintain a presence in the C-segment class, where there are many strong players. The new Crown is in the same vein as the new Crown.

　This seems to be the same trend with the new Crown, and Toyota’s decision to add crossovers and SUVs to keep the Crown name alive was a bold change to keep the Prius alive.It also made it possible to appeal that hybrid vehicles can offer fun features other than fuel economy, and it may be that a suitable style was necessary to push sportiness to the forefront.

　There is an impression that the new Prius is designed to appeal to new users rather than existing users.There are various opinions on the change to a sporty line, but it seems certain that the stylish new Prius will still “”sell”” well.