Toyota Prius

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.

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.

The “black luster” of the new Toyota Prius differs by grade! What is the “exclusive panel” used only on the highest grade model?

Luster” is the deciding factor for the highest grade of the new “Prius
　On January 10, 2023, Toyota launched the new “Prius” hybrid car.
　
　Comparing the top grade “Z” with other grades, the exterior appearance is slightly different.

What is the difference in “glossiness” of the new “Prius”? Subdued but different impression! See in photos

New “Prius” – Only the highest grade has a “glossy” look?

　The Prius was introduced in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car. Since then, it has been globally deployed as one of Toyota’s flagship models.

　The current model, now in its fifth generation with the 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 experience that makes you fall in love with it.

　While previous Prius models have mainly touted their low fuel consumption and high environmental performance, the new model is characterized by the addition of sporty interior and exterior features and dynamic performance as new attractions.

　The simple yet intricate body shape is said to express “emotions that resonate with the senses” and “universal beauty” to be loved for a long time. The overall silhouette is coupe-like, with large 19-inch wheels and A-pillars that are more angled than the previous model.

　Looking at the exterior, the top grade “Z” and the other grades have slightly different atmospheres.

　The “U” grade, which is exclusively for the “KINTO” subscriber service, and the mid-grade “G” grade, which wears the same 19-inch wheels as the Z, have unpainted resin panels on the fender arch moldings and lower front and rear bumpers, as is often seen on SUVs and other vehicles.

　In contrast, the Z model has these parts painted in glossy black, giving the entire exterior a glossy finish and enhancing the sense of luxury. In particular, the blacked-out area on the lower rear bumper is half the height of the bumper, making the difference even more obvious.

　The side fender arch moldings reinforce the Prius’ wide-and-low styling, and the 19-inch wheels look more attractive. In addition, the B-pillar garnish is glossy as well, which differentiates the Prius from other grades as if it were the highest grade.

　Since glossy panels are not available for grades other than Z, and are not available as an option, it can be said that the grade can be determined from the appearance, whether it is Z or not.

　However, the exterior differences are limited to those areas, and all models are equipped with full LED lamps, air spats, and a rear spoiler.

　Those who prefer the appearance of the unpainted resin panels and those who wish to customize the vehicle with aero parts after purchase may not need to stick to the glossy panels of the Z grade.

　If you are considering purchasing a new Prius, it would be better to pay attention to minor differences, including such exterior differences.

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

Toyota’s new “Prius” has a surprising trick! Two interior colors “Black/Red” have a big “difference”!

The difference between the two interior colors of the new Toyota Prius
　Two interior colors are available for the high-end grade “”Z”” of the new Toyota Prius.
　
　There is a difference between the two interior colors. What are they?

This part glows blue.? What is the difference between the two interior colors? Compare the two!

What is the unexpected trick of Toyota’s new “”Prius””?

　The first generation Prius was introduced in the 1997 model year. Since then, it has been repeatedly renewed with the times, and on November 16, 2022, the new model, the fifth generation, was introduced.

　Under the concept of “”Hybrid Reborn,”” the new Prius has evolved into an emotional Prius with a design that makes you fall in love at first sight and a driving experience that makes you fall in love with it.

　Among these, the high-end grade Z offers a choice of two interior colors: “”Gradient Black (hereinafter referred to as “”Black””)”” and “”Mature Red (hereinafter referred to as “”Red””),”” which is available as a free option.

　What are the differences between the two?

　If the basic black color is selected, black and dark gray are the basic interior colors.

　The instrument panel stitching and seat upholstery are in a nuanced steel color, with a light beige accent color.

　The instrument panel also features a “”blue”” illumination. The standard grade “”G”” also glows blue.

　On the other hand, if the optional red color is selected, the interior tone color is black.

　The instrument panel and seat upholstery are in an unadorned red color. The contrast between the base color, black, and the subdued red applied to various parts of the interior is striking.

　The red color is also used for the seat upholstery, providing a sporty and powerful accent.

　The instrument panel also has a red illumination, and by choosing red as the interior color, the design has a more sporty feel.

　In particular, the difference between the blue and red instrument panel illumination can be said to be enough to change the atmosphere of the interior.

　This illumination not only decorates the interior as ambient light, but is also used for the first time by Toyota as an “”illumination notification system.

　The system alerts the driver when the vehicle ahead of the vehicle is stopped, or when the Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) detects an active object while the vehicle is in motion.

　Note that if the interior color is to be red, it must be specified at the time of order.

　The new Prius lineup includes two patterns with quite different atmospheres, even when looking at the interior color alone.

　With the PHEV model scheduled to go on sale in March, it can be said that the new Prius will continue to attract attention.

No more clunk brakes! Many people are impressed with the new Toyota “Prius” design and driving experience! How about the narrow interior?

What do you think of the new “Prius” when you test drive it?
　Toyota’s hybrid car “Prius” has been fully remodeled, and the new model, the fifth generation, went on sale on January 10, 2023.
　
　Based on the concept of “Hybrid Reborn,” the new Prius was developed to be an emotional car with “a design that makes you fall in love at first sight” and “a drive that makes you fall in love with it,” in addition to its conventional strengths of high environmental performance.
　

The traditional center meter has been eliminated! The flashy new yellow “Prius” is so cool!

The new “Prius” looks and drives like a sports car!

　In addition to the 1.8-liter hybrid powertrain, a 2-liter hybrid powertrain is newly available. In addition, a 2-liter plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is also available, offering the overwhelming acceleration that only a motor drive can provide.

　The PHEV is scheduled to go on sale around March, but test drives and display vehicles of the hybrid version are already available at Toyota dealerships, and people who have seen and ridden in them have posted their impressions of the new Prius on social networking sites.

Some people have posted on social media about their impressions of the new Prius, saying, “The exterior and interior are not Prius in a good way. I feel like the car’s character has gone up one notch.” “The new Prius mustard, so cool! It was really cool to see the test-drive car driving around town.” There were many postings about the cool exterior design and the high-quality interior.

　Also, regarding driving performance, “The ride quality is sportier than the 50 Prius (the previous 4th generation) in terms of suspension and engine. The steering wheel and brakes feel smooth and pleasant to drive.” “Acceleration is smooth and powerful, cruising is smooth and calm, and the steering is light without being shaky. The quality of the car is very high.” “I think this is a car that does not show its true value in city driving. Just a little pressure on the gas pedal and you’re at the legal speed in no time. It’s a great car! It seems to be a car that is sporty not only in design but also in driving, with smooth acceleration and handling.

　Also, in terms of details, some posted, “I was impressed that the feeling of crunching to a stop just before stopping has disappeared,” and “The clunk brakes are now milder.

　With regard to practicality, “The steering wheel is comfortable to hold and the driver’s meter is fine!” I can’t even sit for a minute.” “The driver’s seat is narrow at the top and bottom, and it might be hard to get in and out of the driver’s seat,” etc. Some pointed out the poor rearward visibility and narrowness of the cabin due to the sporty styling.

　In terms of difficulty in seeing out of the back, one commented, “The back window is too small to see out of, so a digital inner mirror is a must,” while another recommended a camera-type room mirror (available as an option on the Z grade).

　Some people who have actually negotiated for the new Prius have written that the delivery date is “more than a year” or “undecided,” and it seems to have already become very popular.