You don't have to be an Eco-mentalist to want a Prius... but it helps!
The third generation, five-seat Toyota hybrid is even greener than before, but these days, is that enough? Today almost every manufacturer does a green 'Eco' version of its big sellers. On paper the Prius can only really lay claim to the ultra low CO2 highground (89g/km) as most diesels nowadays claim similar MPG (3.9l/100 km)! Sadly, there is no real incentive for such cars, but the technology has to be applauded.
With 30 years of hybrid research behind it the latest Prius 3 now produces more power yet drinks less fuel. It also produces 25% less CO2 next to the old Prius. Over the coming years Toyota will have hybrid offerings across most of its range, so Prius will attract fewer headlines. For now it is still the 'poster boy' of the green car brigade, and of course all the usual Hollywood stars simply must have one!
The exterior is even more angular than before and the car's silhouette is one of the most distinctive out there in mainstream motoring. The front end features more dramatic headlights and the Toyota corporate face. Side on the Prius has a high shoulder line and looks strong, although if you close the rear doors with any vigour the sound is incredibly tinny! Imagine banging an empty biscuit tin with a wooden spoon and you'll get the idea.
Inside the cabin is spacious and a nice place to be. The driver gets even more toys to play with - the centrally mounted instrument cluster getting an even more hi-tech looking makeover. The party trick is the new stereo controls, which when touched on the steering wheel call up from thin air an illuminated display on the dash.
Power comes from Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, which uses a combination of petrol power and an electric motor. The engine is now a 1.8 litre (was 1.5) with a more respectable 136bhp. The electric motor adds another 56bhp. As with all electric motors power is instant, so the Prius 3 has good low end pull. The Prius 3 is in no way a performance car, but with the extra power you are less conscious of what's making it go. You can go further on electric power (EV) before the petrol engine cuts in to lend a hand. The new petrol engine also has no drivechains and that will have a big effect on maintenance, while the brake pads last an age as the car uses regenerative braking and is less wearing on the pads. And 85% of the car is fully recyclable, too.
The front-wheel drive car continues to use a CVT automatic gearbox that must have the stubbiest gearlever out there - again keyless stop/start and entry feature. A word of caution for those who are a little less than tech savvy: if you're shy about reading manuals or could never manage to programme a video you many as well forget about an easy life with the Prius 3. It is stuffed with technology that early adopters will love.
Toyota has led the world in hybrid technology and the irony is that many of the manufacturers who dismissed Toyota's efforts as the wrong way to go are now copying them with hybrids of their own! Toyota has sold over 2m hybrids worldwide and over 200,000 in Europe alone. Ireland has a healthy interest in hybrids, with over 3,500 sold so far. The Prius 3 is an interesting car but please, Toyota, sort out the tinny-sounding rear doors asap, because every parent wants their kids to be as safe as possible and the rear doors don't inspire confidence.
Michael Sheridan
