Well, the future is here in the form of the third-generation Prius.
The world has moved beyond the early-adopter stage into mainstream acceptance of hybrids as a viable option, given the right pricing in the markets they are sold in.
The long and short of it is that hybrid solutions will be part of the automotive fixture in the years to come.
That can range from full hybrids, which alternate between petrol and electric engines, to the so-called eco-friendly type, such as cars with start-stop technology, which automatically shuts down and restarts an engine upon the car stopping to reduce idling.
The last Prius we drove was second-generation stuff and its smallish 1.5-litre engine put out 76hp at 5,000rpm and 115Nm at 4,000rpm, which made it a little sluggish.
The latest Prius – the same one selling in Japan and the United States now – is a big improvement with its 1.8-litre mill cranking out an extra 27Nm more for that much needed low-end torque.
The car itself is a bit sleeker and sportier than its predecessor, featuring a revised electric-assist steering system that results in even better fuel economy and much improved handling. The hybrid’s performance in fact is said to be comparable to a 2.4-litre car.
Amid the bad press surrounding Toyota’s global recall of Prius and other models, it can still crow it is currently the world’s biggest hybrid seller.
It has sold over one million units and the numbers continue to rise through testy times.
It has been 12 years since the first Prius went on sale in Japan and thence around the world. It is exported to over 40 countries and regions, with Malaysia being one of the latest. Its largest overseas market is the United States, which accounts for more than half of total exports.
But it is now operating in a climate of seething competition.
While Toyota aims to have a hybrid across every model range by 2020, other car makers are also rushing to come out with hybrids of their own, even the likes of Porsche.
This Toyota combines the best of a petrol engine and an electric motor. The engine is most powerful at high revs, so it works best in high-speed driving.
The motor delivers maximum torque instantly and is ideal for starting off and acceleration. Unlike conventional cars, one actually saves fuel in traffic jams!
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The Prius’ quirky styling, target of praise and brickbats, is distinctive to say the least. The sleek profile, aimed at slicing through wind, progresses, from the front and terminates with a plunging rear end that has LED taillamps that are in keeping with the eco-trendsetter, as LEDs use less power and last longer than bulbs.
As generational changes go, the looks and handling have undergone a startling change for the better, with the hybrid assuming a more refined air about it.
Inside, the new floating centre console that Volvo has been using for the past few years, blends in nicely with the rest of the interior that offers Head-up Display and smart entry and start. The drivers even get a knee airbag, one of seven airbags to protect occupants in case of a crash.
In the dark, the dual display zone, with lights on, has the effect of making one go: “Gee, is this a plane or a car?”
The console features a trio of buttons to help manage the powertrain behaviour.
Since the Prius is designed as a parallel hybrid, the electric drive part of the vehicle has limited capabilities to propel the car. The EV mode only lets the Prius crawl around silently at speeds below 45kph, drawing power from a NiMH battery pack behind the rear seats.
EV mode is abandoned if the battery charge is too low or the right foot has been too heavy on the accelerator.
To the left of the EV button is the ECO button. When activated, it applies a retard filter to everything, smoothing responses to avoid the sort of sudden transitions that lead to high fuel consumption.
For times when you need to overtake vehicles or when you demand the car go faster, the Power mode comes into play. Unlike the ECO mode, it speeds up throttle responses.
The new Prius’ 134hp doesn’t qualify it as a sports car, but the 24hp boost over the old one means that it also never feels inadequate.
The suspension and steering have also been markedly improved.
The last time we checked, the old Prius suffered from too much body lean and a rather numb steering.
The new Prius in contrast doesn’t get too much power assistance and the steering acquires a semblance of feedback about the cornering force. As for the suspension, it actually has some roll control now, and the whole car feels tighter and more sorted out than before.
That was amply demonstrated in a run from Petaling Jaya to The Gap at Fraser’s Hill. There were plenty of twisties to show off the much improved manners of the Prius as it snaked its way around some of the most scenic spots on the way to Kuala Lipis.
Don’t count on getting leather seats for RM175,000, which alternatively qualifies you for the Camry 2.4V.
Fabric seats are comfortable and supportive enough, with ample legroom in the rear and improved head room on account of the revised roof-line. Behind the seats, the Prius has an ample 445 litres for baggage and what-not.
Starting up the car is where you begin to realise you are about to drive a hybrid. It’s so quiet you don’t even realise it’s good to go. A flash of the “Ready” light and the Prius is set to move off.
The battery-pack is never drained completely while driving on the highway. It always remain near the highest optimum charge-level. Much of the power supply is generated when the car is being driven at a steady speed. Braking or slowing down also keeps the battery juiced up.
What disappoints are the fact the front row seats are manually adjustable. One would expect at the least to get an electrically operated driver’s seat.
Some 840km later, we were ¾ down on a 45-litre tank. We reckoned we won’t have to seek out a petrol station for 10 days if daily commuting averages 80km.
Toyota claims its hybrid delivers 38km/l. We doubt we will hit that spot. In any case, it doesn’t matter.
Ten days without laying eyes on a fuel pump makes a convincing case that the Prius is one of the least thirsty four-wheelers around. Enough said.
Note: The Prius was recently recalled for braking shortcomings. The Malaysian distributor of the fully imported model has started a special service campaign to address the problem. It has since been fixed for all new orders. No braking issues were encountered in this review.
