This 4th generation Prius is up to 20% more efficient – establishing the passage Toyota Prius Consumption (3 l / 100 km), the lowest in the time to a non-rechargeable compact sedan – but also much more pleasant than the last. Its new platform means it can simultaneously make progress in terms of behavior, comfort and livability. Finally, to the delight of his followers, and renewed skepticism of all others, the style of his body is even more esoteric than that of its predecessors, a feat!
This is for Toyota to extend a global success which in just under 20 years, saw the Prius go from being the ugly duckling to the global flagship of hybrid technology.Sold over 3.5 million copies, including 1.6 for the only North America and 1.5 inJapan, where it has long been the best-selling car market over the past 10 years, Prius has become an untouchable icon to Toyota. And, even if it now sells at least in Europe as hybrid Auris (classic sedan powered by the same hybrid traction drive) or in Japan as Acqua (lower hybrid sedan segment, sharing her mechanics with the Yaris Hybrid marketed in Europe). This desire for continuity explains in particular that the designers of the model, further water down the line, have instead deliberately forced the stroke of his foreignness drawing design very “aquatic” the recent Mirai.
THE TECHNIQUE
Developed on the new tnga platform as a basis for future models of segment B / C / D of Toyota, the new Prius is 6 cm longer (4.54 m), 1.5 cm wider (1.76 m), but above 2 cm lower (1.47 m). Proportions favorable to the aerodynamic efficiency of his body as evidenced by the 0.24 Cd of this new version, against 0.25 in the previous. To achieve this, the engine was implanted 1 cm lower, which has made it possible to lower the hood, windshield Bay, flag and finally the center of gravity of 2.5 cm.
This 4-cylinder 1.8 petrol is a profound evolution of the previous. In particular it uses a proportion of recirculating exhaust gas (cooled by an outer loop) and an increased expansion ratio that can increase its maximum energy efficiency at 40% (2 to 000 rev / min), a value for a record gasoline engine. He always develops 98 hp. If the architecture of the continuously variable transmission combined electric generator and internal combustion engine via a planetary gear train has not changed, the new propulsion electric motor – more compact and lightweight -, which directly drives the differential, sees its reduced power 92-72 ch. The cumulative power of the hybrid powertrain so down 138-122 hp. Result: you have this new Prius 10.6 s to go from 0 to 100 km / h, or two tenths more than in the previous one.
For if it is announced 60% stiffer than its predecessor thanks to its tnga platform, the new Prius would eventually be heavier than fifteen kilos (the final figure was not formalized) as a result of an enriched equipment of enhanced soundproofing and especially the replacement of the rear axle-beam of the previous model by a double wishbone axle. Now, fifteen kilos, it is precisely the weight that would save some markets using a lithium-ion battery instead of Nickel Metal Hydride which was selected for the European market. That said, it is mainly the progress made on these batteries and power electronics, which determines the performance of their recharging during deceleration phases, which have reduced consumption of this new Prius recharged more quickly, These batteries are used to stop the petrol engine earlier and more often. Result on the official homologation cycle – very unrealistic, but one point of comparison between each new model – the consumption of the basic version has been lowered from 3.9 to 3.0 l / 100 km, and CO2 emissions of 89-70 g / km.
LIFE ON BOARD
Perceived quality significantly increased compared to the current model thanks to more pleasant touch materials and a sleek dashboard design which retains some direct access buttons for conventional systems such as air conditioning. Like the exterior styling, the interior hollow retaining its wake a central instrumentation that now seems a bit dated.
The flag lowered by 2 cm, the front passengers are now sitting 6 cm lower, which helped to right the front seatbacks in favor of legroom in the back, inside a wheelbase remains unchanged at 2.70 m. In fact, the driving position seems much more “sporty” than the previous model, which, in our opinion, is a good point even though we would have appreciated a greater steering column adjustment amplitude to bring the wheel the seat. Similarly, the adoption of a more compact battery and the extension of the rear overhang helped earn nearly 60 liters of trunk volume to 502 liters.
THE OPINION OF POINT AUTO
The regulars of the model remain in familiar territory. Contact: nothing happens because the Prius starts by default in its sole electrical power, not soliciting petrol engine when the battery is empty or power is insufficient to meet the driver’s request.When the 4-cylinder finally starts, typically after a few hundred meters, it makes it even more discreet than the current model with the enhanced soundproofing. Better, it responds to the depression of the accelerator pedal less caricature, with climbs and more controlled diets for better road approval.
On an urban route, just ease off the accelerator to the gasoline engine stops, and touch the brake pedal to the electric motor becomes a generator and recharges the battery for the benefit of lowering consumption. On winding roads, the steering is more direct, precise and communicative, in the service of a more agile handling than the current model. Lowering the center of gravity has also helped soften the suspension, to the benefit of passenger comfort. Hence whether this new Prius became an accomplished road, we will need further testing to be sure, but travelers will appreciate in the long term that this new model can now tow a trailer without brakes weighing up ‘725 kg.
MOST
- Sobriety record
- Transmission management
- Compromise comfort-behavior clearly improved
LEAST
- Aerodynamic noise
- Unfashionable Central Instrumentation
- Performance down slightly
Under the hood of the Prius 4:
- Thermal Engine: 4-cylinder petrol engine
- Displacement: 1797 cm3
- Power: 98 hp at 5200 rev / min
- Torque: 142 Nm at 3600 r / min
- Electric motor: synchronous permanent magnet 72 hp and 163 Nm
- Cumulative power: 122 hp
- Transmission: front-wheel
- Box: electric continuously variable (generator + epicyclic)
- Dimensions: 4540 x 1760 x 1470 mm
- Safe: 502 l
- Weight: unknown
- 0-100 Km / h: 10.6 s
- Recovery of 80 to 120 km / h: 8.3 s
- Speed: 180 km / h
- Power consumption: 3.0 l / 100 km
- CO2: 70 g / km to opening a bonus equal to 5% of the price of new
- Price: not disclosed
- Website: http://www.toyota.fr/