Right Lane Cruiser
06-26-2009, 08:28 AM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Japanese_Flag_30x22.jpg The new system’s fuel efficiency has improved by 7%, with a combined consumption rating of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres. (http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posteddriving/archive/2009/06/25/first-drive-2010-toyota-prius.aspx)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Prius.jpgBrian Harper - NATIONALPOST (http://network.nationalpost.com) - June 25, 2009
Toyota hit a home run with this one! --Ed.
Toyota knows a thing or two about building hybrids — the automaker has sold more than a million of its benchmark Prius sedans worldwide. Things aren’t quite so easy now in the hybrid marketplace, however, with others joining the green movement, so the bosses decided it would be prudent to make a good thing better. Ta-dah, we now have the third generation of the car that really got this whole green shift rolling.
Size doesn’t always matter, but in the case of the new Prius, it’s a big deal. Although it looks similar to the previous iteration, Toyota designers have created a completely new exterior and interior. The resulting improved aerodynamics help reduce fuel consumption, plus add much-needed cabin space. The peak of the roofline has been moved rearward, creating additional headroom to the rear-seat area. Sitting on the 60/40-split folding rear bench, I found there was adequate headroom and plenty of leg room. The front bucket seats, which are height-adjustable on the driver’s side, offer an abundance of space for my noggin, thanks to the higher roofline — and there is plenty of elbow room, too. In fact, although the Prius may have been perceived in the past as a compact, this new iteration has the necessary roominess to satisfy mid-sized-car buyers. However, although it’s rated as a five-passenger model, if you’re planning to fit three adults into the back seat they had best be well acquainted with each other.
Trunk space is equally roomy. I had no problem fitting several travel bags into the fully carpeted cargo area, which is rated at 15.7 cubic feet. If more capacity is needed, just flip the rear bench forward, which creates a flat cargo floor. The large rear liftgate makes access to the cargo area a breeze. A roller-type tonneau cover is standard, helping keep prying eyes at bay.
Standard interior features include automatic climate control with a cabin air filter and rear heater ducts. Power windows with an auto up/down feature are standard, along with power locks and... http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posteddriving/archive/2009/06/25/first-drive-2010-toyota-prius.aspx
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Prius.jpgBrian Harper - NATIONALPOST (http://network.nationalpost.com) - June 25, 2009
Toyota hit a home run with this one! --Ed.
Toyota knows a thing or two about building hybrids — the automaker has sold more than a million of its benchmark Prius sedans worldwide. Things aren’t quite so easy now in the hybrid marketplace, however, with others joining the green movement, so the bosses decided it would be prudent to make a good thing better. Ta-dah, we now have the third generation of the car that really got this whole green shift rolling.
Size doesn’t always matter, but in the case of the new Prius, it’s a big deal. Although it looks similar to the previous iteration, Toyota designers have created a completely new exterior and interior. The resulting improved aerodynamics help reduce fuel consumption, plus add much-needed cabin space. The peak of the roofline has been moved rearward, creating additional headroom to the rear-seat area. Sitting on the 60/40-split folding rear bench, I found there was adequate headroom and plenty of leg room. The front bucket seats, which are height-adjustable on the driver’s side, offer an abundance of space for my noggin, thanks to the higher roofline — and there is plenty of elbow room, too. In fact, although the Prius may have been perceived in the past as a compact, this new iteration has the necessary roominess to satisfy mid-sized-car buyers. However, although it’s rated as a five-passenger model, if you’re planning to fit three adults into the back seat they had best be well acquainted with each other.
Trunk space is equally roomy. I had no problem fitting several travel bags into the fully carpeted cargo area, which is rated at 15.7 cubic feet. If more capacity is needed, just flip the rear bench forward, which creates a flat cargo floor. The large rear liftgate makes access to the cargo area a breeze. A roller-type tonneau cover is standard, helping keep prying eyes at bay.
Standard interior features include automatic climate control with a cabin air filter and rear heater ducts. Power windows with an auto up/down feature are standard, along with power locks and... http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posteddriving/archive/2009/06/25/first-drive-2010-toyota-prius.aspx