New sales record for hybrids and for the year, the v is outselling the Prius hatch by 22.2%!
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Oct. 2, 2012
2012 Toyota Prius v – $27,200 (CAN) to start and 51.1 mpgUS combined on the Transport Canada fuel economy cycles. Or the same 42 mpgUS combined here in the US.
The Prius v delivers provides versatility and fuel efficiency in a comfortable package.
The Prius v uses the same proven Hybrid Synergy Drive system as the third-generation Prius, with the advantages of high mileage, low emissions.
A true family hybrid
The Prius v is sized and versatile enough for a family that simply needs more than the Prius hatch has to offer. A high seating position, ample head room, and impressive rear legroom are but a few attributes of this hilgy functional and fuel efficient Prius family offering. A low, wide-opening rear hatch reveals 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, making it the most spacious hybrid vehicle on the market.
Sliding second row seats allow for easier ingress and egress and rear-storage flexibility, with a 45-degree recline for greater comfort. The 60/40 split, folding rear seats present four different seat arrangements that provide excellent usability for passengers and luggage, while a fold-flat front-passenger seat allows for extremely long cargo.
The driver is kept informed via a center-mounted instrument panel, a visually succinct, space-efficient design that is also exceptionally user-friendly. As with other Prius models, the driving controls including Push Button Start, parking switch and driving mode buttons are immediately at hand. Each of these driving control features are distinguished by silver trim. Instrument-panel controls, including a single dial automatic climate control, provide an advanced look and user-friendly command.
A wide variety of engineered storage spaces are located throughout the cabin. These include dual glove boxes, a center console utility tray and five cup holders in large and medium sizes. Bottle holders are built into the front and rear door pockets, while all models will feature an overhead storage space suitable for sunglasses. In addition to the larger main luggage compartment, there are storage units built into the sides and under the cargo platform for storing equipment such as car wash items or gloves. Even a special space for umbrellas is located under the second row of seats.
Infotainment
The Prius v includes a Bluetooth wireless connection for compatible hands-free phone calls and a USB port that allows playing of music and video from portable audio devices.
The standard audio system has a 6.1-inch display and six speakers. The screen also displays the energy monitor and fuel consumption data, and functions as the monitor for the integrated back-up camera and the Display Audio System. The screen also offers a new value-driven navigation system and serves as a portal for the Toyota Multimedia system. The system will also include SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Prius HSD Drivetrain
The Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system in the Prius v is essentially the same as the current third-generation Prius plus some additional motor cooling and a lower final gear ratio. The system uses two high-output motors, one 80 HP unit that works to power the car and provide regen during braking while the smaller motor works as the electric power source. The NiMH battery pack is the same as on the third-generation Prius hatch, but with a cooling duct located under the rear seat.
HSD is built around a specially adapted, efficient 98 HP atkinsonized 1.8L I4 that together provide a total system output of 134 HP. Key components include an electric water pump that requires no belts, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that helps warm the engine quickly, reducing fuel consumption when the engine is cold. Compact and light weight, the engine produces minimal noise and vibration. Sophisticated valve control, injector design, and other technologies reduce emissions to allow the Prius v to qualify for SULEV and Tier2 Bin3 emissions standards.
While the interior is a bit plain, the drivetrain is anything but and achieving its EPA or even TC spec’ed ratings is as easy as being gently on the accelerator pedal.
Toyota Canada September Sales Results
Toyota Canada (TCI) reported September sales of 16,834 Toyota, Lexus and Scion passenger cars, SUVs and trucks was up 21.9% compared to September of 2011.
Like the US, the Toyota Camry remained #1 in the midsize segment while several other Toyota’s experienced their best September sales results ever!
According to TCI, Toyota hybrids set a September sales record with 1,480 sold and hybrid sales accounted for 8.8% of TCI’s total sales for the month.
TCI trucks were up 27.3% to an all-time September record of 7,972.
Lexus luxury vehicle sales reached 1,556, an increase of 25.4% over 2011 to establish a new September record
Toyota Sales Highlights
Toyota passenger car sales: 7,588 (up 15.5%)
Camry sales: 1,175 (up 23.6%)
Yaris Hatch sales: 694 (up 44.0%)
Toyota truck sales: 7,223 (up 29.1%) -- 5th straight month of record sales
Canadian-built RAV4 sales: 2,763 (up 101.1%)
Highlander sales: 631 (up 80.8%)
Tacoma 4x4 sales: 902 (up 70.2%)
4Runner sales: 256 (up 21.9%)
Toyota hybrid sales: 1,202 (up 390.6%)
Prius family sales: 775 (up 881%)
Highlander Hybrid sales: 112 (up 211.1%)
Camry Hybrid sales: 315 (up 142.3%)
Tony Wearing, Senior Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc:
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“We have set out make 2012 the year of the hybrid, and with the unprecedented success of the Prius family, Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid, Canadians know we have a hybrid for everyone.”
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Lexus Sales Highlights
Lexus luxury car sales: 807 (up 41.1%)
ES 350 sales: 363 (up 111.0%)
Lexus hybrid sales: 278 (up 36.3%) with Hybrid models accounting for 17.9% of Lexus sales in September
Lexus luxury SUV sales: 749 (up 12.0%)
Canadian-built RX 350 sales: 647 (up 13.1%)
RX 450h sales: 64 (up 25.5%)
With fuel costs up at least 20% from what we pay here in the states, is it any wonder Canadian’s are embracing hybrid technology to save at the pump?
Toyota Canada Sept 2012 Highlights and Overall Sales
| Model | Sept-12 | Sept-11 | Sept % change (volume basis) | Sept-12 YTD | Sept-11 YTD | YTD % change (volume basis) |
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Prius c | 138 | -- | NA | 2,074 | -- | NA |
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Prius Hatch | 327 | 79 | +313.9% | 2,614 | 1,241 | +110.6% |
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Prius v | 289 | -- | NA | 3,195 | -- | NA |
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Prius PHEV | 21 | -- | NA | 21 | -- | NA |
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Camry Hybrid | 315 | 130 | +142.3% | 2,753 | 747 | +268.5% |
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Highlander Hybrid | 112 | 36 | +211.1% | 750 | 582 | +28.9% |
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| | | | | | |
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CT | 117 | 135 | -13.3% | 1,229 | 931 | +32.0% |
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ESh | 94 | -- | NA | 116 | -- | NA |
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Toyota Canada Totals | 16,834 | 13,808 | +21.9% | 148,241 | 119,011 | +24.6% |