Like this, in fact. At first, I was a bit hesitant to post these pictures because they came from a “leak” and might not have been authentic. Suprisingly, Toyota fessed up that these were the real pictures. Now the blogosphere is abuzz with rumors that perhaps the leak was intentional to hype up the new car, but I won’t bore you with that.

The new Prius is supposed to be a little sportier, but still continue the car’s legacy as a treehugging icon, while hopefully fending off the new Honda Insight. No one can say if all that will happen right now, but check out the rest of the teaser shots and let us know in the comments what you think about the redesign. One thing I notice is the lack of rear wheel covers, but oh well!

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The UK recently hosted 39 cars in the 2008 fleet World MPG Marathon. The challenge took them over many different types of roads over the course of its 400 miles in order to see which cars got the best fuel economy. All of these cars were fleet vehicles, so even though some modifications could increase their fuel economy, you can still get an idea what ecodriving can do for improving fuel economy.

The winning car officially turned in 84.66 MPG, but those are Imperial gallons and since most of our readers are in the US, 70.49 MPG is the better number for most EcoModder readers to compare. Sadly, however, there is really no comparison for us since the Toyota Yaris Diesel isn’t even available in the United States.

Another Toyota, the 1.0L Aygo rounded up the leaderboard as far as gasoline vehicles were concerned, pulling in a respectable 68.6 MPG (82.39 MPG Imperial).

Of course, we at EcoModder would like to see some of these cars modified, even if only in the most basic of senses, but I guess it’s up to us to host our own fuel economy where we can set our own rules.

Source: Treehugger

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Toyota has been standoffish on the idea of a plug-in Prius for a long time. Whether or not Toyota feels that plug-ins are where the future of transportation lies, they’re still exploring the possibilities. Last year, the company partnered with EDF to add extra NiMH batteries to their cars that would be charged via plug in France. Recently, Toyota has expanded this program to the UK.

The goal of these trials is to see how the cars hold up in everday driving in urban environments. The area has been outfitted with 40 charging stations (made by EDF), where the testers will be able to park and charge up. For more information, check out the Toyota press PDF.

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Gen-I Matrix/Vibe:

+ FE vs. Cargo and Passenger Capacity
+ Fun to Drive (especially handling)
+ Added Feature Content

- Uncomfortable Driving Position
- Hodgepodge of Toyota and GM Parts
- Spartan Interior

“New United Motor Manufacturing Inc.” or NUMMI is printed on stickers under the hood. What’s up with that?

That’s the name given the to the GM/Toyota joint venture in Fremont, CA. The unique situation is the History of a UAW manufacturing agreement between General Motors and Toyota, at a facility that has produced Union-made vehicles, such as the:

Chevy Nova (1984-1988)
Geo/Chevy Prizm / Toyota Corolla (1998-2002)
Pontiac Vibe / Toyota Matrix (2003-Present)
…and other vehicles exported abroad.

Background: The Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix were introduced in 2003 as a compact wagon to provide an answer to those looking for a performance-oriented Corolla Wagon, or a domestically-nameplated, small utility vehicle. The secret? Essentially a tall, extended Corolla with GM parts (radio, miscellaneous parts, etc.) + great FE to boot.  Now, a 2009 variant is available with a sleek makeover.  This review examines the Pontiac Vibe, along with the Toyota Matrix.  The latter is available with different outward styling and a near-identical interior, in the 2003-2008 model run.

2008 Toyota Matrix

The First Generation model was introduced about 6 model-years ago. The problem is this: I rented several of both variants over the course, and the FE wasn’t stellar.

Confession: Hypermiling rehab is a slow and steady process. I used to set the cruise for 6-7 MPH over the limit. That ended up being 77 in a 70. With the A/C running in the summer, the transmission was quick to downshift on modest hills, and was quite erratic. The FE suffered terribly. I gave it a shot at the speed limit and no more…

This was the only 4-cylinder vehicle available on the rental lot this week (mid-week slim-pickins). I hopped-in and gave it another try. Nowadays, I set the cruise for the limit and just let it ride. That made all the difference in the World.

On the Inside: The vehicle accomplishes so much in its totality, that I refuse to stress minor inconsistencies. The interior trim is basic and plasticky, but who cares? The look and substance exudes durability, and the FE seals the deal.

Feature content includes a 115V inverter to plug-in AC items (for me — perfect: I’m too cheap to buy an i-Pod, so I use my laptop as an MP3 player and pipe the sound through the speakers through an FM transmitter). Some vehicle models offer an auxiliary input (not in this case).  But hey, rock on…

The cargo area is where this vehicle shines brightly. The rear seats fold flat (including the front passenger seat) to allow the transport of long items. It’s a true wagon, so expect that sort of utility (and appearance).

From the driver’s seat, expect a “love it or hate it” Corolla-like seating position, and a 4-pod dash.   Rear seat passengers may find the legroom cramped if adults are passengers. If kids are the ride-alongs, then it’s perfect — no worries.

On the Outside: The Toyota is more streamlined and Sporty, while the Pontiac displays durability and simple functionality. My test model offered foglamps, a rear wiper, and side skirts. Just speculation: later models seem to offer better aero than previous.

The Drive: Seating position is perhaps the weakest link. Think: SUV height and feel. I had no problem setting the seat to a higher height, moved the seat back and adjusted the tilt wheel. The problem is, some drivers may find this uncomfortable. I’m not at all tall, at 5′ 9″, with short legs. The position wasn’t too bad — although the ideal setup prohibited viewing the top of the instrument cluster through the wheel top (duck-n-view). If you’re unsure of this seat, visit a dealer and give it a shot (the Corolla is very similar).

Cubbies and cupholders abound. Handling is sprite, as is throttle response and acceleration. If you keep the speed down, downshifts are infrequent, and the FE total will thank you. At 60, the engine turns at about 2500. Road noise is adequate, and blind-spots minimal.

Features: The Toyota is more “upscale” in outward appearance. A 5-speed or 6-speed manual is available, as is a higher horsepower 1.8L and/or AWD (up to 2007).  The Pontiac has similar amenities available.

Used Analysis: A 2003 Vibe 5-speed can be picked-up for $8K, on upwards to a fully loaded ’08 Matrix XRS for 22K. The vehicle essentially hasn’t changed since its inception, so you can get the same feature content at a reduced price when purchasing used. In addition, Edmunds.com rated the Matrix/Vibe a “Used Car Best Bet” for reliability, etc.

Vehicle Specs as Tested:

Latest Model: 2008 Toyota Matirix / Pontiac Vibe
Trim: Base
Class Size: Compact Wagon
Transmission: 4-speed automatic with lock-up torque converter (5-speed Manual Available)
Engine: Toyota 1.8L DOHC, 16-Valve, I-4 with Variable Valve Timing
Rating: 126 hp at 6000 RPM and 122 lb-ft torque at 4200
Drivetrain: FWD (AWD available)
Seating Capacity: 5 (very snug) at 2+3 or 4 more comfortably at 2+2
Price as Tested: $17,000 USD (April, 2008)
Curb Weight: 2700 lbs.
EPA: 21/31
EPA Average Fuel Cost per Year: $1554

Raw Data — Stats:
EcoModder Tested Mileage: 35.5 MPG
Average Speed: 57 MPH
Distance Driven: 455 Miles
Engine RPM @ 60 MPH: 2500
Route: Kansas City – Wichita, KS – Kansas City (hit rush hour on the return)
Temp: 40F – 55F
Wind Speed vs. Heading: NW @ 5 MPH. Course 1 = SSW; Return = NNE
2009: Complete Re-design

Conclusion: Brilliant!

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Not only is Toyota (finally, it seems) updating the Prius, but the company is also planning on releasing a few new hybrids to beef up their lineup. It might be unfair to say finally as if the turnover has been slow, but the Prius has been in everyone’s eye for so long that the shape has seemed to become very familiar.

According to EcoGeek, Toyota will release one hybrid under the Lexus brand and another under the Toyota brand. Neither of these cars will be like the reigning champ, the Prius. Rather, the will be their own creatures. I’m sure Toyota is hoping they can create some more dedicated hybrids that act as green symbols as much as the current Prius does.

With these models Toyota will be making the move to more efficient Lithium Ion battery packs. Recently Toyota has announced they will be producing their own, likely in order to ensure they get the quality they desire in mass-production, but those batteries will not be available until at least 2012. Toyota is definitely still moving forwards toward plug-ins and full battery electrics, but all signs from the company suggest that plans for the near future lie in conventional hybrids.

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When someone on the EcoModder forums asks about buying a used hybrid, there is usually a flurry of excitement coupled with cautions about the age of the car and the price of a new battery pack. Ecomodders, usually being budget-minded folks, are very wary of the seemingly astronomical price of battery replacement.

In the early part of this decade, some of the biggest worries about hybrids were how could the batteries possibly last, when would they finally give out, and how much would it cost to have them replaced. These days, concerns about batteries have largely faded out of the minds of new car buyers. Honda and Toyota have both had hybrids on the market for about a decade now, and there are no ominous junkyards filled with dead hybrids.

To underline the reliability of modern battery-electric hybrids, Honda says that out of over 100,000 hybrids on the road currently, only 200 have needed out-of-warranty battery replacement. Toyota, on the other hand, has only needed to replace 0.003 percent of its hybrid batteries out of warranty on the second generation Prius. Granted, these cars still aren’t all that old, and the batteries will likely fail eventually, but it seems that they are living up to manufacturers’ promises that they will last the life of a car.

Necessity aside, Honda and Toyota have both announced drastic cuts to the cost of replacement batteries for their hybrids. It will now cost just under $2,000 to have new batteries installed in you Honda Insight, and just under $2,500 for your Accord hybrid. These are about $1,000 reductions in the cost. Toyota, on the other hand, has dropped prices from ~$5,500 to $3,000, but that doesn’t include the installation, so the real cost is likely a bit more.

So, buyers of used hybrids, never fear! It’s unlikely that your batteries will fail prematurely, and even if they do, replacements are getting cheaper.

Source: Newsweek

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Just the other day, we told you about a Toyota Rav4 EV that had sold for a ridiculous $89,200 on Ebay. Even though the listing makes it look like all is well and good with the sale, it seems that the bid was retracted.

Here is the story in the words of Chip Gribben, from the EVDL:

An alert friend following the bidding on the RAV-4 discovered the
$89,000 bid has been retracted.

Not sure all the details but from what I understand the wife of the
man who bid $89,000 for the RAV-4 said her husband has a brain tumor
and is not making responsible decisions at this stage.

The seller says, he is not expecting anyone to buy it for $89,000 and
would be interested in selling it for an offer over “the 3rd bidder’s
$69,800.00.”

Anyway, whether it sold for $69 or $89 grand that is well above the
original $40,000 the RAV-4 originally cost.

I told my wife it should send a message to the car makers. But she
says the only thing the US automakers will get from it is not
necessarily the US should build hybrids but they should build more
“SUV” hybrids.

Of course, we don’t know the full story, but as Chip points out, either way, EVs are commanding a premium in these days of high fuel prices. It makes you wonder what some of the other EVs (notably the EV1) would be selling for if they hadn’t been crushed by the manufacturers.

Whether or not the bid was actually cancelled, it seems that word of the high price the Rav4 EV “sold” for has spread, and it is even mentioned in this Rav4 EV Ebay auction, which, at the time of publication has 6 days of bidding left, is already above $50,000.

These EVs may look like relics of the past compared to what’s upcoming from companies like Tesla and Nissan, but the high prices their pulling in definitely show that the market is ready for electrics, even if it comes with a hit to the wallet.

UPDATE: According to ABG, the bidding issues have been resolved and the original ended up selling for a still record-setting $69k+.

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At first I thought the world had gone a little mad with people coughing up $100k for the electric Telsa Roaster, but now I guess I’ve seen it all. One inquisitive forum member recently checked the prices on used Honda Insights, which are going for about twice what they were a few years ago, and I thought that was nuts!

Well, evidently there really is a price premium being put on fuel efficient cars these days (or in this case, cars that don’t even use gas). This 2001 Rav4 EV, one of the few EVs made by the major manufacturers that escaped crushing after leases ran out, just sold on Ebay for a whopping $89,200. That’s almost as much as a brand new Tesla Roadster would cost, and more than many other electrics that are planning on being released in the near future.

This thing has definitely been used, at over 47k miles in the last 7 years, but that shouldn’t be any problem for the electric drivetrain. In fact, that’s encouraging, because unlike a lot of electric vehicles you see popping up for sale, you know this one has the range and recharge capabilities of handling a lot of miles if you need it to. The owner reports the range for this vehicle at over 100 miles, which is pretty good even by the standards of many concepts currently being discussed.

Nevertheless, at $89,200, do you think it’s worth it?

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Real World Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla LE
+ Super Efficient
+ Expected Reliability
+ Handling

- Keeps Getting Bigger Every Re-design (how many times do I have to write this)?
- Low-quality interior feel
- Painful Seating Position in lower-end models

Introduction: The 10th Generation, 2009 Corolla is already out, and it was ripe for the picking. It’s rare anymore to find a variety of FE-friendly vehicles on the lot, so it was selected. I wonder how it’s changed since its redesign?

For Toyota, the Corolla has been the solid poster child of efficiency and simplicity for decades, and all over the world. It sells and sells. As expected this year, it gained some weight – 200 lbs. The base 1.8L now has dual variable valve timing and likely some tweaks to make it more of a fuel sipper. At a glance, the Cd seems to have improved.

If you want more power, a 2.4L engine sourced from the Camry is available. Furthermore, leather, Sat-Nav, and a nifty stereo system can be added. The model tested was the “Rental’s Choice” LE, thankfully without the gaudy fake wood trim.

One note before we get started – you can tell Toyota is slipping on quality. The Interior is one place to easily note this. Secondly, a faulty fuel gauge indicated ¾ tank instead of full on pickup. I immediately went to the pump only to squeeze 0.8 gallons into the tank. Later I noticed the gauge at full, after driving a while. Not good.

This could all be stricken from the record after you see the gas mileage…

On the Outside: I think this is where they spent the most money on the redesign. The exterior has a sporty new looks and a younger feel. The 15” wheels shown are standard. Otherwise, the slab-sided sedan looks run-of-the-mill.

The rear shot seems to be the most attractive, with inset reflectors and a stylish lamp wraparound. The test vehicle was “Blue-Streak Metallic”, which was a striking color and spiced up the overall look and impression. Heated mirrors were equipped with this trim level.

On the Inside: Well, a bit of a disappointment. In this area, it appears as if the Korean makes could be overtaking interior quality. Fit and finish is clunky, and would it kill them to put some padding on the armrest! There’s nothing like driving down the highway resting your elbow on a cinder block. Don’t get me started on the “Park Bench” driver’s seat. You get the picture…

Optional Equipment Shown

Controls were placed within an easy reach, and the instrumentation average. The A/C was frigid and finally, the vents were redesigned to not blow cold air into your eyeball. But the center stack looks like it was taken out of the Kia/Hyundai Spectra/Elantra. Storage bins, nooks, crannies, and a double-door glove box make it practical.

One complaint: the clock was part of a “select-one” instrument cluster menu (and who knows how to set it)? I just used my cell phone or the GPS. Speaking of which, the SG had to be discluded from MPG and speed tests since the speedo was about 5% off. For the first time, though, the speedometer was spot-on with the GPS.

More on the instrument cluster – the display at the left cycled through: Instant FE, average FE, Time of Day, Timer, and Outside Temp. The tripometer had 2 memory positions.

The trunk is good for the car’s size, with a wide opening. Rear seat passengers have little room and a dual cupholder. If the driver is short, you might squeeze 4 people in there. It’s rated for 5 – I call dibs on the window.

Safety: Side-curtain airbags are standard on all models, which will likely earn it a top safety pick. The driver’s bag is deployed based on the weight of the driver. 4-wheel ABS is also standard. Optional are traction/stability controls.

Efficiency: The FE is definitely an improvement over the last model, which says a lot. The outbound leg was calculated at 43.1 MPG. This could be artifact based on the overfill, so the average from the car’s readout and the pump will be taken for both legs. The total averaged FE was 37.9 MPG! This could very well be the most efficient, non-hybrid tested.

The Drive:: Standard compact car fare here. Handling is superb, but the ride is a bit unsettling. Chassis rigidity is up, but there’s a shudder over bumps – similar to a convertible, but less pronounced. The feel is rather “large-car”, with soft responses to dips and undulations. The car is still tossable in the corners. I would recommend some additional tweaking for a more solid feel.

For the Energy Conscious: A manual transmission is available in the “S” and Base models with the 1.8 engine. The S adds sporty touches like ground effects and smoked headlamps and foglamps, and 16-inch wheels. This also opens the door for leather and satellite navigation. The base model is likely the best option with smaller wheels and less overall weight of options.

Consider the size of vehicle you need. This car may fit the bill for young families looking for an efficient, compact sedan. Others out there: Mazda 3, Civic, Kia/Hyundai Spectra/Elantra, Lancer, Sentra.

Raw Data — Specs:
Model: 2009 Toyota Corolla
Trim: LE
Class Size: Compact Sedan
Transmission: 4-speed automatic with lock-up torque converter
Engine: 1.8L DOHC, 16-Valve, I-4 with dual, intelligent variable valve timing
Rating: 132 hp at 6000 RPM and 128 lb-ft torque at 2400
Performance: 0-60 in 9.1 seconds; Skidpad – 0.83g; Slalom – 63.3 MPH
Drivetrain: FWD
Seating Capacity: 5 (very snug) at 2+3 or 4 more comfortably at 2+2
RPM @ 60 MPH: 2400
Price as Tested: $16,750 USD (May, 2008)
ECU Target Coolant Temp: 190F
Curb Weight: 3523 lbs.
EPA: 27/35
EPA Average Fuel Cost per Year: TBD
Emissions: ULEV-II

Raw Data — Stats:
EcoModder Tested Mileage: 37.9 MPG
Speed Avg: 63 MPH
Time of Operation: 2.6 hours
Distance Driven: 446 Miles
Ambient Outside Temp: 60-80F
Cruise Speed: 70-75 MPH
Test Loop: Kansas City – Des Moines – Kansas City
A/C Usage: ~10% of time
Wind/Weather: Outbound – humid, sunny, slight tailwind; Inbound: Party Cloudy, 15 MPH Headwinds gusting to 20
Driving Style: Average

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