2016 Toyota Prius (photos, specifications, Cd 0.24)

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by Xist

... Is it me, or do the tail lights descend into a very vulnerable location?

Seems like it. Though this pic distorts the shape of the vehicle and most of the light seems to be above the wheel well, that portion that drops low would have been shattered in the super slow parking lot accident that once dented my Civic's rear bumper at this corner. Fixable, but more expensive.

[MetroMPG]

The EPA numbers are out:

- The base/regular Prius gets a 52 mpg US EPA combined rating (54 mpg city, 50 mpg highway).

- The Eco trim gets 56 mpg combined (58 mpg city, 53 mpg highway).

"Mostly from reduced weight," says ABG.

First drive reports are out this morning as well:

ABG: 2016 Toyota Prius First Drive

GCR:2016 Toyota Prius: First Drive Of 56-MPG Hybrid

[Daox]

Wow, that is impressive.

[niky]

Over 62 mpg on the highway? Color me impressed. And the new suspension sounds interesting, as well.

Though:


Both reviewers are being too kind about the front end... that interaction between the lights and the front wheel is still atrocious.

[NeilBlanchard]

Cool! I managed ~65+ MPG with the gen 3, so I'll bet the gen 4 can do much better - 75MPG anyone?

[gone-ot]

STYLING critique: "It's beautiful...IF...you don't look at the front or rear."

Quoted from AUTOWEEK:

"The Prius is available in six trims levels: Prius Two, Two Eco, Three, Three Touring, Four and Four Touring. All Prius models receive extensive underbody panels, and electrically operated grill shutters help improve aero. But the Two Eco is the one to get if you plan to enter hypermiling competitions. The package includes low rolling resistance 15-inch tires, spare tire delete and a special windshield laminate to insulate the cabin better, cutting down on climate-control use. All of this helps that model hit 58 mpg city and 53 mpg on the highway.

Read more: http://autoweek.com/article/car-revi...#ixzz3rsvDmQxP

[California98Civic]

For the most part, I think this is an improvement in the looks all around. It lloks like a Hyundai now.

[redpoint5]

Adding 2 MPG is unimpressive, and I wonder how the Eco version is able to achieve a significant increase on the highway? It must have different tires or aero improvements. One of the linked articles says that the Eco model features a lack of a spare tire to help achieve improved MPG. I don't see the removal of a spare as a feature, as I can easily leave out a spare tire from any vehicle. Shinanigans.

I have put the Gen III Prius through maximum handling scenarios, and I found it to handle adequately. I'm confused as to why people almost universally complain about it. The Prius handles slightly better than my parents Camry, and the ESC works well. The new double-wishbone in the rear is a big "meh" to me.

It's too bad the flying buttress was removed because it offered nice concealment of valuables left on the console, and permitted easy access to the shifter, which I use extensively to coast in N (since the morons programmed the car to regenerate when lifting from the accelerator).

I see the moronic driving mode selector is still there; a pointless button.

The display and climate control buttons appear to be an improvement in their ease of use. Controls on the Gen III were good, but this looks to be even better.

I noticed the 12v battery has been relocated back into the engine compartment. Don't know why they ever located it in the rear interior to begin with.

How does the weight and acceleration compare to the gen III?

[gone-ot]

Weight is down roughly 200 lbs -- 3075 lbs vs. 3275 lbs -- due mostly to lighter Li-Ion battery. As yet, no actual ET times.

We ARE talking the ECO model?!?

[Xist]

How much do they charge to remove the spare for you? Did they redesign the trunk? Isn't the bottom of a trunk designed around the spare?

How much do they charge for the spare tire delete?

I had forgotten about the 12v battery. I ran across this a while ago, but lost it before sharing it here: Don't Let Your Prius' Battery Die, Ever | Greentech Media