2016 Toyota Prius (photos, specifications, Cd 0.24)

[MetroMPG]

I caught a glimpse of the first 2016 Prius I've seen in the sheetmetal on the weekend... at the local dealership.

I really didn't have time to stop and look at it. Also, I didn't have my welding mask with me for eye protection. :P Safety first!

[jcp123]

Actually saw my first one today, just a little west of St. Louis. Sorry to say it photographs better than it actually looks.

[MetroMPG]

2016 Toyota Prius Sets New MPG Standard in Consumer Reports' Tests

It not only easily tops its previous-generation's fuel economy, but also goes farther on a gallon of gasoline than any vehicle Consumer Reports has ever tested.

...

On our city course, the 2016 Prius returned 43 mpg, a stunning 11 mpg improvement over the old version. At 65 mph highway cruising, we measured 59 mpg—which is better fuel economy than any diesel-engined car we’ve tested.

[bwilson4web]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

2016 Toyota Prius Sets New MPG Standard in Consumer Reports' Tests

Sad to say, I test drove a 2016 Prius and decided to go in another direction:
Test drove Level 3 with ATP and turned down deal | PriusChat

I'm not here to toss dirt on the 2016 Prius which is a fine car. The 2017 Prius ECO will be much improved as the TSS-P (automatic braking safety) will be (or should be!) available. Had that car been available, I would have bought it. But something happened when I saw the dealer quote.

I had been looking at the BMW i3-REx which is starting to come off of lease. The base models are selling for ~$24.5-$30k which happened to be in the same price range as the local dealer offered the Level 3 with TSS-P. Using eBay, I found one and will pick it up on Friday to drive home.

Understand it was not price but a long list of requirements never met. We are not getting rid of our 2010 Prius but it will soon be our second car.

Bob Wilson

[MetroMPG]

Fun!

"Cheap" off-lease EV's (with or without range extenders) should make a lot of sense for many people.

I hope you'll post about it here when you get it.

[Cd]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

2016 Toyota Prius Sets New MPG Standard in Consumer Reports' Tests

With the Tesla model 3 here, I think even 100 mpg doesn't sound as glamourous anymore.
And that's a good thing !

[bwilson4web]

Today is May 25, 2016. When will the Model 3 be here?

There is an old saying,'Never let perfect be the enemy of good enough.'

Bob Wilson

[bwilson4web]

Tesla has a solid record with their roadster, Model X and Model S so I don't see a risk with the Model 3. The Model X and S have already decimated the over $100k, luxury market. The Model 3 should pretty well dominate the +$35k market and ensure a long and profitable production life. So much for the low-end competitors, BMW, Leaf, and GM.

There comes a point where one wonders how low it can go. Is there a profitable, $20k, EV?

If there is, it comes from elimination of the gas engine and simplification of the transmission. It may be something as simple as the Gigafactory coming online with spare capacity.

Then there is the sleeping giant, the electric pickup and SUV. Personally I think that would be a better target than the $20k market that already has plenty of players. A 4-wheel drive, EV pickup truck would embarrass a lot of 'urban cowboys.'

Bob Wilson

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by bwilson4web

There comes a point where one wonders how low it can go. Is there a profitable, $20k, EV?

Bob Wilson

Yes the 1981 Comutacar was initially profitable and also not over $20k :0

[MetroMPG]

He thinks they might have bought the Eco trim (best MPG).

Delivery is in about a week. He also seemed interested in the idea of going out for an ecodriving session in it.

Should be interesting.