Toyota launches all-new Prius in Japan

Toyota Motor Corporation has launched the latest version of the Prius in Japan.

In a statement, the Japanese automaker announced that it has started selling the all-new Prius Series Parallel Hybrid (HEV) models and will launch plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions by March of this year.

First introduced in 1997, The aforementioned nameplate was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

“With a range of powertrain options being developed to promote carbon neutrality, Toyota wanted to create a new Prius HEV that customers would enjoy and cherish as the car of choice for generations to come,” the company noted.

The all-new Toyota Prius sports a sleeker design and assures “captivating driving performance” as the model was developed under the “Hybrid Reborn” concept.

While keeping the original monoform silhouette as seen in the original version, the all-new Toyota Prius now comes with more stylish proportions.

“The simple yet sculpted body expresses exhilaration that appeals to the senses and a universal beauty that will remain popular into the future,” Toyota shared.

The roomy interior presents an intuitive cockpit that showcases the "island architecture" concept for an intuitive operation and enjoyable driving experience.

The latest offering is powered by the fifth-generation hybrid system that is available in both the 2.0-liter and 1.8-liter versions.

Unlike the previous version wherein the fuel efficiency rating was 27.2 kilometers per liter (kpl), the 2.0-liter Prius (Z and G grades) can do 28.6 kpl while the 1.8-liter option, 32.6 kpl.

Further, the all-new Toyota Prius’ 2.0-liter variation can dish out a churn 193 horsepower, 1.6 times higher compared to the outgoing version.

The all-new Toyota Prius wears the second-generation TNGA platform for a lower center of gravity and comes with the latest E-Four system that has a high-output motor and other features that guarantees improved uphill performance on low-friction road surfaces, and greater stability when turning.

Moreover, the all-new Prius will have the Toyota Safety Sense as standard, including the advanced safety system that comprise of the following technologies:

• Rear vehicle proximity notification: the feature alerts driver via the multi-information display and buzzer when the blind Spot Monitor's rear millimeter-wave radar detects vehicles in the rear
• Approaching vehicle proximity support: the system offers the driver suggestions (which include contacting the police or the HELPNET emergency call service) when a vehicle from the rear is too close. For vehicles equipped with a drive recorder, the system records the event and stores the data in a dedicated portion that makes it difficult to record over.
• Secondary collision brake: the feature, using the blind spot monitor's rear millimeter-wave radar, detects vehicles in the rear and, applies the brakes to reduce speed if a rear collision occurs

Offered in a total of six variants, the pricing for the all-new Toyota Prius starts at JPY 2.75 million (around P1.147 million) up to JPY 3.92 million (around P1.635 million).

Photos from Toyota

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