Hybrid
technologies are getting popular worldwide among car manufacturers and the
global story of hybrids cannot start without mentioning the Toyota Prius car.
Globally, the 2015 model of the Prius comes in the form of a Special Edition.
The
car is available in two exclusive colours-- Absolutely Red and Blizzard Pearl,
accentuated by 17-inch wheels with a unique dark metal finish. The Special
Edition features an interior trimmed with black SofTex seats and dark gray
stitching, blue front footwell illumination, dark chrome door grips, and
steering and shifter bezels. Side mirrors include turn signals. This is apart
from the other standard features.
What
began as a single model more than 15 years ago is now a model line that also
includes the larger Prius v, the
city-friendly Prius c and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid. For 2015, Toyota is also
offering hybrid versions of the Camry and Avalon sedans and the Highlander SUV.
(The Lexus luxury brand offers a further six hybrids, the most in the luxury
category.) Incidentally, the Prius family alone accounts for over 40 percent of
total hybrid vehicle sales volume in the U.S.
At
176.4 inches from bumper to bumper, the Prius can slip into “compact only”
parking spaces, yet because of its interior roominess (93.7 cu. ft. passenger
cabin and 21.6 cu. ft. trunk), Prius is classified as a midsize car by the EPA.
A 106.3-inch wheelbase helps to give the Prius a smooth ride.
The
sleek, arc-shaped profile and sharp-edged details catch the eye, but not much
of the wind. The car’s 0.25 coefficient of drag (Cd) is one of the lowest for
any production car in the world, a contributing factor in the high fuel economy,
said the press communication from Honda. The vehicle weight too is kept low
through use of aluminum for the hood, rear hatch, front stabiliser bar and
brake callipers and by using super high-tensile strength steel in the inner
rocker panel, centrer pillar and roof reinforcement.
The
body offers more function in the lights. LEDs (light emitting diodes), optional
in low beam headlamps and standard in DRLs and tail lamp clusters, help reduce
the vehicle’s power consumption.
The
car can accelerate from zero-to-almost 100 kmph in under 10 seconds and yet has
a 50-MPG combined fuel economy rating. The Hybrid Synergy Drive combines the
output of a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The system’s combined 134 net system
horsepower feels even stronger to the driver due to the unique way the system
combines the torque of the gasoline engine and electric motor through a
planetary-type continuously variable transmission. A full hybrid, the Prius can
run on the gasoline engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both. The
Prius feels responsive in all driving situations, and powertrain quietness is
another benefit revered by loyal owners.
The
Prius employs a number of special features to squeeze maximum efficiency out of
every gallon of regular-grade gas. The electric water pump and electric power
steering use no accessory drive belts, potentially reducing maintenance costs,
the Toyota release said.
Regenerative
braking helps to recapture electrical energy under deceleration, sending it to
the battery, which helps to reduce fuel consumption.
An
exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant
during cold startup. That helps reduce emissions and has the added benefit of
getting heat to the cabin more quickly.
Picture of 2015 Toyota Prius