The Toyota Prius (pronounced /ˈpriːəs/) is a full hybrid electric mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The Prius is the most fuel efficientgasoline car currently sold in the U.S. according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency The EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) also rate the Prius as among the cleanest vehicles sold in the United States based on smog forming and toxic emissions.

The Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. The Prius is sold in more than 40 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America. In May 2008, global cumulative Prius sales reached the milestone 1 million vehicle mark, and by June 2010, the Prius reached worldwide cumulative sales of 1.8 million units. As the global top seller market, the U.S. made up more than half the Prius sold worldwide, with 814,173 units registered by December 2009.

  

Toyota Prius

Manufacturer	Toyota Motor Corporation
Class	Hybrid car
Layout	FF layout

           

                ZVW30 (Third Generation)

Production	Mar 2009–present
Model year(s)	2010–present
Assembly	Tsutsumi, Japan (Toyota City)[48] Chengdu, Sichuan, China[49](Chinese domestic market only)
Class	Mid-size car
Body style(s)	5-door hatchback
Engine(s)	Toyota Hybrid System Gasoline engine: 1.8 L 2ZR-FXE I4 Dual VVT-i(Atkinson cycle) Power: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm Torque: 105 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm[50]
Transmission(s)	1-speed planetary gear
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length	4,460 mm (175.6 in)
Width	1,745 mm (68.7 in)
Height	1,480 mm (58.3 in)
Curb weight	1379 kg (3,042 lb)

Toyota Prius Exteriors

The Prius has been designed with the aim of maximizing mileage. As a result, it features one of the best aerodynamic designs, aimed at reducing wind resistance and hence improving mileage.

In the Prius’ Front Portion, high importance has been given to its aerodynamic shape and good styling. Clear lens head lamps, a bold Toyota emblem, sharp bonnet and wind shield give a bold look.


The sleek styling of the side panels, the door trims and the curvy shape which is extended till the tail lamps are very impressive and the car looks aerodynamically perfect. The Prius’ boot door is designed impressively also.

The Large tail lamp cluster may have been reduced in size which would have made the rear portion more impressive. Though the rear portion is aerodynamically perfect, it could have been esthetically better.

The Prius is available in White pearl cystal shine, Silver metallic, Beige metallic, and Abyss Grey Metallic

Toyota Prius Interior

If anybody criticized the Tata Indica Vista with its instrument cluster at the center, the luxury Prius may cause a rethink, as the instrument cluster of the Prius is also in the center. With all its views and gadgets (Steering mounted controls, a wide dashboard, centrally placed instrument panels, the display, and the music system), the Prius’ inside gives the impression of a cockpit of an aeroplane.

Other features of dashboard include a twin push button glovebox , Push button start, centrally placed gear shift liver, and twin airbags for driver and co-driver seats.

The Prius comes with ample leg space and very comfortable seats. The design is aimed at the car being not just comfortable but even pleasurable.

The Prius’ Rear seats are good with ample leg room, thigh support, lumbar support and a cup holder in central portion. It is very suitable for four people to travel with high comfort and luxury.

Toyota Prius Engineering - Hybrid Synergy Design

The Toyota Prius’ propulsion system has several advanced features, such as a cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, intake-side VVT-I and an electric water pump, permitting an engine design with improved efficiency.

The car has both a petrol and an electric engine. These two are combined in the so called Hybrid Synergy Drive, which is a computer programme that determines how and when to use which engine or even use both engines power.

The system takes care of transition between the modes and the drive experience is quite seamless.

At low speeds and when the vehicle is stopped, the vehicle runs on battery charge only. As the speed increases to around 40KMPH, the petrol engine starts giving power output to move the vehicle, while also charging the battery. Thus, at high speed the petrol engine power is used and the battery keeps getting charged.

In practice, when the vehicle is turned-on with the "start" button, it is ready to drive immediately on the electric motor, while electric pumps warm the petrol engine with hot engine coolant, before the internal combustion engine can be started.

A button labeled "EV" maintains Electric Vehicle mode after start up and under most low-load driving conditions. This overrides the HSD system and permits driving with low noise and no fuel consumption, and it is advertised as a "quiet" option for short journeys, for example in residential areas at night. The car automatically reverts to normal mode if the battery becomes exhausted.

Fuel Efficency of Toyota Prius

The Fuel Efficiency of Hybrid cars greatly depends upon the mode of driving. For example, it is best to use electric motor power in most of city traffic conditions and engine mode at higher speeds.

On average, 22KMPL can be expected in city and 20 KMPL in highway. It is to be considered that the average fuel efficiency of a car fitted with 1.8 liter is around 12KMPL.

As the battery charges itself while driving, extra charging is generally not required.