Prius’ biggest attraction is the drivetrain, because let’s face it, everything else you can get in a Corolla for less money. For those concerned about dwindling fossil fuels, Toyota Prius is the lean, green statement to make. And now the car comes with even less real world compromises; it drives, rides and performs just like a contemporary petrol-powered four-door sedan..
The first thing you notice is the wide and tall front doors. No stooping or ducking the head, entry is a breeze — front and rear. The front seats are well padded and comfortable, as is the rear seat bench seat, with two sculpted hollows and lap-sash belts for three..
Rear legroom is impressive, and under seat foot space is good. Headroom in the rear seats is okayThe rear hatch opens wide and tall making for a large, easily operated opening. The back seats can be folded forward to improve its already impressive luggage carrying capacity.
The driving position is very good, despite the lack of steering wheel telescopic adjustment. The driver’s seat adjusts for height, slide and backrest tilt. A centrally-mounted electronic instrument display, which shows revs, speed, fuel, trip distance and other information quickly becomes second Standard equipment includes remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, cruise control, the aforementioned climate control, a single CD player and stylish
Dual front airbags are standard, and gain side and curtain airbags. Four wheel disc brakes are standard equipment and fitted with ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. Prius also features motor traction control. Vehicle Stability Control with steering assist is part of the i-Tech option pack.
A conventional 1,.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine gives 57kW of power and 115Nm of torque. An electric motor, hooked via a CVT which doubles as a power-split device, supplements this relatively meagre thrust significantly, resulting in a real world power of 82kW and real world torque of 478Nm — that’s more torque than a Holden V8 and the real secret behind the Prius’ prowess. The beauty of an electric motor is that it can supply maximum torque from zero revs.
When the vehicle is slowing down, either via the brakes or simply coasting, the natural turning motion of the wheels is used to regenerate power, ready to supplement the petrol engine the next time the throttle is pushed. The Prius’ battery is made up of 28 packs of 6 by 1.2 volt nickel-metal hydride batteries — the same basic battery-type that’s in your mobile phone. Find ; Second hand Toyota car sales Mayo; for a vehicle of your choice.
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