Toyota Prius

On the inside, the Toyota Prius looks every bit like a car from the future. Contributing to it is the combination of black and white interior bits depicting its futuristic design. The dashboard has a very distinctive design, with the three-spoke steering wheel not getting the instrument console behind it. Instead, the fully digital instrument console is situated right at the centre top of the dashboard, which shows a range of data in a futuristic manner. The AC vents on the sides get blue surrounds to depict its hybrid nature, while the overall dual tone for the dashboard looks premium as well.

The vertical design for the centre console looks good as well, with a centrally mounted touch screen for media and navigation features. The toggle-like switches for automatic climate control and tiny knob-like gear lever below it are cool additions. Other than these features, the Prius packs in other essentials like cruise control, reverse camera, push-button start with keyless entry, and electrically adjustable front driver’s seat, and outside rearview mirrors.

Talking about the seating capacity, the cabin has enough space to seat four people, however, the rear seats feel cramped and are best suited only for kids.

On the outside, the Prius has grown itself from being a boring looking vehicle to a radical one. The overall styling is very extrovert and while some may praise its radical approach with futuristic design cues, many criticize it for being too fussy and busily styled. There are a number of design angles which might make it look too much for somebody’s liking. Nevertheless, this very design of the Prius makes it stand out from the crowd.

At the front, the Toyota Prius doesn’t get a grille, but a sleek front air dam, above which sits the Toyota logo in a blue to depict that it is a hybrid vehicle. The headlamps are sharp and angular, with kinks at the upper corner and lower portion. The vertical triangular fog lamps with triangular housing add some character to the otherwise plainly styled front bumper.

From the sides, the Toyota Prius looks radical and far different from a conventionally styled sedan. The sloping down roofline is very coupe-like, while the sharply raked rear windscreen with blackened C-pillar looks distinctive. The rest of the design, including that of the side doors and windows, look simple, and while the alloy wheels look smart, we would have liked to see machined units here.

It is the rear of the Toyota Prius which possesses the maximum amount of drama. The vertical full LED tail lamps on the side edges extend all the way to the centre to amalgamate into the rear boot-mounted spoiler, which comes integrated with a stop lamp. The boot lid is positioned a bit lower and has a simple flair in its design.

The Toyota Prius is purely centred towards being an economic car with maximum focus on its fuel efficiency. It does not feel sporty to ride and is not a driver-oriented vehicle. However, the Macpherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear are supple enough to make it feel planted and ride with ease. The 15-inch wheels wrapped with tubeless tyres are good enough to absorb all undulations with perfection. However, we would have loved to see slightly bigger wheels to accentuate the premium appeal of the car.

The highlight point of the Toyota Prius has always been its powertrain configurations, something that hasn’t changed even in this latest avatar. Powering the Toyota Prius now is a combination of a 1.8-litre petrol engine and a lithium-ion battery, which in conjunction, produce a maximum power output of 97 PS and 142 Nm of peak torque. The engine is coupled to a CVT transmission with Eco and EV modes for seamless power delivery. The engine feels smooth and refined, and in hybrid mode, returns an astonishing fuel economy of about 40.5 kmpl.

The Prius, being a premium Toyota vehicle, stays clear on its virtues of being a vehicle that does not compromise on safety. The proof of this is the long list of safety features it comes equipped with. This includes front, side, curtain, and knee airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, Traction Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, heads-up display, ISOFIX mounts, tyre pressure monitoring system, and Vehicle Stability Control. However, what remains shocking is the omission of a reverse camera on such a pricey vehicle.

The Toyota Prius was perceived by the world as a revolution at the time of its arrival. Even today, the Prius remains one of the halo vehicles for Toyota all around the world. It comes with the intention of making our world cleaner and a better place to live. While the overall extrovert design may polarize opinion, one can’t ignore its presence on the road, courtesy its striking appeal. The interiors are premium, feature rich and definitely look cool. The highlight of the Prius is its powertrain, has become even better, with enhanced fuel efficiency. Overall, the Toyota Prius continues to be that one vehicle which signifies that the future is here.