New for 2016
The Prius is all-new for 2016.
One Radical Hybrid
After three generations and over a decade on sale, the Toyota Prius has come to define hybrids. But the automotive industry never stands still, and it’s time for Toyota’s signature hybrid to get an overhaul. The 2016 Toyota Prius is about as different as a new model can get, with radical new styling, a greater emphasis on performance, and even greater efficiency than before. The fourth-generation Prius is expected to make a big impact.
Powertrain and Performance
The Prius’ complete redesign extends to the hybrid powertrain. The fourth-generation offers a number of improvements from past models, including higher-capacity exhaust-gas-recirculation system, new intake ports, redesigned coolant passages, lower-friction piston skirts, among other advancements.
Toyota claims efficiency improvements throughout, including smaller, lighter hybrid system components, batteries with higher energy density, and a new internal-combustion engine that boasts industry-leading thermal efficiency of 40 percent. The 2016 Prius boats a 10-percent improvement in EPA-rated fuel economy over the current model, with a 54 city mpg. A Prius Eco model will offer even greater efficiency when it joins the lineup.
The 2016 Prius can do more than return great fuel economy, though. Toyota says this fourth-generation model is genuinely fun to drive, making it truly the complete package. That starts with the very foundation of the car.
The new Prius is the first model to use Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. While Toyota eventually plans to use this platform on a wide variety of models, it’s tailored to incorporate different powertrain technologies, including hybrid systems. Toyota says the new body is more rigid, which improves handling responsiveness.
Toyota says TNGA also allows for a lower center of gravity and better suspension. The 2016 Prius switches to a new double-wishbone setup, and is also 0.8 inches lower than its predecessor. In fact, Toyota claims the Prius’ front badge is mounted at the same height as that of the Scion FR-S sports car—an impressive achievement considering the Prius’ packaging needs.
Features and Trims
The 2016 Toyota Prius is a a four-door, five-seat hatchback like the current Prius Liftback model. Pricing starts at $24,200.
New technology features in the 2016 Prius include Bluetooth® hands-free phone controls, QI Wireless Charging, Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS), Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA), among other advancements that promise a safer and more user-friendly ride.
The optional Advanced Technology Package offers Color Head-Up Display (HUD), power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, Toyota Safety Sense™, and other features.
Design
The most radical changes made to the 2016 Toyota Prius have to do with styling. Toyota wants its signature hybrid to appeal to a wider range of buyers, so while the hatchback shape of the previous two generations has become synonymous with the Prius, it’s time for something different.
The Prius now has more of a traditional three-box look, like a sedan, and the car is also longer, lower, and wider than before. That makes the Prius look sleeker, and gives it a more athletic shape. Toyota says it was inspired by a runner at the starting blocks. The Prius’ general shape is enhanced by dramatic detailing, including bold character lines that run up the sides from the front fenders, and an aggressive front fascia.
Toyota took a truly radical approach to the front-end styling. The LED headlights are shaped like nothing else seen on any previous Prius…or any previous Toyota, for that matter. The rear end is equally stylized, with an upper crease that forms a rear spoiler, and shapes that reference the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell car.
On the inside, Toyota is taking the Prius upscale with a futuristic cabin design. The wraparound dashboard includes a central instrument panel sitting above the center stack. This creates a sense of spaciousness, but still keeps controls and displays in an easy-to-use position. The airy design is accentuated by an elegant-looking steering wheel and form-hugging seats.
Safety
The 2016 Toyota Prius comes with a wide variety of safety features, including the new Toyota Safety Sense package. This bundles multiple electronic driver aids, such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Bottom Line
With new styling and even greater efficiency, the 2016 Toyota Prius looks set to reinvigorate the hybrid segment.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.
Image: Toyota
