Toyota Prius
| Toyota Prius | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Production | 1997–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car (1997–2003) Mid-size car (2003–present) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan (1997–2003) 5-door hatchback (2003–present) |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
The Toyota Prius (/ˈpriːəs/) is a full hybrid electric mid-size hatchback, formerly a compact sedan developed and manufactured by Toyota. The United States Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board(CARB) rate the Prius as among the cleanest vehicles sold in the United States based on smog-forming emissions.[1]
The Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, and was available at all four Toyota Japan dealerships, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2000.[2] The Prius is sold in over 90 markets, with Japan and the United States being its largest markets.[3] Global cumulative Prius liftback sales reached the milestone 1 million vehicle mark in May 2008,[4] 2 million in September 2010,[5] and passed the 3 million mark in June 2013.[6] Cumulative sales of 1 million Priuses were achieved in the U.S. by early April 2011,[7] and Japan reached the 1 million mark in August 2011.[8] Global sales of the Prius c variant passed the 1 million mark during the first half of 2015.[3]
In 2011, Toyota expanded the Prius family to include the Prius v, an extended hatchback wagon, and the Prius c, a subcompact hatchback. The production version of the Prius plug-in hybrid was released in 2012. The Prius family totaled global cumulative sales of 5.2 million units in July 2015, representing 65.4% of the 8 million hybrids sold worldwide by Toyota Motor Company since 1997.[3]
First generation (XW10; 1997–2003)
Main article: Toyota Prius (XW10)
| Toyota Prius (XW10) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1997–2001 (NHW10) 2001–2003 (NHW11) |
| Assembly | Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Takaoka and Motomachi plants) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.5 L 1NZ-FXE I4 (gasoline hybrid) |
In 1995, Toyota debuted a hybrid concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show, with testing following a year later.[17] The first Prius, model NHW10, went on sale on December 10, 1997.[18][19] It was available only in Japan, though it has been imported privately to at least the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.[20]
The first generation Prius, at its launch, became the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car. At its introduction in 1997, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award, and in 1998, it won the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference Car of the Year award in Japan.
UK sales of the first generation Prius began on October 19, 2000.[21]
Production commenced in December 1997 at the Takaoka plant in Toyota, Aichi, ending in February 2000 after cumulative production of 37,425 vehicles.[22] Production recommenced in May 2000 at the Motomachi plant in the same area, before XW10 manufacture ended in June 2003 after a further 33,411 vehicles had been produced.[23]
The NHW10 Prius styling originated from California designers, who were selected over competing designs from other Toyota design studios.[19]
In the United States, the NHW11 was the first Prius to be sold. The Prius was marketed between the smaller Corollaand the larger Camry. The published retail price of the car was US$19,995.[24] The NHW11 Prius became more powerful partly to satisfy the higher speeds and longer distances that Americans drive.[25] Air conditioning andelectric power steering were standard equipment.[26] The vehicle was the second mass-produced hybrid on the American market, after the two-seat Honda Insight.[27] While the larger Prius could seat five, its battery pack restricted cargo space.
The US EPA (CARB) classified the car with an air pollution score of 3 out of 10 as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).[28] Prius owners were eligible for up to aUS$2,000 federal tax deduction from their gross income.[27] In contrast with the NW10, Toyota executives stated that the company broke even financially on sales of the NHW11 Prius.[27]
European sales began in September 2000.[29] The official launch of the Prius in Australia occurred at the October 2001 Sydney Motor Show,[30] although sales were slow until the NHW20 (XW20) model arrived. Toyota sold about 123,000 first generation Priuses.[6]
Second generation (XW20; 2003–2009)
Main article: Toyota Prius (XW20)
| Toyota Prius (XW20) | |
|---|---|
_liftback_(2012-06-24).jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2003–2009 (Japan) 2005–2009 (China) |
| Assembly | Japan: Kariya, Aichi (Fujimatsu plant);Toyota, Aichi (Tsutsumi plant)[31] China: Changchun, Jilin |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door liftback |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.5 L 1NZ-FXE I4 (gasoline hybrid) |
Presented at the 2003 New York International Auto Show, for the 2004 US model year, the Prius was completely redesigned. It became a mid-size liftback, sized between the Corolla and the Camry, with redistributed mechanical and interior space significantly increasing rear-seat legroom and luggage room. The new Prius is even more environmentally friendly than the previous model (according to the EPA), and is 6 inches (150 mm) longer than the previous version.[32] Its more aerodynamic Kammback body balances length and wind resistance, resulting in a drag coefficient of Cd=0.26.[33] The development effort, led by chief engineer Shigeyuki Hori, led to 530 patents for the vehicle.[34]
Production commenced in August 2003 at the Tsutsumi plant in Toyota, Aichi,[35] supplemented in October 2004 with the Fujimatsu plant at Kariya, Aichi.[36]
The Prius uses an all-electric A/C compressor for cooling, an industry first.[37] Combined with a smaller and lighterNiMH battery, the XW20 is more powerful and more efficient than the XW10.[38] In the U.S., the battery pack of 2004 and later models is warranted for 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 10 years in states that have adopted the stricterCalifornia emissions control standards, and 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years elsewhere.[39][40] The warranty for hybrid components is 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years.[41]
It is classified as a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) and is certified by California Air Resources Board as an "Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle" (AT-PZEV).[42]
From 2005 to 2009, the second generation Prius had been built by FAW-Toyota in the city of Changchun for the Chinese market.[43] It was reported that a total of 2,152 Priuses were sold in 2006 and 414 in 2007. The relatively low sales was blamed on high price, about US$15,000 higher than the equivalent in Japan or the U.S., caused by high duties on imported parts.[44] In early March 2008, Toyota cut the price of Prius by up to eight percent or US$3,000 to CN¥259,800 (US$36,500). It was thought that the sales dropped as a result of both a lack of acceptance and increased competition. The Honda Civic Hybrid was exported to China from 2007.[45] Toyota sold about 1,192,000 second generation Priuses worldwide.[6]
Third generation (XW30; 2009–2015)
Main article: Toyota Prius (XW30)
| Toyota Prius (XW30) | |
|---|---|
_i-Tech_liftback_(2011-03-10).jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Production | March 2009–2015 |
| Model years | 2010–present |
| Assembly | Japan: Kariya, Aichi (Fujimatsu plant)[36] Toyota, Aichi (Tsutsumi plant)[31][50] Thailand: Chachoengsao (December 2010–present)[51] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size car |
| Body style | 5-door liftback |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.8 L 2ZR-FXE I4 (gasoline hybrid) 1.8 L 5ZR-FXE I4 (gasoline hybrid; China) |
Toyota debuted the new Prius (2010 US model year) at the January 2009 North American International Auto Show,[52] and sales began in Japan on May 18, 2009.[53] Toyota cut the price of the Prius from ¥2.331 million to ¥2.05 million to better compete with the Honda Insight,[54] leading some to wonder whether increased sales of the Prius might come at the expense of sales of other vehicles with higher margins. Competition from lower priced hybrids, such as the Honda Insight, also made it difficult for Toyota to capitalize on the Prius's success.[55] As of June 2013, Toyota has sold about 1,688,000 third-generation Priuses worldwide.[6]
At its introduction in 2009, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award for the second time.
Its new body design is more aerodynamic, with a reduced drag coefficient of Cd=0.25. This figure is disputed byGeneral Motors which found the value for the model with 17-inch wheels to be around 0.30 based on tests in GM, Ford, and Chrysler wind tunnels.[56] Car & Driver measured the 3rd Generation Prius at 0.26 in a privately arranged 5-way wind-tunnel test of comparable cars.[57] An underbody rear fin helps stabilize the vehicle at higher speeds.[citation needed]
The estimated fuel-efficiency rating, using the U.S. EPA combined cycle, is 50 mpg-US (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpg-imp).[58]The Prius was the most efficient car powered by liquid fuel available in the U.S. in 2009, based on the official rating.[59] Only the first-generation Honda Insight (2000–2006) equipped with a manual transmission attained a lower fuel consumption rate. The official UK fuel efficiency data for the Prius T3 is Urban 72.4 mpg-imp (3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg-US), Extra Urban 76.4 mpg-imp (3.70 L/100 km; 63.6 mpg-US), Combined 72.4 mpg-imp (3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg-US).[60]
The 1.8-liter gasoline engine (previously 1.5 liters) generates 98 hp (73 kW), and with the added power of the electric motor generates a total of 134 hp (100 kW) (previously 110 hp or 82 kW). The larger engine displacement allows for increased torque, reducing engine speeds (RPM), which improves fuel economy at highway speeds. Thanks to its electric water pump, the Prius engine is the first consumer automotive production engine that requires no accessory belts, which also further improves its fuel economy.[61] The electric motors and other components of the hybrid powertrain are also smaller and more efficient than the industry average.[62] Toyota estimates the new inverter, motor and transaxle are 20 percent lighter.
In constructing the Prius, Toyota used a new range of plant-derived ecological bioplastics, made out of cellulose derived from wood or grass instead of petroleum. The two principal crops used are kenaf and ramie. Kenaf is a member of the hibiscus family, a relative to cotton and okra; ramie, commonly known as China grass, is a member of the nettle family and one of the strongest natural fibres, with a density and absorbency comparable to flax. Toyota says this is a particularly timely breakthrough for plant-based eco-plastics because 2009 is the United Nations’ International Year of Natural Fibres, which spotlights kenaf and ramie among others.[63]
On February 12, 2014, Toyota UK announced a recall of the Prius, citing a software error which could cause the car to stop suddenly.[64]
In December, 2013, Consumer Reports named the Prius as the "Best Value", for the second year in a row.[65]
High trim levels in the third generation Prius include features like softex trim seats (that look and feel just like leather but are lighter in weight), headlight washers, parking sensors, premium JBL speaker system and electrically operated lumbar support adjustment for the driver's seat.
Safety
| Euro NCAP test results | ||
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Prius (2010)[66] | ||
| Test | Points | % |
| Overall: |  | |
| Adult occupant: | 32 | 88% |
| Child occupant: | 40 | 82% |
| Pedestrian: | 24 | 68% |
| Safety assist: | 6 | 86% |
The IIHS rated the 2010 Prius as Good except for side-impact "structure/safety cage", which was rated Acceptable.[67]
In EuroNCAP testing, the Prius was given an overall rating of five out of five stars
2011 facelift
In mid-2011 (for the 2012 model year), the third-generation Prius Liftback received modest style and equipment changes. The exterior changes include updated headlamps, revised tail lamps, plus a distinctive front fascia and bumper, and the deletion of the "Super White" color option in the United States. Prospective American Prius buyers wanting a white exterior must either choose the "Blizzard Pearl" color (a metallic off-white) for an additional $220, or choose another make or model. The Prius can be equipped with an updated infotainment system featuring the optional Toyota Entune suite of connectivity features. Other updates include a 6.1-inch touch-screen, an AM/FM CD player unit, a USB port for iPod connectivity, an auxiliary input jack, a Bluetoothhands-free phone capability and streaming audio. The Prius also includes an optional solar panel on the roof of the car, solely to power a ventilation fan while the car is parked, to keep the interior cooler in sunny conditions. For the U.S. market only the Prius Two, Three, Four and Five were offered. The premium Prius Five model's Advanced Technology Package includes the Premium HDD Navigation System, plus the Head-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System and Lane Keep Assist. The Pre-Collision System retracts the front seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when it determines that a crash is unavoidable. Lane Keep Assist can help the driver stay within the lane.[15] The U.S. 2012 model year includes Toyota's Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS), which emits an artificial engine noise to alert pedestrians, the blind, and others of the vehicle's presence due to significant noise reduction typical of a hybrid vehicle traveling at low speeds in all-electric mode.[68][69]
Fourth generation
In August 2013, Toyota Managing Officer Satoshi Ogiso, who was chief engineer for the Prius line, announced some of the improvements and key features of the next generation Prius.[70][71] The fourth generation Prius is scheduled to be released by December 2015.[72] Toyota spokesman, Ryo Sakai, announced that the 2016 Prius will be shown to media on Sept. 8th, 2015 in Las Vegas.[73]
The next-generation Prius is being designed to deliver significantly improved fuel economy in a more compact package that is lighter in weight and lower in cost. These objectives are being achieved through the development of a new generation of powertrains with significant advances in battery, electric motor and gasoline engine technologies. The next Prius will feature improved batteries with higher energy density; smaller electric motors, with higher power density than the current Prius motors; and the gasoline engine will feature a thermal efficiency greater than 40% (in the current Prius is 38.5%). The Prius fuel economy has improved on average by about 10% each generation, and Toyota has set the challenge to continue to improve at this rate. The next Prius will feature the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which provides a lower center of gravity and increased structural rigidity. These features, along with other improvements will allow for gains in ride-and-handling, agility and aerodynamics. The improved aerodynamics will contribute to an all-new exterior design, which includes a roomier interior.[74][75]
Ogiso also explained that the next-generation Prius plug-in hybrid vehicle is being developed in parallel with the standard Prius model. Toyota is developing a new wireless or inductive charging system that produces resonance between an on-floor coil and an onboard coil to transmit power to the battery. The company plans to begin testing of the wireless battery charging system in Japan, the U.S. and Europe in 2014 for a future plug-in Prius. Toyota is also considering requests from Prius PHV owners for additional all-electric range.[74][75]
Prius family
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid (ZVW35) is based on the conventional third generation (ZVW30) with a 4.4-kWh lithium-ion battery that allows an all-electric range of 23 km (14.3 mi).[76] A global demonstration program involving 600 pre-production test cars began in late 2009 and took place in Japan, Europe, Canada, China, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.[77][78][79]
The production version was unveiled at the September 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.[76] Deliveries began in Japan in late January 2012,[80] followed by a limited roll-out in the U.S. in late February.[81] Deliveries began in Europe in June 2012 and in the UK in August 2012.[82][83] During its first year in the market, global sales reached 27,181 Prius PHVs, making the Prius PHV the second top selling plug-in electric car in 2012 after the Chevrolet Volt.[84] As of July 2015, a total of 73,590 units have been sold worldwide.[85] The United States is the market leader with 41,576 units delivered,[86][87][88][89] followed by Japan with 21,657 units.[85] Accounting for global cumulative sales since 2010, as of May 2015, the Prius plug-in ranked as the world's second top selling plug-in hybrid after the Volt/Ampera family of vehicles.[90]
Production of the first generation Prius Plug-in hybrid ended in June 2015.[91] The next-generation Prius plug-in is being developed in parallel with the standard fourth generation Prius model, scheduled to be released by December 2015. The second generation plug-in variant has no official release date announced, but according to Automotive News production of the new plug-in version is expected to begin in about October 2016.[72]
Prius v
At the January 2011 North American International Auto Show, Toyota revealed the 2012 model year Prius v, an extended hatchback wagon, which is derived from the third-generation Prius and features over 50 percent more interior cargo space than the original Prius design.
In May 2011 Toyota introduced the Prius α (alpha) in Japan, which is available in a five-seat, two-row model and a seven-seat, three-row model, the latter’s third row enabled by a space-saving lithium-ion drive battery in the center console. The five-seat model uses a NiMH battery pack.[92][93] The Alpha is the basis for the five-seat Prius v launched in North America in October 2011 with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack similar to the 2010 model year Prius, and with two rows of seats to accommodate five passengers. The European and Japanese versions are offered with a lithium-ion battery, with three rows of seats with accommodations for seven passengers.[94] The European version, named Prius+ (plus), began deliveries in June 2012.[82][92] Global sales totaled 582,379 units as of July 2015. Japan is the main market with 401,600 units sold, followed by North America with 142,711 units and Europe with 32,735.[85]
Prius c
Toyota unveiled the Prius c concept at the January 2011 North American International Auto Show. The Prius c has a lower list price and is smaller than the current Prius hatchback. The production version was unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show as the Toyota Aqua, and was launched in Japan in December 2011.[95] ThePrius c was released in the US and Canada in March 2012,[96][97] and in April 2012 in Australia and New Zealand.[98][99] The Prius c is not available in Europe, where instead, Toyota is selling the Toyota Yaris Hybrid since June 2012.[100] The Prius c and the Yaris Hybrid share the same powertrain.[101] The Aqua ranked as the second best selling car in Japan in 2012 after the Prius brand, as Toyota reports together sales of the conventional Prius and the Prius α.[102][103] When sales of these two Prius models are broken down, the Toyota Aqua ranked as the top selling model in Japan, including kei cars, with the Aqua leading monthly sales since February through December 2012.[104][105] In addition, for two consecutive years, 2013 and 2014, the Aqua was the top selling new car in Japan.[106][107] The Aqua is considered the most successful nameplate launch in Japan in the last 20 years.[108]
Global sales of the Aqua/Prius c passed the 500,000 mark in August 2013.[109][86][110][102] and the 1 million milestone during the first half of 2015.[85] As of July 2015, with 1,081,332 units sold worldwide, the Aqua/Prius c is the second top selling TMC hybrid after the regular Prius. The top market is Japan with 901,465 Aquas sold, capturing a 83.4% of global sales,[85] followed by the United States with 140,720 units
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