The Prius has made a lasting impact on Toyota and the world since its launch in 1997, establishing itself as an authentic automotive icon by emphasising electrification and fearlessly setting future trends. The new generation, which will be available exclusively as a Plug-in Hybrid in Europe, takes the next step in that journey.

Toyota is committed to carbon neutrality, and the Hybrid technology originally pioneered by the Prius continues to contribute significantly to the transition towards zero emissions. The new Plug-in Prius strengthens Toyota’s multi-technology line-up, which also includes battery electric (BEV) and fuel cell electric (FCEV) solutions, by delivering increased efficiency and accessible carbon reduction.

As a path-finder for new technologies, the Prius has always inspired the future of other models and the new generation continues that pioneering spirit. It introduces Toyota’s new generation Plug-in Hybrid system, an all-round evolution with enhanced output via an increased high-capacity battery.

A more powerful motor generator and two-litre engine engage the driver’s senses with a combined 223 DIN hp (164kW) for strong and responsive acceleration. Meanwhile, a revised body is aerodynamically streamlined to optimise air flow and achieve excellent fuel efficiency, handling and stability.

The distinctive styling for which Prius has become famous is taken to a new, more dynamic level by a coupe-like silhouette, inspiring a strong emotional response. It is built on the second-generation GA-C platform of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which reduces weight and increases rigidity. A lower centre of gravity is achieved by optimising battery and fuel tank placement, enabling a captivating driving experience and serene ride.

A spacious cabin combines driving fun and excitement, utilising Prius’ new “Island Architecture” framework for a clean and spacious interior. The seating position is lower, creating a sportier feel, while displays and controls are positioned for optimum usability.

Driving Performance

A new generation hybrid system achieves an all-round evolution of the driving experience on the plug-in Prius, providing more power and greater efficiency. The TNGA 2.0l engine produces 148 DIN hp (111kW) and combines with a new 160 DIN hp (120kW) transaxle front motor for a total system output of 223 DIN hp (164kW). Compared to the current generation’s 122 DIN hp (90kW) in Plug-in Hybrid configuration, the increased power ensures strong and responsive acceleration.

With a target of allowing most daily driving to be undertaken in EV mode, EV range has been enhanced and is more than 50 % longer than current generation. This thanks to a new 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery. Higher energy density cells allow for optimised packaging and the battery pack is therefore compact enough to be installed under the rear seat, lowering the centre of gravity.

In the quest for maximum efficiency, clean energy can also be generated optionally via solar cells on the roof.

Design - Exterior

The iconic wedge shape, a Prius original since the second generation, has evolved, embracing elegant modern lines. A smooth, sleek silhouette has been crafted by lowering the overall height by 50 mm, moving the roof peak rearwards and adopting larger diameter tyres, up to 19 inches.

Unnecessary forms and lines were discarded, leaving a simple and clean overall design inspired by the natural flow of air. The distinctive shape is enhanced by 50 mm longer wheelbase, compared to the previous generation. At the same time, the overall length has been decreased with 46 mm.

At 22 mm wider than its predecessor, the Prius’ stance is dynamic and, on its front, a hammerhead motif elegantly integrates lights which accentuate the distinctive form. The rear view is accented by a three-dimensional linear lighting element emphasising progressive design and focusing attention on the bold Prius logo.

Design – Interior

The black-based interior is divided into three zones according to Prius’ new “Island Architecture”: surroundings, driver module and floating instrument panel.

For driver and passengers alike, the surroundings are spacious and constructed from stylish, high-value materials, accentuated by harmonious accents which highlight a dynamic feel and sense of purpose.

The driver module is based around the seven-inch TFT LCD screen which sits directly in the field of vision, enhancing safety by keeping a driver’s eyes on the road.

A newly-designed instrument panel prioritises cabin comfort, a clean lay-out with minimal intrusion into the driver’s forward vision, usability and appearance. It combines a discreet, lower central screen and slim air conditioning controls, while instrument panel illumination is linked to notifications from Toyota Safety Sense and expresses alerts through colour changes. 

Whether considering its unexpected driving performance, its enhanced efficiency or its sleek, dynamic design inside and out, the new generation will continue an innovative tradition which began 25 years ago. This new chapter in the unique Prius story will begin, setting new references in terms of technology, efficiency and peace of mind, when the fifth-generation, Plug-in Prius is introduced to Europe in spring 2023.

The Plug-in version offers customers with two cars in one; a sophisticated full hybrid powertrain achieving ultra-low emissions of 1,3 l/100km and 28g/km CO₂  (WLTP cycle) while at the same time offering a real, all-electric EV driving experience with an EV range up to 45 km in real-life with a max EV speed of 135 km/h.

The ultra-low emissions and specific EV driving capabilities of the Prius Plug-in comes from cutting-edge technologies unique in Toyota’s model line-up. The Prius Plug-in is equipped with a heat pump, which utilises heat from the air outside of the car, resulting in an increased level of efficiency compared to traditional heaters which generate heat from the engine or to power electric heaters.

In addition, during charging, the battery warming system will warm the cells to an efficient working temperature, this ensures that both battery power and efficiency are maintained at a sufficient level to minimise the impact of cold weather on EV driving range.

Finally, the large solar panel, which generates electricity to charge the hybrid system battery still remains unique in the segment. Depending on weather conditions, solar charging can increase the EV driving range by up to 5 km per day, equating to some 1,000 km of all-electric driving per annum <200 days/year>. Since its launch in Sep ‘16, over 1,700 Prius Plug-in hybrid have been sold with solar panel, which now represents roughly 1,700,000 km per annum generated by the sun.

The New Prius Plug-in Hybrid has much improved functionality, now includes seating for 5 passengers, changing from the rear two-seat configuration to a third middle seat, whilst delivering high levels of comfort.

In addition to improvements to the seating capacity, the New Prius Plug-in Hybrid levelled-up the trim execution with all black interior accents replacing the white accents. The use of a new fabric also offers a higher sensory quality feel to the interior.

Besides all to these interior improvements, the exterior has been upgraded. The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be available in a new metallic black colour ‘galaxy black’ and  new 17’’ alloy wheels will now be offered as an option.

Each year, Euro NCAP publishes a list of the cars that have performed best in their respective categories. This is the second time a Toyota received such a title, with the Verso being ‘Best In Class 2010’ in the small MPV segment back in 2010.

Data gathered from more than 2,200km of driving on a typical Rome commuting journey reveal that the test Prius cars spent an average 73.2 per cent of the journey time (62.5 per cent of the journey distance) producing no tailpipe emissions. These figures included periods when the car was stationary, with the engine automatically switched off. 

The results were even better in urban areas, where noise, pollution and air quality are of special concern. On these sections of the route, Prius achieved zero emissions for 79.4 per cent of the journey time and 76.3 per cent of the route distance. 

This level of performance was possible thanks to the quality of Toyota’s latest Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. Almost 45 per cent of the car’s drive power was sourced from the electric motor, with 34.3 per cent of its energy to the wheels produced by the regenerative braking system. Thus, more than one third of the power used to drive the wheels of the test cars was produced simply by the act of braking or slowing down. 

The study project, commissioned by Toyota Motor Italy, used a team of 20 drivers, evenly divided between men and women in age groups up to and over 35. There was an equal balance between those who had driven a hybrid car before, and those with no experience. Each participant drove the same 37km route across Rome and back, at three different times of day – morning, afternoon and evening – using a standard Prius Style model on 17-inch wheels. For each journey the Eco drive mode was selected and the air conditioning was switched off; speed limits were observed at all times. 

Thanks to Toyota’s leadership in developing hybrid technology, the new Prius has achieved the greatest leap yet in emissions and fuel economy performance between successive generations of the world’s best-selling hybrid. Prius’ achievements go beyond increasingly impressive efficiency, however; 18 years on from the launch of the original model, today’s Prius is designed and engineered to deliver an all-round feel-good driving experience that is intuitive, quiet and responsive. 

With advanced styling and genuinely rewarding handling, supported by the first use of the new Toyota New Global Architecture-based platform, it redefines what a 21st century hybrid vehicle can offer, supported by a formidable record of lasting, reliable quality and more than nine million worldwide sales.

Toyota’s constant improvement of its safety technologies has helped Prius – the world’s best-selling full hybrid car – comply with Euro NCAP’s more stringent and wider-ranging test criteria, which cover not only how vehicle occupants and pedestrians are protected in real-life accident scenarios, but also the quality and range of safety equipment provided. 

The new Prius achieved an excellent 92 per cent score for overall adult occupant protection; 82 per cent for child occupants; 77 per cent for pedestrian protection performance; and 85 per cent for safety assist performance. 

In its report, Euro NCAP commended the new Prius for maximum point scores achieved in its side barrier impact test, with “good protection of all critical body areas” and a further maximum score for the performance of its autonomous emergency braking system. This safety function is included in the car’s Pre-Collision System, and is able to detect and react to pedestrians as well as vehicles in the car’s path. 

The Pre-Collision System is part of the Toyota Safety Sense package of active safety features, together with Adaptive Cruise Control with Full Speed Following function, Lane Departure Alert with steering control, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist, provided as standard on all new Prius models. Additional radar-controlled systems including a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available. 

The new Prius’ crash test performance reflects the fundamental strength of its Toyota New Global Architecture-based platform and body, which make good use of strategic reinforcements and use of high-strength steels to absorb and channel impact forces away from the cabin. 

Launched earlier this year, the new Prius achieves the greatest advances yet in the fuel and emissions efficiency of Toyota’s full hybrid technology, while delivering a significantly more rewarding and engaging driving experience.

This achievement is only one aspect of a car that has evolved to acquire new capabilities, more engaging styling and new fun-to-drive character, adding new and compelling dimensions to its customer appeal.

Powered by a new generation of Toyota’s full hybrid powertrain, the new Prius makes significant advances in fuel economy (combined cycle fuel economy from 3.0 l/100 km) and provides a much more rewarding driving experience. Acceleration is smoother and more responsive, quieter and has a more linear feel that is better aligned to engine speed.

The new car’s dynamic capabilities are rooted in its use of the first platform developed under the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) philosophy. At a stroke, this endows the car with a lower centre of gravity (-2.5 cm), securing better handling response and stability. It has also given the designers a freer hand to craft a car that has richer visual appeal, with lower lines overall and a more athletic profile. TNGA also helps define the “peace-of-mind” interior, with its excellent packaging, a lower and more engaging driving position and higher comfort levels. Load space is improved thanks to the use of a smaller, more energy-dense hybrid battery that is located entirely beneath the rear seats and a new double wishbone rear suspension system – features which do not intrude in trunk capacity.

The Prius remains Toyota’s technological ambassador, a showcase for new, relevant technologies that raise levels of safety, convenience, performance and comfort.

Safety remains a priority, with the TNGA-based chassis optimised for excellent impact performance. The scope of the Toyota Safety Sense package is extended in the new Prius with addition of radar-managed Adaptive Cruise Control with Full Speed Range Following Function and a Pedestrian Detection function for the Pre-Collision Safety system.

The full hybrid powertrain has undergone extensive revisions to improve efficiency, reduce weight and sharpen performance. Detailed design changes to the engine have resulted in a 40 per cent thermal efficiency – a world-best performance for a petrol unit. Other hybrid system components have been made lighter and smaller and have been repositioned for optimum packaging, further contributing to the car’s lower centre of gravity. The new nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery is more compact than in the previous generation model, with an even better durability and charging performance.

In combination, these changes and innovations confound the popular notion of what an eco-car should be like to drive and to look at. They reflect how, now that hybrid technology has moved in 15 year from the fringes to become a mainstream choice, customers expect more than exceptional environmental performance – they equally require a car that offers style, ease of use and real driving pleasure. The new Prius demonstrates the genuine rewards that remain to be enjoyed from Toyota full hybrid technology, together with appealing new characteristics in terms of performance, convenience and fun-to-drive quality, advantages that will steadily feed through to new generations of other Toyota hybrid models.

Prius Heritage

In 1997 the original Toyota Prius was launched with the declaration “just in time for the 21^st century”. As the world’s first mass-produced hybrid-powered car, it was true to the Latin roots of its name in being ahead of its time.

That first car was a compact four-door sedan, powered by a new hybrid system featuring a combination of 1.5-litre VVT-i Atkinson cycle petrol engine and 33 kW electric motor. Headline efficiency figures were 120 g/km CO₂ emissions and an average 5.1 l/100 km fuel consumption. This initial package was comprehensively redesigned and improved in the second generation model in 2003, with considerable gains in power and efficiency, plus a larger, more stylish, comfortable and practical hatchback design. The improved hybrid system adopted a smaller and lighter hybrid battery with a higher energy density. The fuel economy improved by 15 per cent to 4.3 l/100 km and CO₂ levels fell to a new low of 104 g/km.

The 3^rd generation Prius made its debut in 2009, delivering an even stronger combination of power and efficiency. The hybrid system’s output was now more than a third greater than in the original model, while at the same time CO₂ emissions had fallen by a quarter and fuel consumption was 23 per cent better.

The first generation Prius created the hybrid vehicle market, the second generation raised the model’s popularity with a more advanced image, and the third generation secured mass-market success, helping Toyota progressively roll out hybrid power into its mainstream model ranges.

In its first 18 years, the Prius has reshaped the motoring landscape, bringing hybrid technology into the mainstream market and helping focus the attention of industry and consumers on how cars can be made cleaner and more efficient. The way in which people have come to understand, appreciate and adopt Toyota hybrid power is witnessed by more than eight million cumulative sales of Toyota hybrids worldwide since 1997, including more than 3.5 million Prius. The growth rate has accelerated in line with the technology’s higher visibility and the availability of an increasing range of vehicles covering different market segments.

The fourth generation Prius will add further impetus to hybrid’s market appeal, achieving its strongest environmental performance yet, while delivering much improved styling and driving dynamics.

Toyota’s experience with the Prius has been central to its development of hybrid as a foundation technology for alternative powertrains, not just with conventional petrol and diesel engines, but with biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells as well. The basic technical premise that gave Toyota its breakthrough with Prius continues to support development of new mobility solutions, from the all-electric urban i-ROAD to Mirai, Toyota’s first hydrogen fuel cell sedan.

The Market

The new car market has changed greatly in the 18 years since Toyota introduced the original Prius and set in motion its hybrid technology programme. Growing awareness of environmental issues and the need to protect natural resources have not only shifted people’s perceptions of how a vehicle should perform, they have been reinforced by national and international legislation requiring manufacturers to reduce vehicle emissions.

These changes have helped Toyota hybrids establish themselves in markets worldwide and have also given impetus to other manufacturers in the development of rival hybrid systems and other alternatives to conventional petrol and diesel engines, such as all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Hybrid has become Toyota’s key competitive advantage, the principal quality that differentiates it from other manufacturers and which gives it a specific strength in the marketplace. This is reflected in the fact Toyota hybrids make up more than 50 per cent of all the alternative powertrain vehicles sold in Europe – more than all the other hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles combined.

The way in which hybrid has become a driver for Toyota’s success in Europe’s core new car market segments is evidenced by sales figures for 2015 which show hybrids accounted for 55 per cent of all Auris sales and 36 per cent of Yaris sales. Furthermore, hybrid is bringing more new customers to Toyota, with these models attracting significantly high levels of conquest sales from other brands – up to 63 per cent for Yaris Hybrid and 51 per cent for Auris Hybrid.

Toyota believes hybrid’s market potential will increase further, with more people taking up the technology as the emissions performance of all vehicles comes under closer scrutiny and legislative control. At the same time, more manufacturers are following Toyota by introducing their own hybrid models, increasing competition and giving customers a wider choice.

Toyota will continue to enjoy the advantage of offering a full hybrid system, in which the electric motor can operate independently of the petrol engine. This allows the car to be driven in all-electric EV mode when possible, with zero fuel consumption and zero tailpipe emissions. These benefits are not available in “mild” hybrid systems, in which the electric motor can be used only to support the performance of a petrol or diesel engine.

Toyota believes that continuous improvement of its full hybrid technology will enable it to strengthen its market position, ahead of the wider uptake of alternatives such as plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles. Key challenges in securing this growth are to strengthen environmental performance while increasing the attractiveness of hybrids as desirable cars that are fun to drive. These qualities are fundamental to the new Prius, which sets new benchmarks for environmental performance while making a stronger emotional connection with customers through improved styling, quality and driveability.

Interview: Kouji Toyoshima, Chief Engineer

What did you want to achieve with the new Prius and how did you go about making it different from previous generations of the model?

Prius has always been an ecological car, right from the start. That meant we knew it was important for the new model to maintain its role as an eco-leader, even though it faces more competition, from other hybrids and alternatives like electric vehicles. At the same time, we knew it had to create an emotional response, with an exterior design that is inspiring, passionate, perhaps even sexy. From the customer’s point of view it had to be fun to see, touch and drive.

We wanted to achieve a metamorphosis, a beautiful transformation. The new model has the same eco-DNA as its predecessors, but it is an even better car. And certainly we wanted it to be fun to drive, making sure it provided the waku-doki (exciting) sensation that’s an important aspect of modern Toyotas.

This really is an “all-new” car, what kind of challenges did that present?

The project has taken us several years to complete with an all new platform, exterior styling and “Iconic Human-tech” cabin, and a re-engineered, optimised powertrain. We invested a huge amount of care and consideration into what we did, all the time keeping in mind the smiles we wanted to see on customers’ faces.

The first challenge was to keep the new car’s weight in check, so I gave the team the go-ahead to think about how and where we could reduce vehicle weight from scratch. We also had the pressure of this being our first model to use a TNGA platform and the need to live up to the Prius’ reputation for always delivering better fuel economy and emissions with each new generation.

The improvements in efficiency are greater than ever. How was that made possible?

Like world record-holder Usain Bolt, it’s hard to find another one-tenth of a second or, in our case, one tenth of a litre. Success comes by challenging everything you do and by striving continuously to make even the smallest improvements, because they all add up.

Take the gasoline engine for example. Outwardly it seems it hasn’t changed, with the same capacity and basic design, but in fact we have taken its performance to a much a higher level, with much better combustion and multiple, detailed measures that reduce its internal friction and give better heat management. With this level of scrutiny we have in fact made it the most thermally efficient in the world. Simply put, you get more power from every drop of fuel.

We paid the same close attention to all the other major elements in the hybrid system – the transmission, the electric motors and the hybrid battery. We reduced weight everywhere, it is as though they have all been put on a diet. We have managed to make things smaller as well, which let us improve the packaging, so we could relocate some items, such as the hybrid battery, saving space and helping lower the car’s centre of gravity.

The hybrid battery is an interesting example of how we have been able to improve performance. Like before, it uses nickel-metal hydride technology, which we know suits the Prius’ global market needs, but we’ve made it more compact, yet at the same time more powerful, faster charging and longer lasting.

What factors determined the radical new look of Prius?

We focused just as much on the exterior design as we did on the powertrain when it came to improving the new Prius’ efficiency. We needed to come up with a design that delivers excellent aerodynamics, as well as great looks.

Our guiding concept for this was to “fold in the wind,” calculating how we could control air flow by effectively wrapping the car in a single veil of air. Our work was made easier thanks to a new wind tunnel which let us measure the airflow while the vehicle was actually moving. We produced model after model with millimetre-adjustments until we came up with the perfect body. We also had the benefit of the TNGA platform, which meant we could bring down the height of the roof, body and hood, achieving better aerodynamic performance without sacrificing headroom inside the car.

We had a young group of designers working on the car’s exterior and they were committed to producing something really new. The new Prius is futuristic, but still retains some elements of being influenced by living things, so it manages to combine being a machine with having an emotional dimension.

THE THREE PILLARS OF THE NEW PRIUS

The new Prius is founded on the latest evolution of hybrid technology, delivering unprecedented efficiency and environmental performance. But beyond these credentials it embraces stronger emotional and performance qualities that give it wider and greater appeal to customers who appreciate eye-catching, original styling, high levels of sensory quality, practicality and a driving experience that is genuinely fun and rewarding.

The realisation of these qualities in the new Prius is based on three pillars: the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)-based platform, design and styling, and a new generation full hybrid system.

TOYOTA’S FIRST TNGA PLATFORM

The new Prius is the first model to use a chassis based on Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). Known as the GA-C platform, this will also underpin other future models and will be joined by further platforms suitable for different vehicle applications, from compact sports cars to SUVs.

Prius’ TNGA-based platform plays a defining role in the car’s essential fun-to-drive quality, giving the car a lower centre of gravity compared to the current model, and securing a more engaging driving position and more precise and responsive handling, with less body roll. This means better handling can be achieved directly from the quality of the chassis and body without having to use firmer suspension settings, or compromising ride and comfort.

It makes a big contribution to the improved driving dynamics – beyond what might be expected of an eco-car. This quality is further supported by a body that is 60 per cent more rigid than before thanks to extensive use of high-strength steels and additional reinforcement to the centre pillars’ lower structure and the panel connection. The result is superior, direct and responsive handling.

These qualities are also enhanced by the Prius’ new double wishbone rear suspension, which produces one-third the level of shock when driving on uneven roads compared to the current model. To achieve better handling with more direct response, the front MacPherson strut suspension has been revised with an increase in the incline angle of the shock absorbers and the use of slant bearings.

The chassis is fully able to harness the more responsive character of the new full hybrid system. Greater stability is maintained, body roll is much reduced in high-speed lane changes and performance is smoother on rough surfaces. On winding roads, new Prius holds easily to the driver’s intended line and there is outstanding straight-line stability when driving at speed.

Ergonomic excellence in vehicle packaging

The benefits of the TNGA extend to new, defined lay-out rules for the position of different state-of-the-art components which simplifies vehicle design in key areas without detracting from the styling qualities that give each vehicle its individual character and appeal.

For example, the driving components – items such as the pedals, steering column and driver’s seat – will conform to one of five different lay-outs according to vehicle type and platform. Previously much time was spent on millimetre-adjustment to define the most suitable design and arrangement of these components to achieve the optimum driving position in every new model. The TNGA solution provides an ergonomically ideal combination to suit the vehicle, in line with the floor height provided by the platform. Each lay-out can be further refined with detailed adjustment to the pedal and pedal operation angles and the position and angle of the steering column.

TNGA also brings a new approach to the design of the engine compartment, with a focus on placing components lower down in a more rationally organised “clean and tidy” space. In the new Prius this allows for better packaging, a lower vehicle centre of gravity and a more attractive, lower hood, which in turn improves safety by giving the driver a clearer forward view.

Improved safety performance

Improved safety is another aspect of TNGA’s contribution to the new Prius, and to future Toyota models. The new TNGA platforms and designs prioritise the highest active and passive safety standards. They are designed to meet the exacting standards of independent crash testing programmes worldwide and provide impressive levels of active and preventive safety through the functions and systems of Toyota Safety Sense.

STYLING AND DESIGN

New Prius is not simply “another green car,” its design and high quality throughout give it greater emotional appeal and a powerful, desirable presence, underpinned by the fundamental strengths of the new TNGA-based platform. As Toyota’s most advanced car, it is appropriate that it is an image leader and the intention has been to produce a design that makes an immediate impact.

The car’s new low-slung stance – made possible by the TNGA platform – suggests an excellent driving performance, supported by a distinctive new body silhouette that is both athletic and aerodynamically efficient. The result is a “human-tech” design with strong emotional quality, fully exploiting the opportunity presented by the car’s lower centre of gravity.

Prius Chief Designer Shunsaku Kodama, who at 43 was Toyota’s youngest chief designer when appointed in 2011, led a team whose youthfulness generated a natural enthusiasm to challenge the status quo, even for a vehicle as revered as Prius. He says their focus was to “inject ego” into the car by crafting a more powerful, engaging and sporty image that would increase pride of ownership beyond Prius’ traditional ethical profile.

Exterior

The design theme for the new Prius has been to capture in the contrast created between the rich curves and hard surfaces of the bodywork. The result is a new form that stands out with its smooth yet sharp use of lines.

The frontal design is true to Prius’s heritage in making the Toyota emblem a strong focal point, but it also makes an impactful visual statement about its more advanced design and performance with a much lower hood height. Notably the front emblem sits at the same height above the road as it does on the GT86 coupe. New headlights have permitted slimmer, more striking headlamp units to be designed and these combine with an intricate but unfussy treatment of the fog lights and air intakes to give the car a distinctive and intelligent appearance.

The lower part of the front bumper and the shape of the lower grille and wheel arches have been designed to direct airflow around and under the vehicle. A novel feature in the car’s airflow management is an electric shutter behind the large lower grille. Derived from motor sport technology, it opens and closes in line with the airflow cooling requirements of the engine; by remaining shut during cold starts, it helps save fuel by helping the engine reach its operating temperature quicker.

In profile, the Prius displays a silhouette that is lower and more athletic. The TNGA-based platform has allowed for significant reduction in height in key areas to create a lower, more dynamic appearance. The overall height has been reduced by 20 mm compared to the current Prius, to 1,470 mm. The peak of the roof has been moved forward by 170 mm, and the belt line has been dropped and angled forward and lower, emphasising the car’s stronger dynamic qualities. The rocker panel displays a light-catching surface that starts from the lowest part of the front bumper, runs beneath the front door, then races upwards, accentuating the car’s low-slung stance.

The new model retains the 2,700 mm wheelbase of the current Prius, but is 60 mm longer overall at 4,540 mm. It is also 15 mm wider at 1,760 mm.

The new Prius has a unique aerodynamic treatment to the rear section of the roof, which supports the clean flow of air over and away from the vehicle. The length and angle of the rear spoiler have been precisely calculated and the bodywork tapers towards the rear corners, helping smooth airflow and reduce drag. The low roof and rear pillars are distinctively integrated using blacked-out panels that are shaped to draw air around the side windows to the rear of the car. Other aerodynamic aids include graduated vertical channels each side of the windscreen that direct airflow and rain water up and over the roof without generating wind noise. Aero stabilising fins are featured on the front quarterlight trim and rear combination lamp housings, which control air turbulence along the side of the car. The new TNGA platform is also designed for the smoothest possible airflow beneath the car.

In combination, the car’s low wind resistance features secure a world-class 0.24 coefficient of drag.

The rear end design flows strongly from the rear spoiler down through the bumper, with the wheel placement further emphasising the car’s firmly planted stance. The slim, striking combination lamps have been moved to the outer edge of the car, following a sharp angle that is accentuated by the distinctive, unbroken line of the red LED tail lights.

Toyota has produced a vibrant colour palette for the new Prius with seven exterior finishes available, including a new shade that is unique to the model, Emotional Red. This finish is created using a three-stage process that adds lustre, allowing light to pass through a translucent red layer and reflect off flakes of aluminium in the base layer.

“Peace of mind” interior

“Peace of mind” is the theme for the cabin, which is designed to be a welcoming, quiet and comfortable space, embracing the car’s “human tech” design concept by being futuristic and stylish, yet rational and ingenious.

The design has been developed to make an emotional connection with the occupants through an improved quality feel and the use of simple, multi-functional displays that present information at a glance. The peace of mind factor is supported by better visibility front and rear, contributing to both safer driving and a lighter, more pleasant cabin atmosphere.

Enhanced interior quality feel

The cabin has a strong design that is advanced, functional and makes a big visual impact. It inherits the intuitive concept of previous Prius generations by consolidating operational functions closest to the driver and placing the information functions further away. The functionality of this approach can be seen in the layered construction of the dashboard with distinct control and display zones.

The dashboard wraps gently around the driver and flows almost seamlessly into the door panels. The number of different parts that make up the instrument panel has been reduced, for example the piano black section is now a single unit. This creates a strong visual contrast with the areas of the dashboard and door panels, finished in a high-quality white material that is scratch-resistant.

The dominant centre cluster has a silver-finish frame and a “floating” design, created using a sculpted and near-invisible rear mounting. The seven-inch touchscreen panel is designed like a tablet and allows intuitive operation of the audio and navigation functions, including “flick” actions to scroll through the displays. Two sound systems are available: a standard six-speaker audio package that gives rich and clear sound quality, and a 10-speaker JBL audio unit that uses GreenEdge^TM technology to deliver powerful output and excellent sound quality from smaller, lighter and more energy efficient speakers. The instrument cluster features dual 4.2-inch full colour TFT (thin film transistor) LCD screens with easy to read displays. The screen nearest the driver presents vehicle speed and ancillary information such as fuel level, odometer, trip meter, driving range, average fuel consumption, outside temperature and drive mode. The background colour changes according to the drive mode selected: blue for ECO, grey for Normal and red for Power. The second screen provides information about the hybrid system and eco-driving tips and performance, together with multimedia and climate control system details and driver assistance alerts.

The fine attention to detail can be seen in elements such as the Prius-logo’s that decorate the air vents, while the high ergonomic quality extends to intuitive positioning and range of adjustment of the seats. The high sensory quality of the interior is further emphasised by a pleasingly tactile leather steering wheel trim. Two interior colour choices have been created for the new Prius – cool grey and black. Overall the cabin environment is light and spacious.

Quietness has always been a distinguishing characteristic of Toyota’s hybrid vehicles and the new Prius provides a cabin environment that exudes a genuine sense of luxury in exceptionally low levels of noise, vibration and harshness.

Improved driving position

A reduction in the steering column angle from 24 to 20 degrees, a lowering of the driver’s hip point by 59 mm and a new seat design all help create a more natural and engaging driving position. The range of tilt adjustment has been increased, to accommodate a wider range of driver heights.

The front seats have been completely redesigned to offer more comfort while at the same time saving weight and space. They offer a snugger fit, with better body holding that helps reduce fatigue on long journeys. The seat heating area has been increased, adding to the improved comfort level. The rear seats have also been revised for greater comfort and benefit from an improved armrest and cupholder.

Convenient storage provision

The efficient use of space inside the new Prius ensures ample provision of storage space. Thanks to the more compact hybrid system and HV battery and the new double wishbone rear suspension, there is no intrusion in the trunk space. The cargo floor is set 110 mm lower, expanding capacity to 457 litres when a temporary spare wheel is carried, 412 litres with a full-size spare and 502 litres with a tyre repair kit.

In the cabin the storage points have been made larger or have been reprofiled to improve their usability. They include front and rear door pockets, an overhead console, glove box and a console box with a removable inner tray. The console box’s soft-close lid doubles as an armrest and it opens side way so it is easy for the driver to access. Two cupholders are provided in front of the console box.

NEW HYBRID SYSTEM

The New Prius introduces the next generation of Toyota’s signature hybrid powertrain, the first in a new family of powertrains that builds on the two pillars that have made Toyota hybrids popular with drivers across the globe: on the one hand their fuel efficiency, and on the other the relaxed and carefree drive that they provide.

Toyota has focused its efforts on making this next generation of hybrids even easier and more intuitive to drive. The system has been set up so that it gives a natural, immediate, but smooth response to any accelerator pedal input. Refined and confident, it delivers the right level of performance.

But of course, fuel economy has been improved as well, as demonstrated in new Prius’ combined cycle economy starting from just 3.0 l/100 km. The new hybrid system comes in a more compact package that is lighter in weight and lower in cost. It reflects significant advances in battery, electric motor and petrol engine technologies.

The new hybrid battery offers higher energy density. Whilst its total power was maintained, its size could be reduced by 10%. And what’s more, it can now absorb 28% more energy in the same amount of time, which means that it charges faster than before. The electric motors are smaller in size, yet also provide a better power-to-weight ratio. And the thermal efficiency of the petrol engine – at 38.5 per cent already very high on the current Prius – is increased to more than 40 per cent – a world’s best for a petrol unit.

Improved petrol engine

As in the current model, Prius’ hybrid system features a 1.8-litre VVT-i Atkinson cycle petrol engine. However, the unit has been completely re-engineered to deliver significantly better fuel economy. The gas flow, combustion, cooling and knock control have all been improved and much more effective use is made of exhaust gas recirculation.

Toyota has developed a heat recovery system that uses spent exhaust gas to speed the warming up of engine coolant. This means fuel can be saved because the hybrid system is able to stop the engine earlier and more often when it isn’t needed to power the vehicle. The engine is also helped to reach its optimum operating temperature more quickly thanks to a new dual-passage cooling system that can reduce the volume of coolant flowing into the engine, when required. This helps improving efficiency during cold weather.

Further work has been done to reduce energy losses, particularly through eliminating friction. Measures include the use of thin-section, resin-coated connecting rod bearings and a low-friction camshaft chain. Friction created by the piston skirts, rotating parts and oil pump has been reduced and a new electric water pump has helped cut the level of losses.

Conical “beehive”-type springs have been adopted to reduce the valvetrain load. And, to ensure comprehensive improvement, the entire engine underwent CAE analysis to achieve the best rigidity and to reduce noise and vibration.

The intake and exhaust systems came under particular scrutiny, resulting in an engine that enjoys better breathing, air filtration, packaging efficiency, reliability and quietness. The air filter has been made smaller and reduced in height, which helped the designers bring down the line of the hood. The new intake system has a resonator that creates less noise at noticeable frequencies and the intake duct is made of a porous material that suppresses resonance.

A fresh air inlet duct has been added to make sure ample air volume is obtained at motorway speeds and a clever air/fluid separating structure has been added to keep water and snow from mixing with the intake air. Should the fresh air duct fill with water or snow, a secondary inlet serves as the air intake.

A thinner silencer secures optimum performance and noise reduction, while also improving the underbody aerodynamics and avoiding any intrusion on the space available in the trunk.

The engine block has V-shaped drilled paths that reduce losses in water jacket pressure. There is also a new water jacket spacer which helps control cylinder wall temperatures in the combustion chamber, reducing friction and preventing engine knock, which in turn supports optimum ignition timing.

Engine cooling has been improved with a new cooling module structure and attachment, and a redesign that accommodates a lower hood line and helps reduce the car’s centre of gravity. There is a new grille shutter behind the radiator which automatically closes when full airflow isn’t required, improving aerodynamic performance and saving fuel.

While engine cooling helps improve anti-knock performance, it can lead to an increase in cooling heat loss. To help counter this, Toyota engineers have developed a new water jacket spacer to control temperature on the surface of the cylinder. This keeps engine oil warmer with lower viscosity and reduces the temperature fluctuation. This helps reduce friction and allows more engine torque to be generated. At the top end of the temperature scale it reduces temperatures in the combustion chamber.

The engine’s maximum output of 98 DIN hp/72 kW is delivered at 5,200 rpm, with peak torque of 142 Nm at 3,600 rpm.

World-best thermal efficiency

Thermal efficiency is a measurement of how well an engine converts the energy available in its fuel into usable energy to power the vehicle. As a result of the large-volume exhaust gas recirculation system, improvements in combustion efficiency and innovative ways of managing heat and reducing friction, the new Prius’ engine has a maximum 40 per cent thermal efficiency, the highest level in the world for a mass-produced petrol engine. This surpasses the 37 per cent of the first Prius’ 1.5-litre unit and the 38.5 per cent level of the 1.8-litre engine in the third generation model.

Improved exhaust gas recirculation

The exhaust gas recirculation system in the new Prius has an EGR cooler which lowers the temperature of the gas being circulated, thereby reducing the temperature of the intake mixture and suppressing engine knock. This allows ignition timing to be advanced, which contributes to better thermal efficiency. Cooling loss has been reduced by eight per cent as a consequence.

Multi-shaft transaxle – a hybrid first

The new Prius has a redesigned transaxle that offers more efficient performance and packaging and reduced weight. Its smaller dimensions, notably a 59 mm decrease in length, have allowed the auxiliary battery to be relocated to the engine compartment.

The transaxle houses four components: two electric motor-generators (MG1 and MG2); a single planetary gear; and a reduction gear to the final drive. MG1 serves primarily as a generator, converting any surplus power from the petrol engine into electricity, which can be stored in the HV battery. It also serves as the engine’s starter motor. MG2 is the electric drive motor, which also acts as a generator when the car is in regenerative braking mode. It drives the car from start-up, at low speed and in EV (electric vehicle) mode and is the sole propulsion method when the vehicle is in reverse.

Improved hybrid software

Updates to the hybrid system software allow the new Prius to draw more on its electric drivetrain, allowing it to accelerate in a low engine rev range. It also has permitted the speed range of the electric motor (the range in which the electric motor can be used exclusively) to be increased by 60 per cent, compared to the current model. This means there is less dependency on the petrol engine at higher speeds, improving fuel economy.

Smaller, better electric motors

The two motor-generators are all-new and are smaller and lighter than before to suit the new multi-shaft transaxle design, with no negative affect on fuel economy.

Higher motor speed and new forced water-convection cooling in place of air cooling improve the efficiency of the electric-drive motor (MG2), which delivers 53 kW of power and 163 Nm of torque.

Fully redesigned power control unit

The power control unit (PCU) has been totally redesigned, resulting in a 33 per cent reduction in size, a six per cent weight saving and a 20 per cent reduction in electrical losses. The PCU is the multi-purpose electrical heart of the vehicle, housing the inverter/voltage booster, a DC/DC converter for auxiliary power and the electronic control for the motor-generators.

In place of a belt-driven alternator the new Prius uses a DC/DC converter to recharge the 12-volt auxilary battery by using the HV battery energy.

Nickel-metal Hydride HV battery

The nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery is more compact, so can be located entirely beneath the rear seats, avoiding any intrusion in the load space. It has increased cooling efficiency and the regeneration range. The new cooling system features an air filter in the intake bezel, which is located in the trim beneath the right rear seat.

Fuel efficiency

The fuel economy achieved by the new Prius marks the largest improvement between generations of the hybrid model, achieved thanks to improvements in the hybrid system and efficiency improvements throughout the car. This accomplishment reflects Toyota’s philosophy of refining existing technology – the concept of having something good, then making it better.

Every aspect of the hybrid system has been made more efficient and these improvements deliver about half the gain that’s been realised in fuel efficiency. The petrol engine uses less fuel; the electric motor-generators are smaller, lighter and more efficient; mechanical losses in the transaxle have been cut by 20 per cent; the power control unit is more efficient; and the nickel-metal hydride HV battery is lighter and more efficient. Further gains have been made by reducing the energy load of the air conditioning system, improving the rolling resistance performance of the tyres and creating a more aerodynamically efficient vehicle design.

Interview: VINCENT DEWAERSEGGER, Senior Product Manager

The introduction of the new Prius is not just about a new generation vehicle, it also begins a new era of product development and manufacturing, the first application of the Toyota New Global Architecture. This has brought about a whole new way of thinking about how we design, produce and deliver our vehicles, starting with Prius and benefiting the cars we will build in the future, too.

The fundamental challenge we faced in developing the new Prius was what more we could do with an iconic car that effectively created the market for hybrids, maintaining its leadership in terms of technology and environmental performance. Of course today there are more competitors for Prius, not just hybrids but other alternative powertrains such as EVs and plug-in hybrids, both from other manufacturers and from within our own, growing hybrid model range as well.

We also knew we had to introduce an element of fun to the mix, delivering a stronger emotional aspect. This is what Akio Toyoda talked about when he said we would build ever-better cars and put smiles on the faces of our customers.

In terms of the hybrid driving experience, we have achieved the biggest improvement yet between generations of Prius with improvements of more than 20 per cent in fuel economy and CO₂ emissions. We have also given the car highway cruising fuel consumption that can be compared to a diesel, and with growing public concerns about air quality, Prius continues to offer exceptionally low NOx , as well.

We knew it was crucial, too, to improve the car’s driveability and in fact the driving experience has been transformed. Using the TNGA platform has lowered the centre of gravity and we have introduced a new double wishbone rear suspension and made the body 60 per cent more rigid, all important elements in securing better driveability.

We listened to customers and the press, and challenged the engineers to reduce the powertrain noise under acceleration. The result is a tremendous improvement in linear acceleration feel and noise, both from low to high and mid to high engine speeds.

New Prius makes a big visual impact, with a design that reflects its advanced qualities. In the course of recent generations, the Prius’ styling had become diluted and the car lost some of its distinctiveness, becoming more mainstream in appearance. Although the new generation still features the signature triangular silhouette and a forward roofline, its look is far from traditional. The design has genuinely strong character that contrasts with its more conservatively designed competitors. Because Prius has an important image-making quality, we could afford to be bold and explore new styling opportunities.

The result is quite radical and in fact the looks are perfectly aligned with what the car wants to achieve. It gets away from Prius looking like any other car and projects a much stronger emotional quality.

You can see this in the cabin as well, where the guiding principles were to create a peace-of-mind environment with a “human-tech” approach. The wrap-around interior, with a natural flow from the door panels to the dashboard, centre console and instrument panel, makes you feel comfortably cocooned inside the car. The white inserts in the console were a strong element in the interior concept from an early stage in the design development. Of course, special attention has been paid to practicality – they are highly scratch-resistant so will continue to look good.

Prius has always been a high-tech model and it was vital to retain and advance that quality. We have accomplished a great deal in this area, not least with what we provide with the Toyota Safety System and other features such as the Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert that warn the driver of hazards they can’t see from wheel. The way information is communicated to the driver has also been improved, with the larger head-up display and the use of two TFT displays in the instrument panel. Together with convenience and comfort features, such as the wireless phone charger and the intelligent, energy-saving air conditioning system, we have further extended the benefits of what we can achieve with new technologies.

The result is to make the new Prius a genuine breakthrough car. Everything is new and advanced, but at the same time, the car remains competitively priced. It’s affordable high-tech.

HIGH-TECH THEN, NOW AND ALWAYS

Since the launch of its first generation in Japan in 1997, Prius has maintained its status as Toyota’s technology ambassador, an eco-car that regularly brings valuable next-generation technologies and innovations to the marketplace. The achievements made by the first three generations provide an impressive platform on which the all-new fourth generation Prius is able to make even greater advances.

The application of a wide range of new technologies in Prius takes safety and driver assistance to a higher level, improves comfort and gives clear and instant delivery of vital vehicle and performance data and information. The intention has been to create a truly integrated vehicle, with technology improvements that focus on a better experience for the driver and occupants.

Toyota Safety Sense

New Prius will make a significant advance in active and preventive safety measures with the adoption of Toyota Safety Sense. This package of integrated safety features is further extended in the new Prius with the addition of radar-governed Adaptive Cruise Control with Full Speed Range Following Function and a pedestrian recognition capability in the Pre-Collision Safety System.

These technologies help to reduce the risk of a collision and deliver additional benefits by making life easier for the driver and reducing fatigue.

Pre-Collision Safety system

At speed ranges of between 10 km/h and the vehicle’s top speed this system uses a front-mounted monocular camera sensor and millimetre-wave radar sensor to detect vehicles and pedestrians on the road ahead. If it calculates a risk of a collision, it automatically warns the driver with a buzzer and alert in the multi-information display. At the same time the Pre-Collision Brake Assist engages to provide extra braking force the moment the brake pedal is pressed. If the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is extremely high, the brakes are automatically applied to help avoid the collision or help reduce the impact of the collision. Toyota’s improvement of the technology has enabled it to recognise and react to the presence of pedestrians as well as vehicles and to function across a wider range of speeds.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Full Speed Range

Following Function

The new Prius’ Adaptive Cruise Control with Full Speed Range Following Function makes use of the same millimetre-wave radar as the Pre-Collision Safety system to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, slowing the car to a standstill if necessary and accelerating smoothly back to the pre-selected cruising speed once the way is clear.

Lane Departure Alert

Lane Departure Alert uses the camera on the windscreen to track the vehicle’s course between lane markings painted on the road surface. If it judges that the new Prius is about to move out of its lane without the turn indicator being used, the system sounds a buzzer and lights up a warning on the multi-information display. If the vehicle is still moving outside the lane, it will apply steering force to assist the driver to bring the vehicle back on course.

Automatic High Beam

Automatic High Beam uses the same windscreen-mounted camera as the Lane Departure Alert. This recognises the lights of oncoming vehicles or traffic ahead, automatically switching the headlights to low beam to avoid dazzling other road users and returning them to high beam as soon as the road is clear, maximising night-time illumination and the driver’s field of vision.

Road Sign Assist

Road Sign Assist uses the front camera to recognise principal highway/motorway warning and command signs. These are then repeated on the multi-information display, reducing the risk of the driver not being aware of speed limits, lane closures and other important information.

Advanced safety and driver assistance systems

The new Prius is available with additional systems that support safer driving by giving the driver better real-time information about the area immediately around the car, including a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The Blind Spot Monitor uses radar sensors mounted on the rear corners of the vehicle to detect nearby vehicles in adjacent lanes as they move into the driver’s blind spot. The driver is alerted to their presence by LED warning indicators in the door mirror on the appropriate side of the car. The LED indicators will remain illuminated as long as the vehicle remains in the blind spot. If the driver operates the turn indicators, intending to move into path of the vehicle, the LEDs will flash rapidly to draw further attention to the hazard.

The same radars are used to provide the Rear Cross Traffic Alert, monitoring approaching traffic from either side as the vehicle is reversed out of a parking space and warning the driver if any vehicles are detected.

A new, intelligent parking sensor system helps avoid the kind of low-speed bumps that can happen during parking manoeuvres, regardless of accelerator and brake operation. It will also mitigate damage if contact does occur.

Simple Intelligent Parking Assist system

The new Prius showcases Toyota’s new Simple Intelligent Parking Assist system, which uses an array of sensors to identify viable parking spaces and surrounding objects. Improvements to the technology allow it to work in parking spaces up to 22 per cent smaller than previously.

The driver stops the car next to the parking space and pushes a single button to engage S-IPA, which guides the car to the correct position for reverse manoeuvring into the space. This system was developed to utilize the corner sensors for the parking assist.

Multi-information display

Toyota has improved the look and performance of the multi-information display in the driver’s instrument binnacle. Data and images are now presented in full colour with high resolution graphics on a dual, 4.2-inch display. The right-hand section presents speed, fuel level and other basic data and left section is a multi-display where the driver can select preferred content using a switch on the steering wheel.

The efficiency of the driver’s driving style and the car’s progressive fuel economy can be monitored, broken down into periods of five minutes, last kilometre, last five kilometres and one month.

Colour head-up display

For the first time in a Toyota vehicle, Prius is available with a colour head-up display. This projects essential vehicle data and alerts on to the lower section of the windscreen, making information instantly and easily readable without the driver having to taking their eyes off the road ahead. Content includes vehicle speed, the state of battery charge, hybrid system status, Adaptive Cruise Control with Full Speed Range Following Function setting and Lane Departure Alert.

Intelligent S-FLOW automatic air conditioning

The automatic air conditioning system is smaller, lighter and uses less power, benefiting from a new S-FLOW function to improve efficiency. It detects whether the front and rear passenger seats are occupied, using a sensor in the front seat and detecting when either of the rear doors is opened and closed, and adjusts ventilation and heating performance accordingly, minimising air flow around any empty seats. It also monitors the air conditioning temperature settings, external temperature and the amount of sunlight to calculate the most efficient operating parameters.

Other advances in the system include a new evaporator that uses less energy and a new electric compressor that is quieter and delivers better cooling performance.

As well as making the cabin environment more comfortable, the system’s multiple new features also improve fuel efficiency. The driver can monitor how efficiently the air conditioning is being used with a new Eco-judge function that calculates a performance score (out of 100) every second. Performance can be called up on the multi-information display; after the engine is turned off, an average score is displayed, with tips on how the air conditioning can be better operated.

Wireless phone charger

The new Prius is available with a wireless phone charger, located below the centre stack. Using Qi technology, this allows compatible smartphones to be recharged without having to connect a cable.

Interview: WASSIM KANOUN, Marketing Manager

Every Prius launch is an event in itself, with each generation creating a new milestone in making hybrid an even truer alternative to traditional petrol and diesel powertrains. The current third generation marked a breakthrough for hybrid technology, which had matured to the point where it appealed to a much greater number of customers. This prompted Toyota to introduce hybrid power in its core European models. That has helped us reach an impressive one million hybrid sales in Europe since 2000, with half a million of these achieved in just the past three years.

There is no doubting the important impact Prius continues to make for the Toyota brand. It remains our hybrid technology flagship and is the precursor of the next hybrid drive experience. Prius owners are great ambassadors for the car and its technologies; they proudly share their experiences and the day-to-day benefits that come with driving a Toyota hybrid.

The fourth generation Prius features the latest iteration of our hybrid powertrain and showcases the benefits that customers can expect from future hybrid models we will be bringing to the market. We believe people who have been sceptical up to now about the performance of hybrid cars will be pleasantly surprised. The fully revised powertrain and the first use of a Toyota New Global Architecture platform take the hybrid driving experience to an unexpected level, making it relaxing and enjoyable not just around town, but out on the open road as well.

It takes the three pillars of the Toyota hybrid driving experience – silent, responsive, intuitive – to a higher level, improvements customers will immediately notice when they get behind the wheel. There’s been a drastic reduction in noise from the transmission which helps make the cabin amazingly silent, and acceleration has been made more responsive thanks to extra support being provided by the electric motor. The intuitive quality has been increased by making the drive even smoother; there are no gear changes to make and the stop and start function has been fully integrated, with no perceptible delay in operation. Customers will also be pleased to learn that improved battery recharging means they can enjoy EV driving for longer on urban journeys.

These are the emotional benefits, but the new Prius provides greater rational benefits as well. These are key decision factors for fleet and business customers. The new model achieves the best improvement in fuel efficiency we have seen since the first generation model, with particular gains in highway fuel consumption. Thanks to a more sophisticated cabin design and higher standard equipment specifications, we expect the Prius’s class-leading residual value to be strengthened further. The hybrid system will continue to deliver low running costs compared to traditional engines, an advantage supported by the findings of an independent German study¹ that compared costs over 36 months of ownership.

The new Prius is a pioneer of high-tech features. The Intelligent Park Assist can help you park the car in even smaller space – up to 1.5 metres shorter than before – and can now automatically steer you out of the space when you drive away. We have introduced a wireless smartphone charger, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting your cable. The Adaptive Cruise Control can slow the vehicle right down to standstill if need be, then give you smooth acceleration back to your chosen speed when the way ahead is clear. In all there are 22 sensors available around the vehicle, which we like to compare to giving you a sixth sense when you’re driving, adding to the feel-good experience with much less stress, particularly in urban traffic.

The new Prius will make an important contribution to our target for hybrid to account for half of all our new car sales in western Europe by 2020, not just through sales of the model itself, but through its role as a generator of positive perception of Toyota hybrid technology, attracting more and more customers to our growing range of hybrids.

¹ Fleet magazine “bfp Fuhrpark + Management”

GREATER DRIVING APPEAL

The new Prius’ lower centre of gravity and increased body rigidity assists to deliver a safe and secure drive. Passengers enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride, with minimal roll.

The TNGA concept delivers an increase of more than 60 per cent in body rigidity, compared to the previous model, by using a ring-shaped, cyclical frame, laser screw welding (with a greater number of weld points) and structural adhesives. Together these contribute to achieving a more stable ride.

New Prius also uses a higher proportion of high-tensile strength steel in its construction, making good use of high-strength, lightweight hot-stamp materials to achieve rigidity of 980 Mpa and higher. The content of this quality of steel in the vehicle has increased from three to 19 per cent. Furthermore, our advanced ‘Global Outstanding Assessment’ (GOA) methodology for designing safer cars brings the benefits of light weight, stability and excellent collision safety performance.

The driving experience has been improved with better acceleration feel, achieved through an upgrade of the hybrid system control unit. Optimal use of the battery and electric motor have minimised the “rubber band” feeling when accelerating – the sense of a delay in acceleration when you press the throttle.

Improved real-world performance

The new Prius accelerates from nought to 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds. Highway overtaking acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h can be accomplished in just 8.3 seconds and the top speed is 180 km/h.

The new hybrid system’s output – petrol engine and electric motor combined – is 122 DIN hp/90 kW, and the drivetrain now delivers its power in a more user-friendly manner. The new Hybrid System allows the system to draw more on its electric power, which means that acceleration feels more natural with the engine-revs building up gradually as the car picks up speed.

Day to day usability also improves significantly and the fourth generation Prius is the first that is able to pull a trailer, thanks to its 725 kg towing capacity (unbraked).

Selectable drive modes

The new Prius maintains the smooth, quiet and refined drive that has characterised previous generations of the model, its shift-by-wire transmission making it as easy to drive as an automatic. The driver can choose from three selectable driving modes – Normal, ECO and Power – to suit driving conditions and personal preference.

Furthermore, the driver can also select the EV mode, for short distances in pure EV driving, such as entering a parking or garage.

Normal mode provides a suitable balance between fuel economy and accelerator responsiveness. Switching to ECO mode optimises the powertrain and vehicle systems to prioritise fuel saving, adjusting throttle response and air conditioning performance. Power mode gives emphasis to acceleration feel.

The new Prius benefits from a drive assist system to provide a more responsive driving experience. The adaptive system continuously monitors the vehicle’s G-forces to understand driver behaviour and habits, a function activated when the driver selects Power mode. The hybrid system responds to the driver’s desire for more sporty performance, adjusting engine braking performance and throttle response.

Improved front suspension

New Prius’ high-rigidity body provides the ideal platform for a sophisticated development of its MacPherson strut front suspension, which has been revised with a focus on improved steering, handling response, stability and ride comfort. With a new rear suspension and improvements to the brakes and steering, Prius benefits from new underpinnings throughout.

The front suspension hardware, geometry and calibration have all been revised and the system has been equipped with new shock absorbers with a 37 per cent reduction in strut friction and a new piston valve that can generate damping force at very low damper speeds. This delivers better body control and optimum damping characteristics at high damper speeds, reducing impact harshness when travelling on rough and uneven surfaces.

Impact harshness has also been addressed by recalibration of the coil spring rates and spring pre-loading. The front anti-roll bar is mounted on a ball joint to help keep uncontrolled body roll to a minimum and the sliding parts in its bushings have been given a fluorine-resin coating to minimise friction.

New double-wishbone rear suspension

The double wishbone rear suspension is all-new, designed to give the Prius higher levels of handling stability and ride comfort, including a more than 50 per cent improvement in impact shock damping. The layout offers numerous advantages compared to the current torsion beam system, including greater flexibility when it comes to fine-tuning its calibration.

The design builds on the foundation of the car’s increased body rigidity and strengthened suspension mounting points. Key design features in its hardware and geometry include wide-mounted, forward-angled shock absorbers and compact coil springs. These give reduced friction for improved ride quality and their size and positioning frees up more space, allowing for a lower floor in the boot. Special aero under covers have been designed to smooth air flow around the new suspension system, part of a comprehensive underfloor aerodynamic package.

The forward angle of the new shock absorbers and careful tuning of the tyre movement curve combine to reduce longitudinal, low-frequency vibrations and suppress road shock. The rigidity and geometry of the suspension arms have been optimised to control toe change during suspension travel to give supple yet responsive handling and confidence-building stability.

Special attention was paid to reducing impact harshness through geometry and individual tuning of the bushings, with rubber bushings replacing ball joints in some key areas to allow for further fine tuning and reduction of high-frequency vibrations. The new double wishbone system features several bushings per side, compared with just one on the current torsion beam design; each can be tuned for different stiffness characteristics in two planes.

For example, the new trailing arm bushing is larger and calibrated to reduce lateral-force steer while controlling longitudinal force compliance. Soft trailing arm bushings and a low static friction property in all the bushings reduce road shock.

The trailing arm mount is positioned relatively high to optimise suspension travel, with the shock absorber strut and trailing bush mounting angles set to reduce harshness, road shock and stuttering. The anti-roll bar mounting system and calibration&]]> Mon, 08 Feb 2016 12:00:00 +0100 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1523/500_toyota-prius-ext-06.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1523/toyota-prius-ext-06.jpg?10000 https://newsroom.toyota.eu/2019-toyota-reaches-greater-heights-of-efficiency-in-all-new-priusfourth-generation-model-to-deliver-co2-emissions-from-70gkm/ https://newsroom.toyota.eu/2019-toyota-reaches-greater-heights-of-efficiency-in-all-new-priusfourth-generation-model-to-deliver-co2-emissions-from-70gkm/330002

In 1997 the original Toyota Prius was launched with the declaration “just in time for the 21st century”. As the world’s first mass-produced hybrid-powered car, it was true to the Latin roots of its name in being ahead of its time.

That first car was a small four-door sedan, powered by a new hybrid system featuring a combination of 1.5-litre VVT-i Atkinson cycle gasoline engine and 33 kW electric motor. Headline efficiency figures were 120 g/km CO₂ emissions and an average 5.1 l/100km fuel consumption. This initial package was comprehensively redesigned and improved in the second generation model in 2003, with considerable gains in power and efficiency, plus a larger, more stylish, comfortable and practical hatchback design. The improved hybrid system adopted a hybrid battery pack that was smaller and lighter and offered a higher energy density. The fuel economy improved by 15 per cent to 4.3 l/100km and CO₂ levels fell to a new low of 104 g/km.

The current Prius made its debut in 2009, delivering an even stronger combination of power and efficiency. The hybrid system’s output was now more than a third greater than in the original model, while at the same time CO₂ emissions had fallen by a quarter and fuel consumption was 23 per cent better.

The first generation Prius created the hybrid vehicle market, the second generation raised the model’s popularity with a more advanced image, and the third generation secured mass-market success, helping Toyota progressively roll out hybrid power into its mainstream model ranges.

In its first 18 years, the Prius has reshaped the motoring landscape, bringing hybrid technology into the mainstream market and helping focus the attention of industry and consumers on how cars can be made cleaner and more efficient. The way in which people have come to understand, appreciate and adopt Toyota hybrid power is witnessed by more than eight million cumulative sales of Toyota hybrids worldwide since 1997, including more than 3.5 million Prius. The growth rate has accelerated in line with the technology’s higher visibility and the availability of an increasing range of vehicles covering different market segments. The fourth generation Prius will add further impetus to hybrid’s market appeal, achieving its strongest environmental performance yet, while delivering much improved styling and driving dynamics.

Toyota’s experience with the Prius has been central to its development of hybrid as a foundation technology for alternative powertrains, not just with conventional gasoline and diesel engines, but with biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells as well. The basic technical premise that gave Toyota its breakthrough with Prius continues to support development of new mobility solutions, from the all-electric urban i-Road to Mirai, Toyota’s first hydrogen fuel cell saloon.

The Market

The new car market has changed greatly in the 18 years since Toyota introduced the original Prius and set in motion its hybrid technology programme. Growing awareness of environmental issues and the need to protect natural resources have not only shifted people’s perceptions of how a vehicle should perform, they have been reinforced by national and international legislation requiring manufacturers to reduce vehicle emissions.

These changes have helped Toyota hybrids establish themselves in markets worldwide and have also given impetus to other manufacturers in the development of rival hybrid systems and other alternatives to conventional gasoline and diesel engines, such as all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Hybrid has become Toyota’s key competitive advantage, the principal quality that differentiates it from other manufacturers and which gives it a specific strength in the marketplace. This is reflected in the fact Toyota hybrids make up more than 50 per cent of all the alternative powertrain vehicles sold in Europe – more than all the other hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles combined.

The way in which hybrid has become a driver for Toyota’s success in Europe’s core new car market segments is evidenced by sales figures for 2014 which show hybrids accounted for 55 per cent of all Auris sales and 33 per cent of Yaris sales. Furthermore, hybrid is bringing more new customers to Toyota, with these models attracting significantly high levels of conquest sales from other brands – up to 63 per cent for Yaris Hybrid and 51 per cent for Auris Hybrid.

Toyota believes hybrid’s market potential will increase further, with more people taking up the technology as the emissions performance of conventional gasoline and diesel engines come under closer scrutiny and legislative control. At the same time, more manufacturers are following Toyota by introducing their own hybrid models, increasing competition and giving customers a wider choice.

Toyota will continue to enjoy the advantage of offering a full hybrid system, in which the electric motor can operate independently of the petrol engine. This allows the car to be driven in all-electric EV mode when possible, with zero fuel consumption and zero tailpipe emissions. These benefits are not available in “mild” hybrid systems, in which the electric motor can be used only to support the performance of a gasoline or diesel engine.

Toyota believes that continuous improvement of its full hybrid technology will enable it to strengthen its market position, ahead of the wider uptake of alternatives such as plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles. Key challenges in securing this growth are to strengthen environmental performance while increasing the attractiveness of hybrids as desirable cars that are fun to drive. These qualities are fundamental to the new Prius, which sets new benchmarks for environmental performance while making a stronger emotional connection with customers through improved styling, quality and driveability.

THE THREE PILLARS OF THE NEW PRIUS

The new Prius is founded on outstanding hybrid technology, delivering unprecedented efficiency and environmental performance. But beyond these credentials it embraces stronger emotional and performance qualities that give it wider and greater appeal to customers who appreciate eye-catching, original styling, high levels of sensory quality, practicality and a driving experience that is genuinely fun and rewarding.

The realisation of these qualities in the new Prius is based on three pillars: the Toyota New Global Architecture, design and styling, and a new generation full hybrid system.

Toyota’s First TNGA Platform

The new Prius is the first model to use a Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. This plays a defining role in the car’s essential fun-to-drive quality, giving new Prius a lower centre of gravity compared to the current model, which in turn allows for an improved driving position.

It makes a significant contribution to improved driving dynamics – beyond what might be expected of an eco-car. This quality is further supported by a body that is 60 per cent more rigid than before thanks to extensive use of high-strength steels and additional reinforcement to the centre pillars’ lower structure and the panel connection. The result is superior, direct and responsive handling, without having to use firmer suspension settings.

Double wishbone rear suspension

The new double wishbone rear suspension plays a significant part in this, producing one-third the level of shock when driving on uneven roads compared to the current Prius. To achieve better handling with more direct response, the front MacPherson strut suspension has been revised with an increase in the incline angle of the shock absorbers and the use of slant bearings.

The chassis is fully able to harness the more responsive acceleration provided by the new full hybrid system. Greater stability is maintained, body roll is much reduced in high-speed lane changes and performance is smoother on rough surfaces. On winding roads, new Prius holds easily to the driver’s intended line and there is outstanding straight-line stability when driving at speed.

Improved safety with TNGA

Safety is a key consideration in the development of the new TNGA platforms, not just in terms of secure, stable handling, but also in improving the driver’s vision. The view from the steering wheel of new Prius is significantly wider and deeper than in the current model and rearward vision is improved by the wider curve of the rear glass.

The platform has been optimised for excellent performance in independent international crash testing, including Euro NCAP.

Styling and Design

New Prius is not simply “another green car,” its design and high quality throughout give it greater emotional appeal and a powerful, desirable presence, underpinned by the fundamental strengths of the new TNGA platform. As Toyota’s most advanced car, it is appropriate that it is an image leader and the intention has been to produce a design that makes an immediate impact.

The car’s new low-slung stance – made possible by the TNGA platform – suggests an excellent driving performance, supported by a distinctive new body silhouette that is both athletic and aerodynamically efficient. The result is a “human-tech” design with strong emotional quality, fully exploiting the opportunity presented by the car’s lower centre of gravity.

Exterior

The design theme for the new Prius has been to capture in the contrast created between the rich curves and hard surfaces of the bodywork. The result is a new form that stands out with its smooth yet sharp use of lines.

The frontal design is true to Prius’s heritage in making the Toyota emblem a strong focal point, but it also makes an impactful visual statement about its more advanced design and performance with a much lower hood height. New headlights have permitted slimmer, more striking headlamp units to be designed and these combine with an intricate but unfussy treatment of the fog lights and air intakes to give the car a distinctive and intelligent appearance

In profile, the Prius displays a silhouette that is lower and more athletic. The TNGA platform has allowed for significant reduction in height in key areas to create a lower, more dynamic appearance. The overall height has been reduced by 20 mm compared to the current Prius, to 1,470 mm. The peak of the roof has been moved forward, and the belt line has been dropped, emphasising the car’s stronger dynamic qualities. The new model retains the 2, 700 mm wheelbase of the current Prius, but is 60 mm longer overall at 4,540 mm. It is also 15 mm wider at 1,760 mm.

New Prius has a unique aerodynamic treatment to the rear section of the roof, which supports the clean flow of air over and away from the vehicle. The new TNGA platform is also designed for the smoothest possible airflow beneath the car. In combination, the car’s low wind resistance features secure a world-class coefficient of drag.

The rear end design flows strongly from the rear spoiler down through the bumper, with the wheel placement further emphasising the car’s firmly planted stance. The slim, striking combination lamps have been moved to the outer edge of the car, following a sharp angle that is accentuated by the distinctive, unbroken line of the red LED tail lights.

Toyota has produced a vibrant colour palette for new Prius with seven exterior finishes available, including a new shade, Emotional Red.

Interior

“Peace of mind” is the theme for the cabin, which is designed to be a welcoming, quiet and comfortable space, with a dashboard that wraps gently around the driver and which flows almost seamlessly into the door panels. The number of different parts that make up the instrument panel has been reduced, for example the piano black section is now a single unit. This creates a strong visual contrast with the areas of the dashboard and door panels, finished in a high-quality white material that is soft to the touch and scratch-resistant.

The fine attention to detail can be seen in elements such as the air vents, while the high ergonomic quality extends to intuitive positioning and range of adjustment of the seats. The high sensory quality of the interior is further emphasised by a pleasingly tactile leather steering wheel trim. Two interior colour choices have been created for the new Prius – cool grey and black. Overall the cabin environment is light and spacious.

Quietness has always been a distinguishing characteristic of Toyota’s hybrid vehicles and the new Prius provides a cabin environment that exudes a genuine sense of luxury in exceptionally low levels of noise, vibration and harshness. New Prius’s improved ride is further supported by a new front seat design that provides more comfort and wraparound support.

New Hybrid System

The New Prius heralds the next generation of Toyota’s signature hybrid powertrain. This new family of powertrains builds on the two pillars that have made Toyota hybrids popular with drivers across the globe: on the one hand their fuel efficiency, and on the other the relaxed and carefree drive that they provide.

Toyota has focused its efforts on making this next generation of hybrids even easier and more intuitive to drive. They have been set up so that they give a natural, immediate, but smooth response to any accelerator pedal input. Refined and confident, they deliver the right level of performance.

But of course, fuel economy has been improved as well. The new hybrid systems will come in a more compact package, that is lighter in weight and lower in cost. This new generation will reflect significant advances in battery, electric motor and gasoline engine technologies.

The batteries will offer higher energy density, which means more output from units of the same dimensions and weight.

The electric motors will be smaller in size, yet also provide a better power-to-weight ratio.

And the thermal efficiency of the gasoline engine – at 38.5 per cent already very high on the current Prius – is increased to more than 40 per cent – a world’s best for a gasoline unit.

As a result, applied to the new Prius, this new hybrid system targets an 18 per cent* improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the current car .

PRIUS: TOYOTA’S HIGH-TECH AMBASSADOR

The Prius has always provided a reference point for Toyota’s development of useful, intuitive high-tech features and that remains true for the fourth generation model, which benefits from a number of innovations that support safety, convenience and better, more sophisticated HMI (Human Machine Interface) performance.

New Prius Chief Engineer Koji Toyoshima explains: “Prius is the ambassador for Toyota technology, a brand vector pulling hybrid sales of our core models.”

Toyota Safety Sense with additional functions

The new Prius will make a significant advance in active and preventive safety measures with the adoption of Toyota Safety Sense. This package of safety features will be further extended in the new Prius with the addition of radar-governed Adaptive Cruise Control and a pedestrian recognition capability in the Pre-Collision Safety system.

In the current Prius range, only around two per cent of vehicles are sold with the Pre-Crash Safety system. In the new Prius this is one of the standard features of Toyota Safety Sense, together with Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist.

Extra sensors for safety and convenience

The technologies Toyota has developed for successive generations of the Prius have always served a clear purpose. This continues in the new model with an increase in the number of sensors to provide the driver with more comprehensive information, improving safety and convenience. In effect, new Prius becomes a driver’s sixth sense, recognising and anticipating things they might not notice themselves.

* According to New European Cycle (NEDC)

The new Prius uses the first TNGA platform to be developed, one which will also underpin a number of other future models. Further platforms will be developed to provide comprehensive provision for a complete model range.

Toyota takes the concept of platform sharing to a high level with TNGA by standardising components and their lay-out across different vehicle segments, and fully integrating both its manufacturing operations and its suppliers in the new concept at a very early stage.

Through TNGA customers will be able to enjoy more stylish cars that are safer and more enjoyable to drive. At the same time, Toyota will substantially reduce the number and variety of different vehicle components, enabling smarter development and manufacturing that will increase efficiency and save time.

Improved driving dynamics with a low centre of gravity

TNGA directly contributes to making cars more enjoyable to drive. The new TNGA vehicle platforms are designed to achieve a low vehicle centre of gravity, a quality that is fundamental to securing a more engaging driving position and more precise and responsive handling, with less body roll. This means better handling can be achieved directly from the quality of the chassis and body without compromising ride and comfort.

TNGA promotes more responsive handling by significantly increasing vehicle body rigidity with strategic use of high-strength steels. The impact of this can be seen in the new Prius, which benefits from a 60 per cent more rigid body shell, with high-strength steel used as reinforcement in key areas. Higher rigidity contributes to better chassis responsiveness and ride quality for a more rewarding driving experience.

Ergonomic excellence in vehicle packaging

TNGA introduces new, defined lay-out rules for the position of different state-of-the-art components which will simplify vehicle design in key areas without compromising the styling qualities that give each vehicle its individual character and appeal.

For example, the driving components – items such as the pedals, steering column and driver’s seat – will conform to one of five different lay-outs according to vehicle type and platform. Previously much time was spent on millimetre-adjustment to define the most suitable design and arrangement of these components to achieve the optimum driving position in every new model. The TNGA solution will provide an ergonomically ideal combination to suit the vehicle, in line with the floor height provided by the platform. Each lay-out can be further refined with detailed adjustment to the pedal and pedal operation angles and the position and angle of the steering column.

This will be effective whether the emphasis is on sporting character or practical packaging with plenty of rear seat legroom. The five lay-outs cover the requirements of the complete vehicle range, from compact sports cars to SUVs.

TNGA also brings a new approach to the design of the engine compartment, with a focus on placing components lower down in a more rationally organised “clean and tidy” space. This allows for a more attractive, lower hood, which in turn improves safety by giving the driver a clearer forward view. It also helps lower the car’s centre of gravity, contributing to better handling and stability and a more engaging drive.

Styling freedom

Although TNGA will produce a standardised vehicle architecture and many uniform components, it will not lead to a range of vehicles that are similar in appearance and constrained by their use of shared elements. The impact of TNGA is on areas that are largely out of sight, so that designers retain the freedom to produce cars that are visually distinctive and individual.

TNGA will empower Toyota designers to produce stylish vehicles with a lower stance and more appealing proportions, as can be seen in the new Prius and the C-HR Concept car.

Improved safety performance

The new TNGA platforms and designs have prioritised the highest active and passive safety standards. They are designed to meet the exacting standards of indepen-dent crash testing programmes worldwide and provide impressive levels of active and preventive safety through the functions and systems of Toyota Safety Sense. And by enabling a lower hood height, TNGA also provides the driver with a deeper and wider view of the road ahead.

Smart development and manufacturing

TNGA is not only helping Toyota create ever better cars, it also has a direct, positive impact on product development and manufacturing. In the most significant changes yet to the Toyota Production System, TNGA will ultimately lead to vehicle factories being smaller and more flexible, better able to respond quickly and easily to accommodate new or additional models.

Production lines mounted on the floor rather than being suspended from above will be simpler to install and adjust in length. Toyota anticipates TNGA will enable multiple models to be produced from the same line, supported by new, more efficient ways of producing parts and systems. Accommodating changes in design and specifications will also be simpler and quicker to achieve. Further gains will be made in environmental efficiency, by using equipment that is not only more compact, but also uses less energy.

The sharing of many common components among different vehicles in different segments will greatly reduce the number of different parts that have to be designed, manufactured and supplied.

Toyota calculates that TNGA will reduce the amount of manpower required for vehicle development by 20 per cent, giving it more time to devote to designing ever-better cars. It reduces the level of investment required for bringing new products to market, while increasing the competitiveness and flexibility of Toyota’s existing manufacturing plants.

Toyota has announced further technical details about the new, fourth generation Prius, ahead of the model being presented at the 44^th Tokyo Motor Show, from 28 October.

In its design and engineering, the new Prius is a car that has been conceived to be more than ever in harmony with society. Lower emissions and better fuel economy are just part of the picture: this is a car that surprises with more emotional styling, a human-oriented interior and much more rewarding driving experience. The application of a wide range of new technologies takes safety and driver assistance to a higher level, improves comfort and gives clear and instant delivery of vital vehicle and performance data and information.

The foundation stone for creating the new Prius is the Toyota New Global Architecture, a concept that helps enable significant improvements in efficiency, while also delivering a vehicle platform with a low centre of gravity, securing much greater driving quality, ride comfort, quietness and a more engaging, dynamic design.

Comprehensively improved full hybrid system

Toyota has made significant improvements in its new generation full hybrid powertrain, reducing losses, redesigning and relocating key components and reducing weight. The result is a significant improvement in efficiency, achieved through detailed changes to the transaxle, engine and combined hybrid system. The new Prius is set to deliver an 18 per cent improvement in emissions and fuel consumption, the largest leap yet in cleaner running and efficiency in successive generations of the model. European homologated emissions and fuel consumption data will be announced later.

Petrol engine with world-leading thermal efficiency

The new Prius retains the established 1.8-litre VVT-i gasoline engine featured in the current model, but changes to the unit have taken its already high level of thermal efficiency to a world-leading 40 per cent, a figure comparable to a diesel engine.

Key developments include a Toyota-first dual cooling system, which automatically reduces the coolant flow volume in the engine to enable faster engine warm-up and the adoption of a low-viscosity oil to reduce friction between moving parts. Fuel efficiency in cold weather conditions has also been improved thanks to a new system which uses a coolant water selector valve to accelerate engine warm-up, while maintaining cabin heater performance.

New piston and air intake port designs create greater tumble swirl inside the cylinder, and the volume of the exhaust gas recirculation has been increased, which further helps combustion performance.

Transaxle and electric motor

The transaxle and motor have been redesigned, delivering a reduction in their combined weight. The motor itself is considerably more compact and gains a better power-to-weight ratio. Notably there is about a 20 per cent reduction in mechanical losses through friction compared to the previous model. The reduction in size has been made possible thanks to the motor's new multi-axle design: the length of the transaxle has been made shorter by locating the drive motor and electric motor/generator over multiple axles, instead of the previous single axle. The planetary gear arrangement in the reduction gear has been replaced with parallel gears, which further helps loss reduction.

Power Control Unit

The use of a loss-reduction device in the power control unit cuts losses by about 20 per cent. With a more compact design, the unit can now be positioned directly above the transaxle.

The auxiliary batteries have been moved from the trunk to the engine compartment and the relocation of the hybrid battery beneath the rear seats (see below) also helps free up more luggage space, Trunk volume has increased to 502 litres in the new Prius.

Hybrid battery

The new Prius features a new nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery, considered by Toyota to be the optimum choice to meet market requirements. The battery has been relocated beneath the rear seat, avoiding any intrusion in trunk space.

Technical specifications

Exterior design

The new Prius displays cutting-edge styling that's been designed to evoke a stronger emotional response. The TNGA chassis allows for lower lines, while retaining the Prius's signature triangular silhouette.

The low horizontal axis flows back from the Toyota emblem at the front of the car, along the sides to the rear, emphasising the low centre of gravity and the upward sweep of the bodywork's curves. The forward-leaning belt lines and the unity of form generated between the cabin and the body add a sense of power and forward motion to the exterior.

The body height has been reduced by 20 mm and the high point of the roof has been moved 170 mm forward, ensuring plenty of headroom for front seat passengers while also contributing to excellent aerodynamics and a class-leading 0.24 coefficient of drag (Cd). The lower centre of gravity has also allowed the nose height to be brought down by 70 mm and the rearmost section of the hood by 62 mm, improving the driver's forward view.

New bi-LED headlamps are fitted, which use a single lens for both high and low beam operation. The units have a striking appearance that adds character and emphasis to the front of the car. The curved, triangular LED clearance lights also make a strong impression.

The rear of the car is another area in which the emotional quality of the new Prius' design is evident, with defining lines extending from the rear spoiler through the combination lamps to meet the edges of the bumper. The result is both distinctive and aerodynamic.

In European markets the new Prius will be available in seven colours, including a new Emotional Red, Super White, White Pearl, Dark Blue, Grey, Silver and Attitude Black.

Interior design

The guiding principle for the design of the new Prius' interior has been to combine the human sensibilities that have always characterised the model with a new sense of progressiveness and warmth.

This can be witnessed in the overall openness of the cabin and the enveloping comfort provided for all occupants.

The new instrument panel has a slim, sculpted form, with optimum positioning of the gauges, displays and controls. White accents on the steering wheel and front console tray add to the impact and advanced quality of the design.

New seats have been created to provide more comfort and support and ease the strain of long journeys. The springs in the front seats have been set at the ideal angle to support the back and pelvis, reducing the burden on back muscles. Innovations in the materials and thicknesses used for the cushion pads help take the strain off the hips and create a more comfortable, snugger feel for passengers.

Improvements have also been made to the cushioning of the rear seats and seating area has been made wider, in order to match the higher comfort levels achieved in the front seats. Although the car's height has been reduced, this is not at the cost of space in fact an innovative ceiling design has increased headroom compared to previous models.

Greater driving rewards, comfort and quietness

The new Prius' lower centre of gravity and increased body rigidity deliver a safe and secure drive. Passengers enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride, with minimal roll.

The TNGA concept delivers an increase of more than 60 per cent in body rigidity, compared to the previous model, by using a ring-shaped, cyclical frame, laser screw welding (with a greater number of weld points) and structural adhesives. Together these contribute to achieving a more stable ride.

New Prius also uses a higher proportion of high-tensile strength steel in its construction, making good use of high-strength, lightweight hot-stamp materials to achieve rigidity of 980Mpa and higher. The content of this quality of steel in the vehicle has increased from three to 19 per cent. Furthermore, the use of advanced Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) brings the benefits of light weight, stability and excellent collision safety performance.

The driving experience has been improved with better acceleration feel, achieved through an upgrade of the hybrid system control unit. Optimal use of the battery and electric motor have minimised the "rubber band" feeling when accelerating — the sense of a delay in acceleration when you press the throttle.

The new Prius benefits from a drive assist system to provide a more responsive driving experience, The adaptive system continuously monitors the vehicle's G-forces to understand driver behaviour and habits, a function activated when the driver selects Power mode. The hybrid system responds to the driver's desire for more sporty performance, adjusting engine braking performance and throttle response.

The car's regenerative braking system has also been improved, with a new active hydraulic booster which gives quiet performance and controllability together with a natural braking feel.

Advanced safety and driver assistance systems

The new Prius will make a significant advance in active and preventive safety measures with the adoption of Toyota Safety Sense. This package of safety features will be further extended in the new Prius with the addition of radar-governed Adaptive Cruise Control and a pedestrian recognition capability in the Pre-Collision System.

In addition to Toyota Safety Sense, new Prius will also be available with additional systems that support safer driving by giving the driver better real-time information about the area immediately around the car, including a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert ..

A new, intelligent parking sensor system will help avoid the kind of low-speed bumps that can happen during low-speed parking manoeuvres, regardless of accelerator and brake operation. It will also mitigate damage if contact does occur.

The new Prius also showcases Toyota's new Simple Intelligent Parking Assist system, which uses an array of sensors to identify viable parking spaces and surrounding objects. The driver stops the car next to the parking space and pushes a single button to engage SIPA, which guides the car to the correct position for reverse manoeuvring into the space. The system is a development of Toyota's existing parking assist, with improved obstacle detection that allows for highly precise parking.

New features for on-board information and comfort

Toyota has improved the look and performance of the multi-information display in the driver's instrument binnacle. Data and images are now presented in full colour with high resolution graphics on a dual, 4.2-inch (10.7cm) display. The right-hand section presents speed, fuel level and other basic data and left section is a multi-display where the driver can select preferred content using a switch on the steering wheel.

There is also a new colour head-up display, which projects essential vehicle data and alerts on to the lower section of the windscreen, making information instantly and easily readable without the driver having to taking their eyes off the road ahead.

The automatic air conditioning system uses an S-FLOW function to improve efficiency. It detects whether the front and rear passenger seats are occupied and adjusts ventilation and heating performance accordingly, minimising air flow around any empty seats. As well as making the cabin environment more comfortable, this also improves fuel efficiency.

The new model builds on the strengths and achievements of its predecessors and is set to establish new benchmarks in fuel economy, emissions and efficiency. Each successive Prius has delivered improvements in these areas, but the new model is aiming to make the biggest leap yet in performance.

This achievement is only one aspect of a product that has evolved to acquire new capabilities and greater driver appeal. Powered by a new generation of Toyota’s full hybrid powertrain, the new Prius marks significant advances in highway fuel economy and provides a much more rewarding driving experience. Acceleration is smoother and more responsive, and, at higher speeds, is quieter and has a more linear feel that is better aligned to engine speed.

The new car’s dynamic capabilities are rooted in the use of the first Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. At a stroke, this endows the car with a lower centre of gravity for improved handling response and stability. It also gives the designers a freer hand to craft a car that has richer visual appeal, with lower lines overall and a more athletic profile. TNGA also helps define the “peace-of-mind” interior, with its excellent packaging, driving position and comfort. Load space is also improved thanks to the use of a smaller, more energy-dense hybrid battery and a new double wishbone rear suspension system – features which do not intrude in trunk capacity.

The Prius remains Toyota’s technological ambassador, a showcase for new, relevant technologies that raise levels of safety, convenience, performance and comfort.

Safety remains a priority, with the TNGA chassis optimised for excellent impact performance. The scope of the Toyota Safety Sense package is extended in the new Prius with addition of radar-managed Adaptive Cruise Control and a pedestrian detection function for the Pre-Collision System.

The full hybrid powertrain has undergone extensive revisions to improve efficiency, reduce weight and sharpen performance. Detailed design changes to the engine have achieved more than 40 per cent thermal efficiency – world-best performance for a gasoline unit. Other hybrid system components have been made more compact and have been repositioned for optimum packaging, further contributing to the car’s lower centre of gravity. The new nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery is more compact while its durability and charging performance have been significantly improved.

In combination, these changes and innovations confound the popular notion of what an eco-car should be like to drive and to look at. The new Prius demonstrates the genuine rewards that remain to be enjoyed from Toyota full hybrid technology, advantages that will steadily feed through to new generations of other Toyota hybrid models.