Image: Toyota
Image: Toyota
Image: Toyota
Image: Toyota
Image: Toyota
A pioneer of eco-conscious motoring and voyager of hybrid powertrain technology, the Prius prototype revitalizes the Prius nameplate bearing the fruits of decades worth of electric vehicle mobility research and innovations.
Image: Toyota
Fun fact, the name Prius is Latin for the phrase “ to go before”. After its inception in 1997, the Prius would become a staple of alternatively powered cars, in a time when alt-fuel-powered cars were few and far between. However, in the dawn of an electrified era, the fourth generational iteration of the Prius is neither too early nor too late to the party.
Let’s start digging into the latest HEV Toyota has to offer. Built upon the second-gen TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, which sees powertrains sat lower offering a lower centre of gravity and better environmental performance, according to Toyota. Models sharing this platform include Supra, Corolla Sport, and Corolla Cross to name a few.
Image: Toyota
At the core of the Prius, which is offered in a Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in-Hybrid (PHEV), is a 2,0-litre four-cylinder delivering 164 kW in the PHEV configuration, while the Series Parallel Hybrid system is capable of producing 144 kW. The PHEV Prius has a battery pack situated underneath the rear seats resulting in a lower centre of gravity and larger cargo capacity. Coupled with an updated chassis architecture, the fourth generation Prius its equipped with double wishbone suspension in the rear and McPherson struts up front.
Image: Toyota
Afforded to the Prius prototype by way of modern technology, it is capable of a greater driving distance, greater powertrain/battery pack efficacy, greater chassis rigidity, greater safety, and greater ease of use than its predecessor. Alongside the introduction of slightly larger Motors is a photovoltaic charging system able to provide and generate power to the car’s drive battery and auxiliary systems such as air conditioning.
Image: Toyota
Easy on the eyes, the fourth-generation Prius prototype adorned in Toyota’s latest design language. With a striking front end which Toyota says is styled similarly to a Hammerhead shark punctuated by the sweeping tail lights, the fourth-gen Prius appears meaner than it is.
Image: Toyota
Contoured and almost convoluted, the exterior of the Prius is sportier looking and slightly more aggressive than the previous generation. This sentiment is further by details such as the pair of 19-inch wheels and aggressive headlights. The interior isn’t as tiring as the exterior however, ambient lighting, a digital instrument cluster, and a fairly large infotainment screen are key elements of the cabin.
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