2016 Toyota Prius REVIEW | Still The Defining Hybrid… And Still The Leader
A POSTER CAR FOR ENVIROMENTALISTS EVERYWHERE, TOYOTA'S NEW 2016 PRIUS REFINES THE 'GREEN MOTORING' RECIPE AND REMAINS THE DEFINING CAR OF THE HYBRID/EV AGE.
A petrol-electric hybrid powerplant, ‘love it, or leave it’ styling and enough graphs, graphics and self-gratification in the cabin to keep a green tech-head entertained for hours.
"Prius" is among the most recognised badges on the planet; a metaphor, the butt of jokes even, but with an unchallenged global status and sales success.
And, like Tesla, the Prius is now more than just a symbol for greener motoring. So what is the new fourth-generation Toyota Prius like?
Vehicle Style: Small hatch
Price: Prius $34,990, Prius i-Tech $42,990 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 72kW/142Nm 1.8 litre 4cyl petrol engine plus 53kW/163Nm electric motor. Combined output is 90kW | 1sp CVT automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 3.4 l/100km | tested: 4.7 l/100km (i-Tech)
OVERVIEW
The 2016 Toyota Prius continues with the same model range as its predecessor, with an entry-level ‘Prius’ and the feature-stuffed i-Tech.
The price-gap between the pair is sizable at $8000 - this gap despite a $1000 price-cut to the I-Tech and an increase of $2500 to the standard Prius’ list price.
As before, the Prius (excluding Prius C and Prius V) is only available as a five-door hatch with seating for five.