72 » OpenRoad Driver
2016 Toyota Prius
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Since it was launched in 1997, the Prius has introduced a large
number of people to electric hybrid technology in a mainstream car.
Over 3.5 million Prius units have been sold since inception.
The all-new fourth-generation Prius’ new looks may be polarizing
to some, with its boomerang-shaped LED headlamps, sliver-like
grilles, and LED tail lamps and tail fins. However, Toyota says that
the styling is not only functional aerodynamics-wise, but also meant
to be distinctive and futuristic.
The new chassis in the 2016 Prius gives it the agility that previous
models could only dream about, backed with steering that gives
noticeably more feedback and accuracy than before. Power comes
from a revised 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that has been reengineered to deliver significantly better fuel economy.
Refinement was high on Toyota’s engineers’ priority list, with
increased sound insulation, a hybrid system that can spend more
time running on silent battery power, and a new Continuously
Variable Transmission gearbox that doesn’t ask the engine to rev as
often as before.
There is a plethora of new active safety features available, including
adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, forward-collision
warning with autonomous emergency braking, and automatic high
beams.