Test drive | Toyota Prius: the pioneer of the improved hybrid

The Toyota Prius was one of the most influential cars of the early 21st century.^e century. A technical tour de force, it succeeded in mainstreaming the hybrid, bringing with it since 1997 numerous members seduced by its exceptional frugality. Her flat efficiency also made her a divisive figure who personified the disdain of the former boss, Akio Toyoda, for all-electric technology. Its latest vintage now attempts to combine this quest for efficiency with emotion. And it works, at least, in part.

Design

This fifth generation Prius leaves a significant impression upon first contact, especially when it has been drenched in this “maximum yellow” visible from miles away. The front part, which could have been designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, has a large windshield whose steep inclination follows the angle of the front hood. Its roofline has been lowered by 50 mm compared to the previous generation, giving the compact a more agile and homogeneous stance thanks to the higher rear lines which provide contrast. The lighting also helps to add tone to the presentation, outlining large, thin hooks at the front nested within the shield. This general effort was also not in vain for aerodynamics, allowing this Prius to obtain an improved drag coefficient (0.24 cx) to cut through the air.

On board

For a rare time, this philosophically very cerebral manufacturer has chosen to prioritize design over functionality. This roofline, which we appreciate for its cohesive appearance, greatly encroaches on headroom, which makes this Prius downright uncomfortable for larger people. Front and rear visibility is also seriously compromised by this stylistic choice due to the positioning of the pillars. The modern dashboard, which is presented in the form of various superimposed levels, nevertheless perfectly integrates the usual physical controls with a solid touch. The materials are largely flexible and skillfully assembled. If the trapezoid infotainment screen is well placed, the same cannot be said of the instrument cluster, fixed far and very high and which always seems partly obstructed by the steering wheel.

Under the hood

Toyota has also injected power into this Prius. Its four-cylinder engine increases from 1.8 L to 2 L, increasing its total power from 121 hp to 150 hp. Two electric motors, one of 111 hp supporting the front and the other of 40 hp to power the rear wheels, provide a total power of 196 hp. It thus becomes significantly livelier, but the power curve is not yet worthy of an atmospheric engine, which can seem inconstant at high revs. The sound of the four-cylinder, correctly guided by the CVT, also seems muted, but there is nothing orchestral about it. This powertrain remains very frugal with an estimated average of 4.8 L/100 km which was noted at 6 L/100 km during the winter test. It’s excellent, but not much better than a more affordable Corolla hybrid.

Behind the wheel

After grabbing its little steering wheel, you taste a decidedly more expressive hybrid. Certainly, the bar was not high, many people will say, but we notice this unprecedented enthusiasm when we negotiate a more winding route. Its very well-balanced steering cuts the trajectory with precision. The roll is well contained, but the compact has not yet been transformed into an athlete. The stiffened chassis remains understeer, a behavior which is not curbed by the rear engine with modest means. Comfort is acceptable, but its tires with rather thin sidewalls handle roughness rather poorly at times, which transmits harsh jolts to the occupants. The braking has also been greatly improved in its progressiveness, but can give the impression of lacking bite at the start of the race or depending on the interventions of the regenerative system.

Embedded technologies

The Prius uses a multimedia system which relies on its simplicity as well as the good responsiveness of the touch screen to support operations. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are well integrated, in addition to being supported by induction charging in Limited livery. A small slot is cut out in the center console to accommodate the phone for charging, which frees up space. Regarding safety, all Prius liveries are equipped with “Toyota Safety Sense 3.0”. It equips the car with active safety elements with pedestrian detection in addition to active cruise control at all speeds. Its activation can nevertheless seem a little complex due to the arrangement of the buttons on the steering wheel, but the system proved effective during the test.

The verdict

More charming and greatly improved dynamically, this new Prius has recently won a number of awards to support its conquest of a much less crowded segment than before. Certainly, these improvements will have been made at the cost of certain compromises on its practicality which will not please everyone, but the pioneer of the hybrid has the great merit of relaunching a conversation around the hybrid car. This transitional concept in a reduced format meets a need of many consumers who remain put off by the behemoths of more energy-intensive roads as well as by the compromises induced by the entirely electric shift. The hybrid is not and never will be an environmental panacea, but the Prius reminds us that it remains a proven alternative.