Vehicle Tested: 2010
Long term test: 7,000 miles
Vehicle from: cars4U.com
Conclusion: Third generation hybrid drives like a sporty luxury five door while delivering real-world 50 miles-per-gallon.
Pull Out
PROS:
CONS:
All that changes with the new Prius.
While retaining the best-in-class mileage ratings, even compared to Toyota's
other hybrid models, and some of the signature look, the third generation Prius 2010 model has gone "mainstream" enough to
attract millions more to the marque. Currently
they're managing approximately 20,000 units sold per month. The only real
downside to a Prius is its price, but in the hybrid
category it’s competitive. Where buyers sometimes stumble is when comparing the
Prius (or any hybrid) to an economy four-banger at
several thousand dollars less.
Abraham Blinick, Operations Manager at cars4u.com convinced me to review the car. "We sell and lease a lot of cars," said Blinick, at cars4u.com. "This is the car I like so much I bought one myself. I like the design elements and definitely the functionality."
Apples to
On a purely economical comparison, the Prius can
never win against an economy four-cyclinder model
from any manufacturer. It isn’t meant to. One drive in the Prius
shows why. Long term, the livability of the Prius,
versus a small economy car with comparable (but inferior) fuel economy, becomes
apparent. The Prius is larger, far more comfortable,
fun to drive—for many, the perfect balance of luxury, compactness, technology,
sportiness, economy and price. It’s finally a real mid-size car.
Definite Lexus features abound, with available features such as assisted park
and backup cameras. Even the standard equipment is above average for the price.
Sticker Shock?
Not really. For the level of equipment, even without hybrid technology, this
car would feel about price right. The problem is,
there’s no really stripped down version that makes this an “entry-level” car,
which comes in states-side at $23,500. At these prices,
Long Term Test
Before drilling down to economy, performance, fit and
finish, I’ll begin with the long-term perspective. A short-term test won’t
always identify flaws. A long term test always reveals the true character of a
car, for better or worse.
Miles Per Gallon
After 7,000 miles, the mileage remained in real terms in the 50 mpg range (US
gallons), even with aggressive driving mixed in. With a feather-light pedal
(think hyper-milling), this can improve by as much as 20 percent. Without
question, this is the most fuel efficient production cars on the road, even
slightly beating out previous generation Prius
models. I regularly managed 600 miles per tank, which fills up, on average, for
around $30.
Performance
Even if you press the “Economy” button on the center console—to get a true
measure of it’s enviro-worthiness—when
you need power, a quick press of the accelerator pedal delivers “press back in
the seat” power. The 0-60mph sprint will not make a Porsche cower in it’s garage, at 9.8 seconds, but the passing power is quite
exhilarating and the power is ultra smooth. The electric motor delivers instant
torque, which makes the car feel very responsive.
Total output of the combined drive train, electric and gas running together, is
134 hp. Long term, the car never lost its snappy charm, always feeling ready to
pass a slow poke—which is ironic considering Prius is
notoriously known as the “slow lane car.” The rapidity with which the digital
speedometer climbs can get you in trouble with highway patrol if you’re not
alert. The car is very quiet at all speeds, slightly noisy on a full throttle
hill climb, which makes use of the cruise control very important to avoid
tickets. When combined with the stability of the suspension, you don’t feel
like you’re going that fast.
Handling
The third generation Prius
is an all new platform, and has sporty aspirations. It’s not a sports car, but
the cornering is flat, even on the sharpest, hard corners and the new electric
steering gives nice road feel. It does not feel like any other
I extensively test drove the car in early 2009 snow and also on tortuous dirt
roads. The car remains glued to the road, even in slippery conditions, and
aside from a little jarring on the heavy dips (understandable considering the
sporty suspension), it’s a comfortable drive on country roads.
Braking
Braking is at least as important as acceleration. The 2010 Prius
brakes without nose dive, grips tight, and the slip control ABS is only
slightly intrusive. It’s a nice package, and feels safe.
Of course, a unique feature of the Prius is that the
massive batteries are charged with braking and also coasting. With cruise
control engaged, the engine automatically engine-brakes to keep speed from
creeping up, while using the coasting energy to recharge batteries.
Comfort
After 7,000 miles, my impressions remain the same: the Prius is comfortable and firm and quiet. It’s a nice place
to spend long hours on the highway, with the fine stereo cranked, the nicely
cushioned seats, and just-right steering wheel. The ergonomics are perfection,
with everything within easy reach, and many controls on the steering wheel.
The rear seats are equally comfortable, and cargo space is improved over
previous generations.
The dash and instruments are enjoyable, even in bright sunshine. Although it’s
digital, it’s an enhanced bright display, with meaningful information easily
seen. I’m not a fan of center-pod displays for speedometer, but
Our tester model did not have lane-keeping assist, parking assist or radar-controled distance keeping. We did however have the sports
package with 17 inch allow wheels, superior tires and nice finishing touches.
Design and Finish
After 7,000 miles, everything remained tight and Toyota-like. Definitely opt
for the tan interior. The gray is a deadly
Our tester had the leather interior and fit and finish was tight and
Lexus-quality
Initial Walk Around
When our reviewers first saw the Prius,
sitting in our parking lot, shiny white with sport wheels, there was a definite
“aha” factor. The car simply looks better in person than in photographs. The
“aha” factor continues when the hood is popped for an inspection.
Sitting in our tan and grey interior tester, it felt immediately comfortable,
even luxurious, with a bit of Lexus flair. Combine the tight fittings and nice
cabin, with some very futuristic touches—in particular the instruments—and the
car immediately feels special. Press the start button,
to utter silence (no engine noise), and there’s a definite “wow” factor if you
haven’t driven in a hybrid previously.
Competitors
The competitors haven’t really caught up. Even
Make: Toyota
Model Year: 2010
Model: Prius
Drive train: front-wheel drive
Transmission: Panetary-type continuously variable
transmission
Gas Engine: Inline-4 Atkinson cycle
Displacing: 1798 cc or 110 cubic inch
Valves: 16 valves, double overhead camshafts, variable intakes
Horsepower: 98 @ 5200 rpm for gas engine and 36 hp battery pack
Torque: 105 @ 4000 rpm
Suspension: Independent McPherson struts, stabilizer bars, coil springs
Steering: Electric-assist rack-and-pinion
Brakes front: 10 inch ventilated disc
Brakes rear: 10.2 solid disc
Curb weight: 3042 lb
Weight distribution: 60.2% front/ 39.8% rear
Fuel Tank: 11.9 gallon
EPA Fuel Economy: 51mpg city and 48 highway. Combined 50 mpg
Performance:
0-30mph: 3.6 seconds
0-45mph: 6.3 seconds
0-60mph: 9.8 seconds
Ľ mile: 17.3 seconds at 79.7 mph
Braking:
30mph-0: 30 feet
60mph-0:118
Slalom (mph) 59.7mph
Lateral Acceleration (g): 0.78
Length: 175.6 inches
Width: 68.7 inches
Height: 58.7 inches
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Legroom front: 42.5 inches
Legroom rear: 37.6 inches
Headroom front: 38.6 inches
Headroom rear: 37.6 inches
Maximum seating: 5
Cargo Volume: 21.4 cu feet
Seat down (flat) Cargo Volume: 39.6 cu feet.
All inclusive warranty: 3 years, 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 5 years, 60,000
miles
Hybrid component warranty: 8 years, 100,000 miles
Safety: standard front, dual side, head airbags and driver-only knee
airbags, ABS, brake assist, traction control, stability control, tire
monitoring.