Model year changes
2005 (2006 US model year) introduced some minor cosmetic changes, such as a higher-resolution liquid crystal display, as well as new optional features such as a backup camera, advanced air bags and an upgraded audio system with an auxiliary input. In 2006 (2007 US model year) the Prius added side-curtain air bags (standard on all models.) A Touring Edition was introduced, with an elongated and larger rear spoiler as well as larger, sharper-pointed 7-spoke 16" alloy wheels with plastic hubcap covers to protect them from scratches when parking against the curb. The Touring Edition also comes with a firmer European-style tuned suspension, standard high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights and integrated (non-HID) fog lights.
In 2005, Toyota had to fix a software glitch that caused the Prius engine to enter "limp" mode with only-electric operation, following 68 stall complaints in the U.S.[38][39][40]
[edit] Crash testing results
NHTSA (United States) crash testing of the 2004 US model year Prius yielded a five-star driver and four-star passenger rating in the frontal-collision test (out of five stars). Side crash results were four out of five stars for both front and rear seats. The car scored four out of five stars in rollover testing.[41]
IIHS crash tests score the Prius "Good" overall in frontal collisions and "Good" overall in side-impact collisions in models equipped with side airbags.[42] A "Poor" score is given to models without side airbags.[43] Side curtain and torso airbags became standard on 2007 American models.
In 2004, EuroNCAP tested the Prius. It earned the following ratings: Adult Occupant: 
(model ZVW30)
 | |
| Production | 2009–present |
|---|---|
| Model year(s) | 2010–present |
| Assembly | Tsutsumi, Japan (Toyota City) Kariya, Aichi, Japan Chengdu, Sichuan, China (Chinese domestic market only) |
| Class | Midsize car |
| Body style(s) | 5-door hatchback |
| Engine(s) | Toyota Hybrid System Gasoline engine: |
| Transmission(s) | 1-speed planetary gear |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4,460 mm (175.6 in) |
| Width | 1,745 mm (68.7 in) |
| Height | 1,480 mm (58.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1379 kg (3,042 lb) |
Toyota debuted the new Prius (2010 US model year) at the 2009 North American International Auto Show,[46] and sales began in Japan on May 18, 2009.[47] Its new body design is more aerodynamic, with the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.25 Cd. An underbody rear fin helps stabilize the vehicle at higher speeds.
The estimated fuel-efficiency rating using the U.S. EPA combined cycle is: 50 mpg-US (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpg-imp).[48] The Prius becomes the most efficient car powered by liquid fuel available in the U.S. in 2009, based on the official rating.[1] Only the first-generation Honda Insight (2000–2006) equipped with a manual transmission attained higher mileage. The official UK fuel efficiency data for the Prius T3 is: Urban 72.4 mpg-imp (3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg-US), Extra Urban 76.4 mpg-imp (3.70 L/100 km; 63.6 mpg-US), Combined 72.4 mpg-imp (3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg-US).[49]
The 1.8-liter gasoline engine (previously 1.5 liters) generates 98 hp, and with the added power of the electric motor, total horsepower is 134 hp (previously 110 hp). The larger engine displacement allows for increased torque, reducing engine speeds (RPM) which in turn increases fuel economy at highway speeds. With an electric water pump, the Prius engine is the first production engine that requires no accessory belts, which also further improves fuel economy.[50] The electric motors and other components of the hybrid powertrain are also smaller and more efficient.[51] Toyota estimates the new inverter, motor and transaxle are 20 percent lighter. Disc brakes replace the previous rear drum brakes.
For the Prius, Toyota used a new range of plant-derived ecological bioplastics made from the cellulose in wood or grass instead of petroleum. The two principal crops are kenaf (a member of the hibiscus family and related to cotton and okra) and ramie, commonly known as China grass and one of the strongest natural fibres, similar to flax in absorbency and density. Toyota says this is a particularly timely breakthrough for plant-based eco-plastics because 2009 is the United Nations’ International Year of Natural Fibres, which covers kenaf and ramie.[52]
In Japan, it is reported that Toyota cut the price of Prius from 2.331 million yen to 2.05 million yen to compete with Honda Insight.[53] Toyota filed over one thousand patents during the development of the latest Prius. Toyota's goal is to sell about 400,000 units annually around the globe [54] and 180,000 units in the U.S. by 2010.[55] In May 2009 production was increased to 50,000 units per month or 600,000 annual units to help meet higher than projected demand.[56] In 2009, Toyota Prius experienced two consecutive year over year sales decrease to 139,682 units in the U.S., from 181,221 units in 2007.[57] In addition, Toyota Prius was launched in Malaysia on August 4, 2009.[58]
In early 2010, Toyota considered to add a monthly production of 6,000 at the Motomachi factory, in central Japan, the plant that built the first-generation Prius which was launched in 1997. However, as customers' wait time in Japan shortened from eight months at launch to three months and sales in the United States dropped 40 percent in February 2010 from that of October 2009 following concerns about Toyota vehicles' safety, Toyota had to reduce the monthly production by 10 percent to 45,000 units a month in March 2010.[59]
In the US the Prius will have a starting base price of US$22,400 excluding destination charges, and includes 15-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Stability Control and interior amenities including cruise control, 6-speaker audio, Toyota's keyless entry/ignition Smart Key System and a unique Touch Tracer Display designed to help the driver's eyes stay on the road when using the steering-wheel-mounted climate and audio controls.
Sales of the Prius also started in the Philippines on June 22, 2009, for a SRP of Php 2.2 million (approximately US$41,800) about half for import duties and other taxes, making it the first hybrid vehicle available in the Philippines.[60] The launching for the Latin American market took place in Costa Rica on July 3, 2009. The Prius will be sold in Costa Rica for US$41,000 including tariffs and all taxes.[61]
The US Prius will offer three optional packages:
- A Navigation Package which includes a voice-activated touch-screen DVD-based navigation system and an 8-speaker JBL audio system with XM satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, Bluetooth and backup camera. The Prius in Japan is equipped with G-BOOK as of May 18, 2009.[62]
- A Solar Roof Package includes the Navigation Package and adds a power tilt/slide moonroof along with a solar powered ventilation system which uses an electric fan to help keep the vehicle cooler when parked under the sun by venting the interior's heated air with the outdoors. The solar roof was originally intended to assist in charging the vehicle's battery, but the system was configured to only power ventilation when it was found that the battery-charging configuration created electromagnetic interference that affected the radio.[63] A new remote air-conditioning feature allows the driver to activate the air conditioner prior to entering the vehicle.
- An Advanced Technology Package includes the Navigation Package while adding a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Intelligent Parking Assist.
Other options include Safety Connect, while LED headlamps come standard on the Prius V trim.[64]
Plug-in version
The Prius Plug-In Concept was shown at the October 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the 2009 LA Auto Show. According to Toyota a total of 500 Prius plug-in hybrids (PHEV) will be sold to select customers, 350 will be delivered to customers in Europe and Japan in late December 2009, along with 150 models to be released in the U.S. in early 2010.[65] These models will be sent to limited geographical areas and will contain special data tracking devices designed to allow Toyota to monitor the car's usage for further development of the plug-in hybrid system.[66] Total all-electric range is 14.5 mi (23 km) with speeds up to 62 mph (100 km/h). The lithium-ion battery was co-developed with Panasonic.
Toyota announced a target of retail sales for the PHEV in late 2011. Toyota indicates that it plans to sell tens of thousands of plug-ins to the public.[67][68]
Crash testing results
The IIHS rated the 2010 Prius as Good in every crash category except for "structure/safety cage", which was rated Acceptable. [69] In EuroNCAP testing the Prius is given an overall rating of
Brake fix and radar cruise
On February 9, 2010, Toyota announced a voluntary global recall of third generation 2010 Prius models manufactured from the current model's introduction through late January.[71][72] Affected models, including 133,000 Prius vehicles in the U.S. and 52,000 in Europe, are to receive an anti-lock brake software update to fix brake response over rough roads,[71] following reports of delayed braking response on certain surface conditions.[73][74] Apple co-founder and Prius collector Steve Wozniak was also quoted by media outlets regarding a possible cruise control issue on one of his several Priuses, where the steps for "upping the speed" using the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system allegedly caused unintended acceleration.[75] Wozniak later maintained that he was misquoted, but did have an individual vehicle and customer service issue,[75] while auto journalists and other Prius drivers suggested user error.[76][77] On March 8, 2010, a publicized incident of alleged Prius acceleration in San Diego was later suspected to be a hoax or not repeatable.[78][79][80]
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