TThat fifth generation 2023 Toyota Prius A hybrid liftback has been revealed – but an Australian launch is out of the question following its retirement from the local market in May.
It rides on a revised version of the TNGA platform that first debuted on the fourth-generation Prius in 2015, with a redesigned body, technology from Toyota’s flagship models, and a more powerful hybrid. And there were plug-in hybrid powertrains.
With hybrid engines now available across much of the Toyota lineup, the Japanese brand is repositioning the Prius as its most eco-friendly internal combustion offering.
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Under the bonnet, the Prius has two conventional hybrid engines and a plug-in hybrid system with either front or all-wheel drive.
The entry-level version is powered by an updated version of the existing 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric engine with a total system output of 103kW – matching the facelifted 2023 Corolla Hybrid, and 13kW more than the outgoing model. Is.
Although the marque has yet to confirm fuel economy figures, Toyota’s global design boss Simon Humphreys said it will be the most efficient model in its “class”.
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A step up from the standard 1.8-liter mill is the more powerful 2.0-liter hybrid system shared with the Corolla Cross small SUV. It produces 144kW, with front and all-wheel drive options expected.
It claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of around 7.5 seconds, making it the fastest Prius hybrid ever.
However, the plug-in hybrid Prius will continue into the next generation with a newly developed 2.0-litre petrol engine, several electric motors and a 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined output is 164kW with standard all-wheel drive.
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It replaces the 1.8-liter plug-in hybrid found in today’s Prius Prime. It will continue to offer a solar roof option.
Its claimed 0-100km/h time is 6.7 seconds – a few tenths less than the Toyota GR86 sports car – while its all-electric driving range has been increased by a claimed 50 per cent, allowing up to 100km.
Toyota says moving the battery pack from under the boot floor to under the rear seats has improved the vehicle’s center of gravity and cargo space, while improving its aerodynamics with a lower drag coefficient.
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With a design inspired by Toyota’s BZ electric vehicle family and flagship Crown, the new Prius looks more relaxed than the outgoing model, with a streamlined body and a ‘hidden’ rear similar to the C-HR small SUV. There are door handles. .
It will feature LED headlights, a full-width LED rear light bar and up to 19-inch alloy wheels – up two inches from the outgoing Prius.
Inside, it has a 12.3-inch touchscreen running Toyota’s latest infotainment system, with support for wireless Apple CarPlay (and wired Android Auto), connected satellite navigation and over-the-air software updates.
In the first Prius, the centrally mounted instrument cluster has been replaced by a more conventional 7-inch all-digital unit – shared with the BZ4x electric SUV – which is ahead of the driver.
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Other available features include LED ambient interior lighting, USB-C ports, a panoramic sunroof, automatic parking, a built-in dash cam, a digital rearview mirror, and an internal power socket for powering home appliances from the vehicle’s battery. are
The brand’s latest suite of driver assistance technology is available with autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot alert, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.
gave 2023 Toyota Prius The hybrid will arrive in Japan before the end of 2022, while the plug-in hybrid is expected in mid-2023.
Also, it will debut for the North American market at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show this weekend.