TOYOTA

Prius 2024: more powerful and efficient

The Toyota Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid car from 1997 onwards. 25 years later, the vehicle that changed the way of driving and signified the beginning of the electrified era returns with its fifth generation, which will hit the markets during the second quarter of 2023 promising more power and efficiency.

In Europe, it will only land with a plug-in hybrid version with a combined 223 hp, from a 2.0-litre petrol engine. The battery has a capacity of 13.6 kWh and provides 75 kilometers of electric range, about 50% more than the previous Prius, which was at 50 km.

The wedge-shaped appearance of the new Toyota Prius makes it possible to achieve a CX drag coefficient of 0.24. Aesthetically, this new delivery completely separates itself from its predecessor, although it remains distant from corporate design languages ​​and offers a different image. Let's say the car runs 'on its own'.

An unbroken strip joins the hood, windshield and roof and closes at the cut back, a perfect aerodynamic shape. Even the rear door handles are integrated into the pillar so as not to disturb the airflow over the car.

The result is a five-door model that, compared to the fourth-generation Prius, offers 5 centimeters less height, 4.6 centimeters less length and 2.5 centimeters more width. The wheelbase has been increased by 5.0 centimeters and the wheels can reach 19 inches in diameter.

The front is all-new on a production Toyota, with headlights inspired by the bZ electric models, as is the rear, which features a three-dimensional LED light strip just above the 'Prius' inscription.

The cabin of the new Prius 2024 brings many innovations, such as the large 12.3-inch central infotainment screen with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, which includes OTA (over the air) updates.

In turn, the driver's 'module' has a digital instrumentation with a 7.0-inch TFT LCD screen, located on the upper part of the dashboard, directly in the driver's field of vision, and capable of sending alerts with changes in lighting and linked colors. notifications from the Toyota Safety Sense safety system.

Also debuting the multifunctional steering wheel, the gear lever, as well as the dashboard, climate controls and the center console with storage compartment between the seats and cup holders.

Among the optional extras, a roof of solar panels will be included that can generate electricity for free and from the renewable source par excellence, such as the sun.

The 2024 Toyota Prius is based on the second-generation TNGA-C platform, which provides an even lower center of gravity and driving position, as well as reduced weight, improved driving dynamics and an optimized battery position to take the minimum possible trunk capacity.

As we mentioned before, the fifth-generation hybrid system has a 2.0-liter 148 hp gasoline engine, along with a 160 hp electric unit. The combined 223 hp handily surpasses the previous Prius' 122 hp, with which the performance improvement is more than noticeable.

For the first time, the Japanese model has a lithium-ion battery housed under the rear seat, replacing the previous nickel-metal hydride battery.

Autonews