What uses less than 58 mpg city, has 27 cubic feet of trunk storage, and costs less than $25,000? The Toyota Prius Two Eco!
The Prius lineup comes in 6 trims: Prius Two, Prius Two Eco, Prius Three, Prius Three Touring, Prius Four, and Prius Four Touring.
Prius is powered by Hybrid Synergy Drive, which combines a 1.8 L 4-cylinder VVT-i Atkinson-cycle engine with a battery pack and two electric motors. This system produces a combined 121 hp and goes from zero to 60 in 9.4 seconds.
The Prius Two Eco is a front engine, front wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback.
Outside, improved aerodynamic design and a drag-reducing grille shutter boost fuel efficiency, while sound-insulating windshield and redesigned body structure with noise-absorbing material throughout make for a quieter ride.
Surprisingly, equipment like backup camera, power windows and locks, remote locking, cruise control, tilt and telescoping steering wheel are all standard. Interestingly, the cruise control aids your fuel consumption by never exceeding the speed you have set.
Inside, the dash is multi-levelled, with the top-level main display flowing from the middle into the doors. This 4.2-inch TFT display houses the center gauges with info displayed in easy-to-read numbers and letters.
The navigation screen positioned below is also large and clear. The shifter is placed in the center stack, just below the navigation console and is easily reachable. Two buttons beside the shifter allows the driver to select from the four drive modes of Normal, Eco, Power, and EV—each tailored to different traffic situations such as merging and cruising.
The steering wheel feels strong and the front occupants are provided with an airy, well-lit space from the front seats to the slopping windshield. Large seats in front and back with soft headrests are amazingly comfortable, and legroom in the rear is substantial.
Even though the Prius is nominally quiet, the 15-inch tires still present noises that can be heard inside.
Two large cup holders are found between the front seats just in front of the armrest’s covered storage box. Additional storage can be found under the seats and inside the door panels.
White cloth interior and white-accented dash bring a light complexion to the inside.
The audio system is comprised of a CD player, AUX input, USB, and Bluetooth audio streaming fed through six speakers.
Toyota would like you to think of the Prius as a sport car, but it is not really. However, Prius is a good quality, strong, economical vehicle that drives and handles well. You will get exceptional gas mileage and a vehicle that sells for a fair and reasonable price.
Prius competes well against the Volt, Sonata Hybrid, and Fusion Hybrid, especially in the categories of price, hybrid driving performances, and fuel economy.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected]
