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March 26, 2019
Toyota Prius Undergoes Minor Change, Unveiling a Refreshed Style | Toyota
Toyota Prius | The Toyota Prius
Prius Undergoes Minor Change, Unveiling a Refreshed Style
Toyota Motor Corporation has implemented a minor change to its HYBRID car, the Prius, and launched sales of the new model with a refreshed style.
Text by HARA Akira
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This minor change to Toyota's HYBRID-exclusive model, the Prius, sees a redesign of its interior and exterior, which had drawn mixed reactions since the current model's debut in 2015. While inheriting the Prius's advanced image, the aim was to create something more approachable, intelligent, and refined.
Specifically, the exterior features redesigned front grilles, front and rear bumpers, and lights, creating a more planted silhouette. Further enhancements include 17-inch aluminum wheels with titanium-toned resin accents, 15-inch twin-spoke aluminum wheels, and a choice of nine body colors, including the new vibrant Blue Metallic and Emotional Red II.
The interior has been updated with black accents on the instrument panel and front console tray, creating a calm and sophisticated design. New features also include an enlarged space for the "wireless charger" (conveniently place-and-charge), which accommodates larger smartphones, and a suction-type seat ventilation system that provides a cooling sensation.
In terms of connectivity, all models are now equipped with the DCM (Data Communication Module), a dedicated communication device adopted in the new Crown and Corolla. In addition to three years of free access to T-Connect services that support comfortable driving, users can opt for services such as the Operator Service, where a dedicated operator can be contacted 24/7 to set destinations or search for information, and the LINE My Car Account, which allows users to register their car as a "friend" on the LINE smartphone app to check destinations and driving range.
For safety, all models come standard with the "Toyota Safety Sense" collision avoidance support package, which includes Pre-Collision Safety with pedestrian detection for daytime, All-Speed ACC, and Automatic High Beam. An optional "Rear Cross Traffic Alert" is also available to detect approaching vehicles from the rear sides.
The powertrain, the reduction gear-equipped THS II (2ZR-FXE 1.8-liter engine + motor) HYBRID system, remains unchanged. However, due to the increased weight from the standardization of equipment, the maximum fuel efficiency has decreased slightly to 39.0 km/ℓ from over 40.0 km/ℓ. Prices range from 2,518,560 yen (E 2WD) to 3,478,680 yen (Touring Selection 4WD).
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