These days we are all required to try and better with regards to the environment and here at MHH Japanese Cars we are well aware of that. This is why, in 2012, the Japanese brand introduced a new car carrying the Prius name, this time with the option to plug into the electricity supply to top up the batteries. Toyota’s first production plug-in hybrid originally had a zero emissions electric driving range of more than 14 miles. Even when the petrol engine kicked in it still only emitted 49g/km CO² emissions yet offered up to 134.5 miles per gallon combined fuel economy. It was an instant hit, both in Hollywood and worldwide.
For whichever global region in which the car is offered the Toyota Prius has a Lithium-ion battery pack, rechargeable from standard power supply. Unlike fully-electric vehicles, the Prius does not induce ‘range anxiety’ in its owners as the hybrid system with 1.8 litre petrol engine automatically takes over when battery charge runs low. It’s a fail-safe system.
The World Health Organisation highlights NO2 as a significant air pollutant that contributes to respiratory diseases, in particular among children suffering from asthma. Increasingly stringent global standards on nitrogen dioxide levels today strengthens the argument for the Prius more than ever before. Cars that emit virtually no NOx, including NO2, and which can run pollution-free in our cities are welcomed more than ever.
Good On The Road
The beauty of these vehicles is that, especially for city dwellers, they can be driven short distances at city traffic speeds on electric power alone, with zero tailpipe emissions, thus creating no air pollution in the most sensitive urban areas. That’s a win-win for everyone. In the case of the
Toyota Prius Plug-in the electric range is constantly evolving and achievable at higher speeds, which today means that an emissions-free daily urban commute a real possibility. Importantly, the car drives very well, the only obvious difference being the saving on fuel costs.
Recharging the battery is simple and fast, unlike a full-blown EV, using a power point linked to a standard domestic or workplace supply. Additionally, depending on where you are in the world, there is an increasing quantity of on-street charging points. The Toyota Prius Plug-in comes with a charging cable set as standard that can be stored neatly in a dedicated area beneath the boot floor.
This economical car is just the same as any regular hatchback, except for the battery charger lid on the rear wing and the Hybrid Synergy Drive
badges.
Good On The Inside Too
The compact packaging of the lithium-ion battery pack means there is no compromise in the interior design space or room for rear seat passengers, or indeed in the trunk or boot. The Toyota Prius Plug-in can accommodate five people and has a luggage capacity of 443 litres with the rear seats in place. With the 60:40 rear seats folded down this space more than doubles.
The ultra-modern dual-zone dashboard is the same is designed to minimise the time the driver has to look away from the road ahead to
see information, and offers excellent functionality in the controls and switchgear. The upper display zone features both a head-up display and a central meter cluster. The lower command zone is characterised by a distinctive, asymmetric styling which positions the shift lever within close reach of the driver.
A cynic would suggest that movie stars buy the tried and tested Toyota Prius to enhance their reputations. This may or may not be true but it is vehicles like these that all drivers will have to contemplate for the future. Right now the Toyota Prius is the real star.
Get in touch with us at MHH Japanese Cars for more details.
