The fifth generation Toyota Prius debuted in Europe several hours before the new model was shown for the first time in the United States. We can’t be sure yet of the specs or features for the US market, but this reveal provides a hint of what to expect.
in the new Europe Prius It is only available as a plug-in hybrid. The powertrain includes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a total output of 220 horsepower. This is a 99 hp (74 kW) improvement over the current vehicle’s 1.8-liter four-pot which produces 121 hp (90 kW).
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The Prius plug-in in Europe has a 13.6-kWh battery, versus the 8.8-kWh pack of the previous model. The unit is under the rear seats. Toyota’s ad says the range is “50 percent greater than the current generation.” This would refer to a distance of 58.5 miles (94.15 kilometers) depending on the current No. 39 miles (63 km) in the UK.
The Prius plug-in will be available with an optional solar roof panel. The European market model announcement does not say whether this system will improve the vehicle’s driving range.
Aesthetically, the new Prius looks familiar but also has a fresh look. The design pushes the top of the roof back, giving the car a coupe-like appearance. Varied proportions include a 1,969-inch (50-mm) lower height and an extended wheelbase by the same amount. The overall length is 1.811 inches (46 mm) shorter. Width increases by 0.866 in (22 mm).
Inside, the new Prius adopts the Island Architecture design language with three areas: “surroundings,” “driver unit,” and “floating instrument panel.” Appearance is similar to Layout in bZ4X crossover Because the gauge display sticks to the dashboard instead of having a cover around it, like most modern cars.
The center cluster consists of the infotainment display that emerges from the dashboard. The only physical control appears to be a knob in the lower right corner of the screen.
A pair of narrow slots separates the infotainment screen from the HVAC controls. It has buttons to control the seat temperature and adjust the cabin temperature.
After this European debut, we expect to have specs for the US-spec model very soon.
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