Dana Point, California- Last month, the Prius family threw a fanciful, Las Vegas style gala for its four-wheeled patriarch in of all places, Las Vegas. Alternative-fuel enthusiasts were treated to self-gratifying hype worthy of Donald Trump, but behind-the-wheel experiences were not extended to invitees due to a static display.
The Prius family of vehicles remains as diverse and distinctive as another reality TV staple, the Jenner/Kardashian clan, so keeping up with recent revelations is worthy of a recap. The high-volume, gas-electric Prius hybrid lift back is the sole member undergoing a fourth-generation redesign in the 2016 model year.
Lower volume, newer-to-the-family offspring including the length-extended Prius V wagon and compact Prius C have scheduled next-gen facelifts in about two years. The family's eccentric PHEV Uncle (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), resides outside Illinois roaming select coastal states as the sole kin requiring a wall socket jolt.
No alternative-fueled clan has equaled the successful reality generated by the Prius dynasty. Worldwide, Prius sales have surpassed 3.5 million. This fourth-generation Prius lift back now generates the highest fuel economy of any vehicle sans a plug.
The mid-size lift back grows in length by 2.4 inches although wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) remains unchanged. Floor silencing technology borrowed from other Toyota products team with headliner sound proofing for quieter inside surroundings.
The lower-slung silhouette with 0.8 inch lower stance enhances aerodynamics while the roof's peak moves forward six inches creating extra headroom.
Earlier this month, Toyota invited automotive media types to Southern California for a detailed dissection and actual drive time with the impressively revamped Prius expected at showrooms early in the 2016 calendar year.
The shotgun drive partner for daylong testing through the OC was one-time Lake County resident Wayne Gerdes (creator of the web site www.cleanmpg.com) who exchanged a respectable Midwestern existence for a glitz and glam, Hollywood/Kardashian lifestyle along the lower left coast.
This fourth-generation, five-door lift back is expected to deliver a healthy 54 miles per gallon city and 50 mpg highway, and even higher numbers in a weight-savvy 'Eco' trim. The outgoing Gen Three produces 51 mpg and 48 mpg respectively. Prius continues utilizing conventional 87-octane fuel.
A big change for Prius in 2016: a choice of two distinct electric storage batteries depending on selected trims. The sole selection featuring a nickel medal hydride battery (reduced in size by 13 percent) is the entry Prius Two ($24,200). Nickel metal hydride technology has been the go-to choice since the first generation (2000-2003).
All other lift back trims now sport a lithium Ion battery pack with weight savings approaching 30 pounds compared to the NMH. Lithium ion technology holds court in most plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles (and cell phones, lap tops) thanks to overall lighter weight.
Whichever battery gets selected, the location within Prius is now under the second-row floor, a strategic move from behind the second row.
The battery's new home, a foot lower and closer to the car's natural center of gravity, better balances Prius; resulting in noticeably nimbler handing. During spirited maneuvers through a Southern California roundabout, body sway was minimal with no flashes of fishtailing. Prius now handles as if it shed several unwanted pounds, although overall weight is relatively unchanged.
Relocating the battery pays dividends in cargo carrying volume. Maximum cargo capacity grows to 27.3 cubic feet, a significant step up from 21.6 cubic feet. Rear seats continue to fold 60/40.
A total of six grades or flavors of the 2016 patriarchal Prius lift back include the aforementioned Prius Two (no Prius One currently exists). Next, a svelte Prius Two 'Eco' ($24,700) weighs in at 65 pounds lighter than Prius Two, but delivers an extra four mpg city and three highway.
Next up are mid-grade Prius Three, Prius Three Touring and premium-grade Prius Four and Prius Four Touring all with lithium Ion battery technology. Fuel mileage estimates mimic the Prius Two with nickel metal hybrid battery.
The under-hood layout is completely refashioned. "You 're not going to see orange high voltage cables under the hood because of (the electrical systems) more direct connections to the transmission, reducing heat loss and electrical resistance," commented engineer David Lee.
Also relocated to the engine compartment; the smallish auxiliary battery allowing jump starts of other vehicles. Previous third-generation storage was tucked in the corner of the cargo bay.
Weight savings from smaller hybrid batteries, transmission and electric motors have been offset by welcome performance enhancements such as a reinforced double wishbone rear suspension and more ridged framework, resulting in a 60 percent increase in torsion rigidity. The 2016 Prius lift back represents the first vehicle built from Toyota's new global architecture (TNGA), the basis for future vehicle underpinnings.
Revised underpinnings create a Prius that performs better than any predecessor with noticeably apparent driving dynamics. No longer an electric kitchen appliance sporting four wheels; Prius now rides and handles, well, carlike.
Gone is the Dollar Store type feel and presentation of Prius' dash region, now strictly mainstream and Camry-ish. Upper level trims now offer technology-based safety features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian protection, lane departure alert and rear cross traffic alert.
The stubby, joy-stick-like electronic gear shift is a further reach for drivers, relocated left and down from the steering column, below the 4.2-inch multi-information display touch screen and ventilation functions controlled by three long side-by-side tabs (fan speed, temperature selection and direction).
On top of the dash is a long, narrow, uni-brow information region with split screens including a digital speedometer. Animated electric flow may be summoned through the center touch screen which also houses the audio push-button display (flanked by welcome volume and station select dials).
When feathering the accelerator pedal at low speeds, Prius operates in all-electric mode. Flooring the pedal, and the gas engine springs to work. When starting Prius via the circular electronic push button, the dashboard illuminates while the gas engine remains eerily quiet.
At speeds below 40 mph, both the electric motors/generators and revised 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine work in tandem with an updated continuously variable transmission while recapturing additional electrical energy through stop-and-go regenerative braking, thus delivering better overall city fuel estimates, a flip from conventional gas-exclusive cars which support higher highway estimates.
During southern California cruise time, on-board gauging indicated a greater percentage of electric power assistance during higher speeds than previous generations. Highway numbers still dwarf city estimates, but those cruising Chicagoland expressways at 55 mph could very well expect heightened fuel economy returns.
Prius includes a separate dashboard "EV" dash button enabling 100 percent electric mode for short durations, used in situations below 25 mph such as parking lots. In addition, drivers may select from three conventional drive modes: eco, power and normal at highway speeds.
Sothern California's mild climate remains an ideal palate for Prius testing. Here in the Midwest, battery draws such as increased heater and air conditioning usage plus longer warm up times to optimize engine operating temperatures, chip away at mpg readouts. The benefits of a Chicagoland address? Minimal personal encounters with a Kardashian.
2016 Prius Two Lift back
Starting Price: $24,200
Gas engine: 1.8-liter four cylinder
Combined horsepower: 121
Overall length: 178.7 inches
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Curb weight: 3,075 pounds
Fuel economy: 54 mpg city/50 mpg highway
Hybrid component warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles
For detailed data, visit www.cleanmpg.com
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