Page 26 - Dainfern Precinct October 2021
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MOTORING
TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID
TEST REVIEW
BY ALAN ROSENMEYER
Popular among Hollywood stars who want to be known as ‘Environmentally Conscious’,
the Prius has become known as the poster child of the ‘green’ movement.
he original Prius was occurrence in various body and all the usual safety systems
launched in the 1990s as configurations - even more so are present. Touchscreen
Tone of the first commercially when the Corolla Cross arrives in infotainment screen with full
available hybrid vehicles. The latest about two months’ time. connectivity, inductive charging
generation version was launched pad, full leather trim and dual-zone
about a year ago and, while still The interior of the Prius fits into the climate control are just some of the
rather different, certainly gained category of a full-sized luxury or luxuries.
far more in the looks department, executive car. Leg and headroom
in my opinion. The wedge shape both in front and rear are generous The driving experience takes a bit of
with the long tapered rear and and the spec level is very high. getting used to. Start-up and pull-
elongated C-pillar are off are in eerie silence
very distinctive and in electric (EV) mode
cannot be mistaken and, when cruising, the
for any other car. most intrusive noise is
road noise because the
The Prius is powered engine is so quiet in all
by a 1.8l 4-cylinder conditions. Adopting
petrol engine with a relaxed driving style
electric assistance suits the car best and
to provide 90kW it will cruise all day at
and 142Nm to the 120km/h on the open
front wheels through road.
a CVT automatic
transmission. As Commuting duty is
it happens, this where the Prius really
combination is the excels and this was
same in the recently launched The unusual central dashboard proven by our showing 4.5l/100km
Corolla Hybrid. provides digital information of whether it was on the open road or
every aspect of the car. There is in traffic conditions.
Whereas the Prius was always also a head-up display in front of
a very rare sight on our roads, the driver. There is only one model in the
the new launches from Toyota will Prius range, currently priced at
very soon make this powertrain Lane departure, lane keep R577 800. This includes the Toyota
combination a more common assistance, active cruise control 6-service/90 000km service plan.
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