By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
For 2014 the Toyota Prius Three will offer as an option the world’s first sliding glass moonroof packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area. These power a ventilation system that helps reduce the interior air temperature when the car is parked in the sun. The available remote air conditioning system allows remote operation, enabling the driver to lower the interior temperature for comfort before getting into the car.
Because of its interior roominess, Prius Three is classified as a midsize car by the EPA, thus making it the most fuel-efficient car without a plug in that segment. With ratings of 51 MPG city, 48 MPG highway and 50 MPG combined.
Prius PLUS Performance accessory package gives the Prius Three a sporty look and sharper handling. Engineered by Toyota Racing Development, the package starts with a seven-piece aerodynamic ground effects kit for a lower-profile stance. It’s functional, too, as the custom body kit was designed to reduce the vehicle’s coefficient of drag and therefore helps maintain high fuel efficiency.
The package equips the Prius Three with 17-inch forged alloy wheels with a custom offset to increase track width while also maintaining low rolling resistance. The lighter wheels, which have low-profile 215/45R17 tires, reduce unsprung weight to aid agility. The TRD track-tuned springs lower the vehicle 1.1 inches in the front and 1.3 inches in the rear to enhance steering response and cornering performance and a rear stabilizer bar helps reduce body lean for flatter cornering.
Hybrid Synergy Drive Introduced with the second-generation Prius 10 years ago and significantly enhanced with lighter, more efficient components for the third-generation model, Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive combines the output of a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine with and electric motor. The combined 134 net system horsepower feels even stronger to the driver due to the unique way the system combines the power of the gasoline engine and electric motor.
A full hybrid, the Prius Three can run on the gasoline engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both. The driver can select from among four driving modes, NORMAL, POWER, ECO and EV. The EV Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. POWER Mode increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel; ECO Mode helps drivers enhance fuel economy by adjusting throttle input and climate control. A standard Multi-information Display panel monitors the vehicle’s fuel and battery energy, and includes a display that helps the driver adopt economical driving habits.
Futuristic Design, outside and inside, a 106.3-inch wheelbase helps to give the Prius Three a smooth ride and the interior room of a midsize sedan. The third-generation Prius’ 0.25 coefficient of drag is one of the lowest for any production car, contributing to its outstanding fuel economy. LEDs, optional in low beam headlamps and standard in DRLs and tail lamp clusters, help reduce the vehicle’s power consumption. An exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, enhancing performance and delivering heat to the cabin more efficiently.
While also conveying a futuristic look and feel, the cockpit offers outstanding roominess and comfort. Controls are easy to reach and easy to use. The Touch Tracer Display features touch sensors on the steering wheel switches that are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road. When the driver touches the steering wheel controls, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in line of sight.
The Prius Three adds navigation and Entune App Suite, plus an integrated backup camera display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability, HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, and advanced voice recognition. The Toyota Entune App Suite is a collection of popular mobile applications and subscription-free data services. Once a smartphone is paired to the vehicle using Bluetooth wireless technology or a USB cable, Entune apps are operated using the vehicle’s controls or for some services, by voice recognition. Entune offers apps for Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, and Pandora. Entune data services include a fuel price guide, sports scores, stocks, traffic and weather.
Active headrests are used in both front seats to help reduce the possibility of whiplash injury in certain types of rear collisions. An Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Traction Control, enhanced Vehicle Stability Control and the Smart Stop Technology brake-override system make up Toyota’s standard Star Safety System. A Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, using advanced millimeter wave radar, is an available option. Also available, the Safety Connect telematics system includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator, emergency assistance button and roadside assistance (1-year trial subscription included).
The Prius Three also comes standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. The 2014 Prius Three will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $25,765.00. mlezcano@carsntravel.com
