Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE, has officially launched the fourth generation Toyota Prius, the most popular hybrid vehicle in the world.
First revealed at the 13th Dubai International Motor Show in November last year, the Toyota Prius was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle (petrol-electric) when initially launched in 1997, and has since sold over 3.5 million cars around the globe.
Close to two decades on, the Toyota Prius brings with it ground-breaking environmentally-friendly performance, a bold new design, and a fun-to-drive spirit. The new Prius also features enhanced safety in a more compact package that is lighter in weight with world class aerodynamic, delivering an enhanced fuel efficiency of 26.1 Km/L.
Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Toyota at Al-Futtaim Motors, said: “Introducing the Toyota Prius in the UAE is a gigantic step forward in empowering the drive for a more sustainable environment. In line with the UAE Government’s vision for a greener future, Al-Futtaim Motors is proud to be leading the positive change with this new addition to the Toyota family. Converting the kinetic energy generated from braking into electricity, the car requires no external charging, making it one of the next immediate motoring solutions for the rising environmental issues in the region.”
Employing a petrol engine and an electric motor, the Prius can be powered by the engine, the electric motor or a combination of both, automatically choosing the most efficient mode for the best mileage and lowest emissions.
Abbasi added: “We predict that the 4th generation Prius, which now enjoys a bolder design, groundbreaking environmental performance, and a fun-to-drive spirit will appeal to young trendsetters who want everything that is new and cool, with the added benefit of being environmentally ethical and brimming with technology that does not confuse.”
The new Prius’ development concept is based on the idea of ‘Beautiful Hybrid’ and promises three forms of joys: Joy of Efficiency as the car achieves enhanced fuel economy, Joy of Ownership reflected by the emotional exterior design and powerful presence of the car, and the Joy of Driving which exemplifies its fun-to-drive spirit.
Sporty, low-slung stance and distinctive exterior
The exterior of the all-new Prius hints at the car’s advanced functions while also expressing its fun-to-drive spirit, creating an instant and lasting impression. The result is a distinctive outline that instils the next-generation halo eco-car with a unique presence while also being functional in ensuring ample head clearance for occupants. The fourth generation Prius retains the 2,700 mm wheelbase of the third generation Prius, but is 60 mm longer overall at 4,540 mm, 15 mm wider at 1,760 mm and 20mm lower.
An advanced and warm interior
Staying true to the core concepts of the Prius, Toyota has produced an occupant-friendly interior that focuses on ease of use. Despite its compact appearance, the new Prius accommodates five people with ease, has increased boot capacity and now comes with towing facility, making it a car that can adapt to everybody’s modern life.
The interior has a modern cockpit with soft-touch materials and cool metallic finishes in addition to innovative touches such as signature Prius logos on the air vents which create a cabin of contemporary flair.
The instrument panel, with its thin, horizontal design and smooth surfaces, consolidates operational areas near the driver and places information areas further away. The large colour Head-Up Display projects a range of important information – from driver alerts to navigation, speed and an energy meter – on to the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight.
The Multi Information Display (MID) features an energy monitor which displays changing energy flows in conjunction with driving conditions. An ECO Accelerator Guidance will illuminate in accordance with a more eco-friendly use of the accelerator.
The Prius also has a convenient wireless charging system which allows users to simply place a compatible device on the pad to initiate charging, without the need for a cable.
Superb driving dynamics with remarkable results in terms of engine performance and fuel economy
The Prius retains its 1.8-liter VVT-i equipped Atkinson cycle petrol engine (2ZR-FXE), which is perfectly for highway driving needs. However, the engine has been completely re-engineered, with remarkable results in terms of performance, fuel economy, and reductions to size and weight. The new engine achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of 40 percent―the world’s highest level in a mass-produced gasoline engine (as of October 2015, according to in-house research). Key components of the hybrid system―including the motors, transaxle, power control unit and hybrid batteries―are now smaller and lighter, improving fuel efficiency and making excellent use of space.
Toyota New Global Architecture improves safety, performance and comfort, and ensures a quiet drive
The new Prius’ centre of gravity is lower than the previous model, resulting in exceptional stability and minimal sway during driving. Through TNGA, body torsional rigidity has been improved by more than 60 percent compared with previous models, due to the use of Laser Screw Welding. Toyota has also developed an all-new double wishbone rear suspension for the Prius to provide new levels of handling stability and ride comfort, including a significant improvement in wheel-wheel impact shock damping. The rigidity of the body suppresses vibration and noise, while Laser Screw Welding allows for further noise elimination throughout the vehicle by decreasing the distance between welded joints.
Advanced safety technologies as standard signify comprehensive protection for passengers
As one would expect, the Prius sets high standards for safety with an impressive array of active and passive features that come as standard. These include 7 airbags to protect the driver and passengers, active front head restraints and Head Up Display.
The Prius also features a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) developed to warn the driver if there is a vehicle on either side when making a lane change.
There are also 3-point front and rear seatbelts with ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor), pretensioners and force limiters. The Electronically Controlled Brake System employs a newly developed active hydraulic booster. It also incorporates active safety features such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC). The brake system uses sensors to detect how much the driver is pressing the brake pedal in order to determine how much brake force is required by the driver. It fully utilizes the ability of the hybrid system to recover kinetic energy as electrical power, also known as ‘regenerative braking.’
The Prius also features a Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS) that notifies the driver of low tyre pressure, both as standard, along with a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) developed to warn the driver if there is a vehicle on either side when making a lane change.
In order to make sustainable mobility available to those who would like to join the change, the new 2016 Toyota Prius will be offered in two grades, Dynamic model available at AED 89,900, and the Iconic model, available at AED 97,900.