At the moment we are writing these lines, Toyota makes its world debut at the 2010 Geneva motor show with the Auris Hybrid Synergy Drive® (HSD), and we will keen to tell you more about the driving impressions of this new Auris when the car becomes available for test drives. As one knows, Toyota plans the deployment of the Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain across its entire model range by early 2020s.

But for now, we take a closer look at the latest version of its Prius masterpiece, and indeed, a benchmark car in terms of automotive technology it is. The latest Prius has a more sculpted and slippery bodywork, and with a coefficient of drag of 0.25, the new Prius is – as the factory claims - the most aerodynamic family car in the world.

More power and economy

Toyota has made significant improvements to the Prius’ Hybrid Synergy Drive®. 90% of the full hybrid components have been redesigned to increase power, whilst reducing fuel consumption and polluting emissions even further.

The 1.8 litre petrol engine and electric motor are neatly lodged under the bonnet...

Indeed, the Prius has now a new, more powerful four-cylinder petrol engine (1.8 litre and 98 hp), which is quieter and reduces fuel consumption by 9%. The engine is very willing indeed, produces under power a nice sporty note and is otherwise very quiet and vibrationless.

The small lever lets you choose between "Drive" and "Battery" power for full electric motoring for 2 kilometers...

The electric motor has gained 20 % in power, and now develops 81 hp (60 kW) while losing not less than 33 % in weight. It is powerful enough to propel the Prius on its own in Electric Vehicle or EV mode, and it  also supplements the acceleration of the combustion engine. The total useable power for the Prius pilot is 136 hp, and this is impressive indeed. In the “power mode”, the Prius sprints away very smoothly under a beautiful engine note, reaching 100 km in slightly more than 10 seconds. One word about this “power mode”: when pressing the POWER button on the dashboard, this changes the response of the accelerator, here boosting power to enhance driving pleasure. The accelerator does not have to be used aggressively to get a powerful response. This can be especially advantageous when driving in hilly regions where a quick response to accelerator input is desired.

The body shape is with a drag coefficient of 0.25 very aerodynamic indeed...

Also a choice of “ECO” and full electric modes…

From start up to 70 km/h, the new Prius automatically facilitates electric mode only, with the petrol engine “stepping in” only when more acceleration power is needed. With the small selector knob, the  driver can also choose EV mode manually, by putting the lever in “b”. With vehicle range dictated by battery charge, the EV drive mode allows for urban driving with minimal noise and zero CO2 and NOx emissions at speeds of up to 50 km/h, regardless of how much the driver presses the accelerator, and this for up to two kilometer. When one gets in a sudden situation where one needs full power, it is sufficient to press the accelerator fully, and the engine will immediately set in, providing maximum power of 136 hp…

One can also choose the “ECO” mode, which can also be chosen with a button on the dashboard. This cleverly limits excessively aggressive pressures on the accelerator to achieve a smoother drive, and also optimises the air-conditioning for better fuel efficiency. Toyota has found out that – even when driving normally – we often use the accelerator pedal too abruply…

The headlamps are equipped with LED lights for more "green" illumination...

Keeping your eyes on the road

Our Prius test car offered a head-up display that projects information directly related to the operation of the vehicle (speed, Eco Drive assistance, cruise control, GPS navigation, …) on to the bottom of the windscreen. Very useful indeed.

We were also very pleased again with the excellent navigation and audio control, the practical amenities like the huge storage bin between the front seats, and a double glove compartment. It also has a huge boot with a capacity of 445 litres, which can be expanded still further thanks to its 2/3 - 1/3 folding rear seat.

With only 89 g/km of CO2 emissions and a fuel consumption of 3.9 l/100 km (factory data) , it is - still according to the factory - the least polluting family car on the market. We achieved a test consumption of 5.1 l/100 km, which is very good considering the car was driven with verve both in town and on the open road, and one has to take into account the uncanny smoothness and silence of the car…

The Prius still sets the (ECO) standards, but the competition is working very hard, and we will soon see other hybrid powered propositions in this family car segment…

Hans Knol ten Bensel