2012 Prius hits a healthy 72.4mpg and 89g/km CO2

Over 20,000 Totoya Prius sold in the UK since its launch in 2009. Clearly, in this case, first mover in the market status worked a treat – everyone knows what a Prius is, and everyone knows what a Prius does. It’s a more economical car, right?

Techno-babble aside, the third-generation Toyota Prius pushes all the right figures in all the right directions; economy up and price down. The greener-leaning punters will surely see the new, more crafted Prius pop up large on their radars in March, when it goes on sale in the UK.

Priced from £21,350, the full hybrid powertrain-powered new Prius pushes its headline economy figures even harder to 89g/km of CO2 and quoted combined cycle fuel economy of 72.4mpg - the figures for models running on 17-inch wheels remain 92g/km and 70.6mpg. The important eco-issues look to have been dealt with, but there’s more to Prius for 2012.

The new car has been bought into line with the rest of the current Toyota family, with a new front bumper and a larger lower grille, flanked by new clear-lens headlights and LED daytime running lights relocated in the bumper beneath the indicators, while the foglights move inside the lower grille.

The styling changes add an extra 20mm the car’s length but Prius’s wheelbase and aerodynamic performance (Cd 0.25) are unchanged, while 2012 brings a choice of eight exterior colours, including new hues Dark Blue and Cabernet Red
metallic.

There’s been a stiffening of the body and softening of the suspension too, and, along with extra doses of soundproofing, new test-drivers should find a better round-town ride, and more comfy comfort.

Inside, we see some little detail touches here and there, but the biggest comfort difference will undoubtedly be the new front seats that are said to offer greater adjustment in every direction. Shorties and tallies take note! Toyota’s Touch touchscreen system for audio, multimedia connectivity, Bluetooth and rear-view camera, will also be enjoyed across the new Prius model range.
 
www.toyota.co.uk











By Daniel Anslow

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