The new Prius is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower than the model it replaces, delivering more occupant and cargo room. The 2016 Prius – built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture – should increase fuel economy by 10% but the preview was devoid of technical substance.
Toyota has unveiled its 2016 Prius hybrid with a smaller, lighter hybrid system, higher-energy density in the batteries, and an internal combustion engine with more than 40% thermal efficiency claimed.
The intro comes after Toyota has sold 3.5 million Prius models globally since its 1992 introduction. Counting other models in a comprehensive hybrid lineup, Toyota is the clear leader having sold more than 8.5 million. The new Prius arrives early next year in the U.S.
However, Toyota is not alone in the hybrid efficiency race and its early advantage as the first producer and dominate hybrid might be slipping. Prius’ market share has dropped steadily over the last decade.
“What was once a rational purchase that for many customers focused on fuel economy, is now so much more,” said Bill Fay, group vice president Toyota Division.
Today, the aging flagship Prius accounts for a still-healthy 23% of all alt-drive sales in the U.S.
Moreover, the leading cross-shopped model for Prius is Prius V. Outside the Prius family, Honda Civic is the most cross-shopped vehicle, according to Edmunds.com
The Prius will be among the first U.S. models to offer an optional Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system with automated pre-collision braking. TSS has for a price as yet unknown:
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Automatic High Beams
