Toyota Announces Prices for 2006 Prius Hybrid


Toyota logo. (PRNewsFoto)

TORRANCE, CA USA 05/01/2003


TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A.,
Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the
2006 Prius hybrid sedan.
The Prius is the best-selling gas-electric hybrid vehicle in the United
States and the world. For 2006, Prius adds several styling, safety and
convenience enhancements, further increasing its overall value.
Exterior enhancements on the Prius include restyled headlights and
taillight clusters, and a new front lip spoiler. The front grille has been
updated with a new chrome finish on the center bar.
On the inside, new darker seat fabric and a black textured instrument
panel center accent the high-tech interior styling. The rear seat bottom
cushion has been slightly re-positioned to improve headroom and ride comfort.
For the first time, due to strong consumer demand, Prius will offer optional
leather seating and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for enhanced comfort.
A new rear back-up camera is now available as an option. The rear camera
automatically projects an image of what the lens can detect behind the vehicle
onto the dash-mounted LCD display monitor when the vehicle is in reverse gear.
The optional voice-activated DVD GPS navigation system has been improved,
offering enhanced map quality, and estimated time of arrival display, and a
route tracer function. The system also features a voice recognition search
function, which allows entry of a destination through voice recognition while
the Prius is being driven. The system can also be set to operate in English,
French and Spanish.
Prius buyers can also order new audio system upgrades that feature
MP3-media capability and a mini-jack port located in the center console. The
mini-jack port allows connectivity to most portable music players and allows
users to listen to their portable music collection through Prius upgraded
audio systems.
Already featuring a high level of safety technology, Prius gains even more
for 2006. The standard driver and front passenger advanced airbags are now
equipped with an occupant classification sensor to help determine if the seat
is occupied and if an occupant meets the adult weight requirement for airbag
deployment. The front passenger airbag will only deploy when the sensor
detects an adult passenger is occupying the front passenger seat. A Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is now standard equipment in Prius. The system can
detect a significant loss in air pressure in one or more tires and alert the
driver by a warning light.
Prius employs the industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD), Toyota's
third-generation gas-electric hybrid powertrain technology. HSD gives the
Prius acceleration comparable to a four-cylinder, mid-size car, with
zero-to-60 miles per hour acceleration in about 10 seconds.
Prius not only provides the best fuel efficiency ratings of any mid-size
vehicle sold in America, it also returns an even higher combined mileage
rating than any compact sedan sold in America. HSD yields exceptional fuel
efficiency in the Prius, with estimated EPA ratings of 60 mpg in city driving,
51 mpg on the highway and 55 mpg in combined driving.
HSD produces more than 80 percent fewer smog forming emissions than a
conventional internal combustion engine vehicle. The Prius is certified as a
Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in California and in states adopting
California standards. In addition, in California and states adopting
California rules, Prius is certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero
Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV).
The base MSRP for the 2006 Prius will be $21,725, an increase of $450, or
2.1 percent. The price will take effect when the 2006 Prius goes on sale in
mid-November.

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