2010 Toyota Prius Review – Overview and Model Lineup
All-new version more refined, more efficient.
By Sam Moses [NewCarTestDrive]
The all-new 2010 Toyota Prius offers no surprises, just significant
improvement. It’s sleeker and better looking, and more powerful while
delivering an EPA-rated 51/48 mpg City/Highway, up by 3 miles per
gallon.
The hybrid mechanicals are lighter by 65 pounds, while being more
efficient and presumably stronger. The 1.8-liter gas engine is also
new, producing more horsepower while being more efficient. Top speed
has flown to 112 miles per hour from 103 mph, slam-dunk evidence that
the Prius is a lot slicker package at half that speed.
Acceleration performance is adequate, 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds, while
the CVT, or continuously variable transmission, is smooth.
There are three driving modes: EV, ECO and Power. EV is all electric,
for very short distances at speeds under 25 mph; ECO provides the best
fuel mileage, without noticeably compromising performance; and Power,
the default mode, is needed for brisk acceleration.
Handling is nimble enough at slow speeds, and the brakes are sensitive
while being stacked with electronic capabilities for safety. There are
seven airbags including one for the driver’s knees. The ride can be
harsh over the wrong bumps, and interior noise is surprisingly high
despite increased sound insulation. Many owners might not notice, but
others will, with so many Prius buyers in search of tranquility.
Standard magic includes Touch Tracer Display, projecting info before
your eyes, so you can keep them on the road. Input comes from the pilot
at the controls on the steering wheel, including not just audio and
cruise control, but also climate control and trip computer, with
telephone and other controls available.
Options include such technological tricks as a moonroof and
solar-powered ventilation system; remote pre-air conditioning to cool
the car down to ambient temperature before you climb in on a hot day; a
warning beep when you’re unsteady in your lane; radar cruise control;
Intelligent Parking Assist that will parallel park the Prius with no
steering or throttle input from the driver; and pre-collision emergency
braking to slightly reduce the impact when you don’t see an accident
coming but the car’s radar does.
Model Lineup
The 2010 Toyota Prius ($21,000) comes in trim levels, starting
with Prius I. Because Toyota wants to stay focused on the Prius name,
there are no models with names of their own. There are the Prius II,
III, IV and V. Prius II ($22,000) is fully equipped and is expected to
be the most popular. Prius III ($23,000) adds a premium JBL sound
system and Bluetooth capability.
Prius IV ($25,800) adds leather seats and upgraded trim, heated front
seats, water repellent window glass, plasma instrument cluster,
HomeLink, and a Smart Key system. Prius V ($27,270) adds 17-inch alloy
wheels, LED headlamps, and foglamps.
Options include the Navigation Package ($1,800) with voice-activated
DVD navigation with Bluetooth, XM traffic and a backup camera. The
Solar Roof Package ($3,600) adds a solar powered ventilation system to
the Navigation Package. The Advanced Technology Package ($4,500)
includes a pre-collision system that automatically dabs the brakes and
reduces crash impact speed by a slight amount, radar cruise control,
Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Park Assist, and the Navigation Package.
Safety equipment standard on all models includes dual-stage front
airbags, side airbags in front, airbag curtains, and driver’s knee
airbag; active headrests; tire pressure monitor with warning light;
anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and Brake Force Distribution; and a
sophisticated stability control system working with traction control.
Optional safety equipment includes a pre-collision system that uses the
same radar antenna as the radar cruise control. It applies the brakes
harder than the driver does if a collision is imminent and applies them
even if the driver doesn’t to reduce the collision impact by 0.7g.