Toyota launches refreshed Prius hybrid in SA

[FearLess]

Toyota has refreshed its pioneering Prius with a new sense of style and a simplified design language.

With cleaner and more engaging lines, the Toyota hybrid features new front and rear treatment, as well as sharper, sleeker headlights and rear combination lights.

Inside, the cabin incorporates design tweaks to improve ergonomics, as well as changes to the interior trim whilst retaining the black leather upholstery.

Restyled design

The updated Prius features restyled front and rear bumpers that give it a more flowing appearance that is further enhanced by its slightly longer (+35mm) overall length. Toyota says that the new slim line headlights with bi-beam LEDs and a revised lower intake accentuate the sharper, sleeker aesthetic. A change to LED fog lights unify the front-light signature.

At the rear, new combination LED lights mirror the shape of the headlights by introducing a more horizontal look to emphasise the car's width and low centre of gravity. 

Proven Powertrain

The current generation of Prius was launched in early 2016 and was the first model in the Toyota range to feature the Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform series.

The new platform complemented the latest generation petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain combining a 1.8-litre petrol engine with two motor generators to provide the optimum balance of performance and fuel efficiency depending on driving behaviour and road conditions. The total system output is quoted as 100kW. 

Safety systems consist of seven airbags [front (driver + passenger) + curtain + side (front) + driver knee], full active electronic suite (VSC, ABS, EBD, brake assist and traction control) and ISOFIX attachment points.

The new Toyota Prius 1.8 retails for R490 200 and comes standard with a six services/90 000km service plan. Service intervals are pegged at 15 000km. The warranty period on general items is three-years/100 000km, whilst the hybrid battery warranty is sti[CENSORED]ted as eight-years/195 000km.