2016 Toyota Prius Vancouver Preview

Since the introduction of the 1997 Toyota Prius, world’s first mass produced hybrid vehicle, Toyota continues to evolve the Prius line. I was invited to the 2016 Toyota Prius media preview at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Vancouver was one of the first city to embrace the Prius and hybrid cars.

Stephen Beatty, Vice President and Corporate Secretary of Toyota Canada Inc, walk us through the evolution of the Toyota Prius. Toyota wanted a progressive name so they chose Prius, which means “to go before” in Latin. It serve as a platform to build a low emission cars. It took over 5 years to develop the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System pairing a 30 kilowatt electric motor with a small 1.5 litre, 4 cylinder engine. Today, over 8 million Prius has been sold in more than 40 countries. The Prius is the best selling hybrid vehicle in Canada.

However, its not just about fuel efficiency anymore. Customers wants the benefits of a hybrid but don’t want to compromise on the looks and performance. Toyota have reengineered & redesigned the 4th generation Prius from the ground up so its more fun to drive and stylish.

From the side, it is longer and sleek conveys a feeling of forward motion, inspired by a runner in the starting blocks. The overall body has lowered and the distinctive roof peak has been moved forward. The new standard LED headlights minimizes the Prius front fascia. It is available in 6 colours and the new “Hypersonic Red”.

Inside the Prius, you will immediately fell comfortable and impressed with the premium details. The new wrap around dash design featured a SofTex leather wrapped steering wheel, a 7 inch LCD audio system with navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio and wireless charging. In addition, the cabin has ample legroom and spacious headroom.

The 2016 Prius is the first global vehicle to be built using TNGA, the Toyota New Global Architecture. TNGA will help Toyota build cars using standardized platforms, powertrains and major components. Currently, Toyota uses more than 100 platforms and 800 powertrains. With TNGA, just five layouts will be needed for the whole range from compact cars to SUVs.

The 2016 Prius is available in 3 models: Prius, Prius Technology, Prius Touring.

Prius, from $25,995
– LED Headlamps and Daylight Running Lights
– Advanced full-colour TFT gauge cluster
– Bluetooth Compatibility
– USB Input
– 6-Speakers
– Backup Camera
– Smart Key System
– Push Button Start
– Eco Drive Monitor
– Cruise Control
– Tilt & Telescopic Steering Wheel
– Automatic Temperature Control
– Power-Adjustable Heated Exterior Mirrors

Prius Technology, from $28,730
– Power Moonroof
– Wireless Charger
– 7″ Display Audio
– SofTex Wrapped Steering Wheel
– SiriusXM Satellite Radio
– Driver, Front Passenger and Rear Hatch Smart Entry Door Handle Touch Sensor
– Toyota Safety Sense P: Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Prius Touring, from $29,330
– SofTex Seat Surfaces
– SofTex Wrapped Steering Wheel
– Wireless Charger
– Integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio
– 7″ Display Audio with Navigation
– Voice Recognition
– Fog Lamps
– Driver, Front Passenger and Rear Hatch Smart Entry Door Handle Touch Sensor
– P215/45R17 Tires with 17″ Aluminum Alloy Wheels
– Toyota Safety Sense P: Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Standard on all Prius 2016 models is the Star Safety System, which includes six state-of-the-art accident avoidance technologies: Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

In addition to standard Star Safety System, the 2016 Prius is available with Toyota Safety Sense system: Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

After the presentation, we partnered up and drove the Prius around scenic Stanley Park. With a 1.8 litre, 4 cylinder, Hybrid Synergy Drive and an electric motor produce 121 horsepower, the Prius gets 4.4 L/100km in the city and 4.6 L/100km on the highway. It is the most fuel efficient non-rechargeable hybrid vehicle in Canada. Behind the wheel, the Prius feels very comfortable and fun to drive.

We then drove to Richmond to test out the Intelligent Parking Assist System. Once the system find an empty parking space, the car can steer itself. The self parking system work flawlessly. It can automatically do back-in & parallel parking.