2017 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid – 1.4 l/100 km!

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The covers have been pulled off the Toyota Prius Prime, the plug-in hybrid version of the new 2016 Prius. This is the first time the PHEV variant features significant styling differences over the regular hybrid, and is probably all the better for it.

As shown in the unofficial renders yesterday, the Prime features completely redesigned front and rear ends. The standard Prius’ boomerang-shaped headlights have been replaced by conventional horizontal units with four LED modules on each side – which Toyota says “glow like diamonds in the night.”

Visually connecting the headlights is the full-length black front graphic that appears to be inspired by the grille on the Japanese-market Crown Athlete, giving the car a more cohesive look compared to the rather polarising standard car – even though the actual grille remains at the same low-set position. Vertical LED daytime running lights and indicators sit on either side of the bumper, recalling the Mirai fuel-cell vehicle.

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At the rear, there are C-shaped LED tail lights joined together by a horizontal light bar containing the third brake light – these differ from the regular Prius’ vertical tail lights. Lower down, there are triangular modules containing the indicators, reverse lights and reflectors, also reminiscent of the Mirai.

To save weight, there’s a carbon fibre tailgate (a first for a production car), along with extensive use of high-tensile steel in the bodyshell and an aluminium bonnet. Like the standard Prius, the Prime has a extremely low drag coefficient figure of just 0.24 Cd – expected to be the lowest among production cars – aided by features such as an automatic grille shutter and a double bubble rear windscreen unique to the Prime.

There are even more changes inside, including a massive Tesla Model S-style 11.6-inch portrait-format touchscreen. There will also be a suite of Prius Prime apps offered on smartphones that will show vehicle charging status, charge locations, control the air-conditioning and even enable owners to compare eco driving scores with others on social media.

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Other unique features include a four-seat interior with consoles carrying twin cupholders both front and back, along with the world’s first heat pump with gas injection for the S-Flow automatic climate control that enables the car to heat and cool the cabin in electric-only mode, without the engine running. There’s also a new solar roof charging system with a dedicated battery, another world first.

Under the bonnet sits the regular Prius’ 1.8 litre Atkinson-cycle VVT-i engine mated to twin electric motors. Performance figures have not been released just yet, but it is reported that engine outputs could be increased from 97 hp and 142 Nm on the standard hybrid to 105 hp and 147 Nm on the Prime, while the motors could produce as much as 90 hp, up from 71 hp.

The 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery is also twice the capacity as before, enabling the Prime to hit speeds of up to 135 km/h in EV mode, and also delivers a range in EV mode of over 50 km – more than double the current PHEV’s 23 km on the European NEDC cycle. Fuel consumption is also targeted at just 1.4 litres per 100 km, while producing just 32 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • fahim on Mar 24, 2016 at 1:32 am

    LOL no doubt this 2017 Prius model will boom the market all over the world as previous model conquered US market…

    Japan rules!
    Only Japan makers know how to deal with city-car’s petrol efficiency.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 4
  • Really on Mar 24, 2016 at 6:57 am

    This actually looks kinda nice. Well, when you are comparing against the Prius and Mirai, nice is a relative term.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 2
  • Nissan on Mar 24, 2016 at 7:42 am

    Thanks to new technology. This will put those oil and gas company and middle nation including Petronas to change their business strategy plan in future.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 1
    • TechTech on Mar 24, 2016 at 10:09 am

      This not the new tech but old. Just has been implemented on the new generation cars

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 11
  • Ongtk on Mar 24, 2016 at 8:02 am

    Cool and futuristic styling.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 2
  • Fiesher on Mar 24, 2016 at 8:11 am

    now this is innovation

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
  • junkard on Mar 24, 2016 at 8:14 am

    Hideous

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 20
  • mohsin on Mar 24, 2016 at 8:24 am

    impressive!
    please bring back hybrid scheme.
    if not, how much the price if it is considered under EEV scheme?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 0
  • mohsin on Mar 24, 2016 at 8:27 am

    Please bring back the hybrid scheme with reduction of 50% of Tax (excise & duty)
    otherwise, how much the price if it is under EEV scheme?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 0
  • Jonn Dol on Mar 24, 2016 at 9:32 am

    Design-wise, it’s a huge improvement over the standard Prius.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • the colour looks abit awkward lol

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
  • Why so ugly wan? The styling is totally out of order. Dear Toyota – pls try to pinjam our engineers & designers from Proton who designed the Iriz. At least our designers know how to put together a decent looking car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 15
  • ok la….better than the standard model which makes me puke every time i see it…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 9
  • Black Dog on Mar 24, 2016 at 11:12 am

    Beautiful and functional. I’m lovin’ it!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • What? on Mar 24, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    Don’t think will come here in bolehland,so same lorrr just sell avanza till year 2020

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Comolot on Mar 24, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    Rear design is much much nicer than previous model. i’ll have it in my wishlist for 2017

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • swoosh3553 on Mar 24, 2016 at 2:22 pm

    Wow… 1.4litres only per every 100km. That is like less than 5 litre petrol to travel from KL to Taiping (330km). Journey cost less than RM8!! Naik moto more expensive man. However, every savings will be spent all for toll (and imminent hike that is brewing in the useless ministry)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 2
  • Kimchi cars hater on Mar 25, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    Very less fuel consumption….i like it….although it wasn’t so powerful…..its still nice to drive it….fun and relax

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Michael on Feb 02, 2017 at 11:45 am

    Weird, can’t find any info on Prius on Toyota Msia website toyota.com.my. Still selling in Msia? 2nd hand can see from 2014 and older only. 1.4l/100km = 71km/l, at 45liter tank size = 3200km per full tank. Sure boh.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Robert Foo on Oct 03, 2018 at 11:22 am

    When Toyota is bringing Prime to Malaysian market ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

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