Toyota prius phev, test with the efficient (singular) plug -in hybrid

The Toyota Prius is a car that should not be removed.This is the first hybrid car manufactured in series, of the person in charge of popularizing that type of technology despite the fact that in 1997 it seemed that it would have come out of the future.Although it must also be said that over time it has had to evolve and adapt.So much so, that Toyota Prius Phev that we test this week has almost nothing to do with the one originally left.

The main reason is that currently in our market only the plug -in hybrid version is available, having removed the conventional hybrid that had previously triumphed so much.The times have changed and it has been seen that the PRI reached its maximum boom a few years ago.The latest generations have been more niche models in which to show their technological deployment, while sales were copied by other more conventional hybrids, mainly crossover.Although that does not mean that this model is not interesting.

Abroad

Aesthetics has always been a controversial point in the Toyota Prius.Since its launch it opted for exotic lines and that moved away from trends.This has made some criticisms be won from the public, although it has also managed to make it a car that does not go unnoticed.This PHEV PRIUS reaches that concept, keeping the sedan -style body that has always accompanied it throughout its generations.

The front is very aerodynamic, with a low position and which flows into a dark gray molding in the center.Replace the grill and go in line with very narrow headlights, with four well -recognizable LED modules.The daytime lights are in vertical disposition and accompanied by the antiniebla, while the bumper adopts a recognizable form.The silhouette is also easy to identify, especially thanks to that Kammback -style roof fall.

15 -inch tires practically go unnoticed, as it is a size we had not seen.On the other hand, the ceiling receives all eyes, not only for those solar panels that we will explain later, but also by how it flows into a moon with a double bubble inspired by Zagato.The rear also takes a peculiar image due to the shape of the rear pilots, which are united by the center.

By dimensions it would be within the medium Berlin segment, although the truth is that it is a difficult car to qualify and very different from the rest.Has a length of 4.645 mm, with a width of 1.760 mm and a small height of 1.470 mm.The wheelbase goes to 2.700 mm, something that will be reflected in its inner space.

Inside

The concept of the interior is also inspired by previous PRIus, completely eliminating that goal of other car to put everything around the driver.Here, in front of the multifunction steering wheel does not appear the typical instrumentation with a screen or with the spheres, if we want that information we will have to move the view to the central part of the dashboard.There appear in high position two tft screens of 4.2 inches that give all the information.

In this peculiar central instrumentation you can see speed or autonomy, in addition to other information such as the consumption and position of the gear lever.That command, by the way, is small and goes in an unusual position below the screen.In this PHEV PHEV the infotainment is handled from the 8 -inch touch screen, which has the Toyota Touch 2 system.

It is not as evolved as those of the latest models, so we will see some somewhat outdated graphics and less precision than on other screens.Luckily we have direct access buttons on its sides and the menus are quite intuitive.Analog air conditioning controls are also maintained, all integrated into the same central area of the dashboard.In the lower part of the central console there is a hole with wireless load for smartphones.

Quality is not the most prominent point of Toyota Prius Phev.The finishes are quite good and it seems that they will last over time.However, there are details that do not have convince.If it is true that the cloth upholstery is fine and that the plastic of the dashboard has a good touch, but the set does not stand out too much.

Nor will habitability do for several reasons.In the front seats there is no problem, because they are wide and we find many holes slide.It is the rear that are limited by the design of the vehicle, offering a head space that is fair and that is due to the roof fall.The leg hole is more achieved, although it will be necessary to keep in mind that the central square is furrowed by an abrupt transmission tunnel that also bothers.

Trunk

With the trunk of the Toyota Prius Phev, it happens to us exactly the same.This version has a battery pack that goes just under the second row of seats and that remains space to this surface.That makes the capacity stay in 354 liters, something below the average of the segment and behind also the 502 liters that the conventional hybrid PRI offered previously.Not to mention the space occupied by recharge cables.

For the rest, the forms of this trunk are quite usable.It also benefits from a double background, which is where the cables should go, but it is very narrow, it would be necessary to be conscientious when folding them.Whenever we need to use all their potential, the rear seats can be reduced in two parts (60:40) to leave us up to 1.360 liters of capacity.

equipment

Toyota Prius Phev can be configured on three different equipment. Ya de serie viene con el Advanced, que tras una dotación completa gracias a llantas de 15 pulgadas, faros LED, Toyota Touch & Go 2 con pantalla de 8 pulgadas, navegación integrada, cámara de visión trasera, climatizador bizona, asientos calefactados y las ayudas a la conducción del Toyota Safety Sense.

One step above would be the plot, a very peculiar finish because the roof with solar panels adds to improve the efficiency of the model.Who wants a more technology and comfort point will have to opt for the Luxury finish, which adds the head-up display, electrical regulation of the seats, wireless load for smartphones, leather upholstery and some additional security systems.

Engine

As we said, after the withdrawal of the conventional hybrid PRI, this Toyota Prius Phev is only in the range with its plug -in hybrid propulsion system.The by a main gasoline engine is from ATKINSON cycle with four cylinders and 1.8 liters to get a 98 hp power.To him are added two small electrical blocks that combine to achieve another 67 kW.To clarify it, the joint power is 122 hp in this specimen, which has as its transmission to the usual CVT of the brand.

And to get the zero label of the DGT, the PHEV PHEV also uses a lithium -lithium ion batteries of 8.8 kWh capacity.Thanks to it, it achieves an electrical autonomy of 45 kilometers and also having ridiculous consumption.Approval 1.3 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 29 g/km.Although that will be with the battery loaded, something that is done at just over two hours at a maximum speed of 3.3 kW or in less than four hours when connected in a conventional shot.

And now comes the million dollar question, what do the solar panels of the roof do?Because that photovoltaic cell what it does is take the energy of the sun to recharge a specific battery of this system.It has a load power of 180 w and is able to use it in two different ways.When it is stopped directly to the main battery to increase its electrical autonomy and when it is in motion (or the other it is loaded) it sends it to the auxiliary to feed electrical systems such as instrumentation or windows.

Behavior

Although the interesting thing comes when we get behind the wheel of this plug -in hybrid so peculiar.It is even when it comes to leaving, because it has a standing brake, something that is no longer practically in any car and that begins the peculiar experience.The next thing that is coming is an absolute silence that already makes it clear that comfort in progress has been the priority during the development of this Toyota Prius Phev.

Because we not only refer to the silence that comes in electric mode, but to the total absence of aerodynamic and rolling noises.In this sense, the forms of the car benefit a lot, we already explain the front of the front or the roof fall.And it has an aerodynamic coefficient of just 0.25 cx, a great figure.Also 15 -inch wheels help in this regard.

And if we talk about the functioning of the PHEV PHEV, the truth is that we consider it intelligent and efficient in equal parts.Energy management is sublime, alternating thermal mechanics with electricity based on needs when we move in Hybrid mode.You could also opt for EV mode to force the use of electric motors as long.

In addition to those three energy management modes, there are also three others for general behavior.These are the usual echo, normal and power;that modify some parameters such as the accelerator or tarado of the address.In any case, the PHEV PHEV feels more comfortable in the first two, because it is not a car that has sports concessions or anything that looks like.

In fact, it shows strange when the maximum juice is drawn to its 122 hp, since the planetary gear CVT transmission is not that it is very refined.This feeling of common slipping appears when it goes back and stays in a fixed regime.The benefits of this specimen go unnoticed, as it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.1 seconds and its maximum speed is 162 km/h, limited to 130 km/h when it circulates in electric mode.

On the contrary, where it stands out is in economics and low consumption.A priori seems quite affordable to reach those 45 kilometers with a battery charge.But when it ends there is also either major problem.It is almost impossible to see it consume more than 5 l/100km, so leaving a hurry when we do not have a hand plug will not leave expensive.In general, if we have access to load it is easy.

At chassis level, Toyota Prius Phev receives a very balanced tuning.The ease of driving and comfort stands out in almost all aspects.The suspension is pulling Blanca, just like the address, which we would ask for a little more information.The same goes for regenerative braking, which seems unnatural and makes it difficult to dose the brake pedal until we get used to it.

Opinion cars.com

The Toyota Prius has always been the efficiency icon par excellence and its plug -in hybrid version does not disappoint.It stands out in its technical section, with a very intelligent propulsion system that is combined with an aerodynamic body to achieve really low consumption.In addition, its high rolling and comforting quality make it a car with which to eliminate day -to -day stress.

Of course, it will be necessary that your peculiar design will not enter the tastes of all or that inside the disposition is also different and the quality something fair.Although the habitability is correct, the trunk could be small for long -time trips.The price enters the expected, starting from 33.900 euros (37.150 euros in the higher finishes) and being able to host the Moves Plan.There are also interesting offers in cars.com, the mobility reference website.

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