Those characteristics of the Toyota Prius. Toyota Prius hybrid: specifications, where to buy and price in Russia

With the introduction of the new generation Hybrid Synergy Drive, Toyota continues to revolutionize the automotive industry. Precise control, powerful acceleration dynamics, the best aero dynamic characteristics and fuel consumption figures are Toyota Prius hybrid.

In the comfortable and spacious cabin of the Toyota Prius, which, thanks to two electric motors, can move exclusively on electric traction in Electric Vehicle mode, you can enjoy the latest technical innovations, which are easy to use thanks to touch controls and thoughtful design.

The new Prius has it all: space, style, fuel economy, plus hybrid unique drive Hybrid Synergy Drive. For more than a hundred years they have been talking about the end of the era of internal combustion engines. For more than a decade, experts have been struggling to create electric cars with decent operational characteristics. It seems that very soon under the hoods of the Toyota Prius there will be electric motors that will make drivers forget about refueling. However, the victorious march of such cars around the world has not yet begun.

Toyota decided not to wait for it, offering back in 1997 serial technology of mutual assistance of electric and gasoline engines. best representative The right decision of the company is the automobile hybrid Toyota Prius. An expensive car, but ... allowing you to save decently on fuel.

In our country Toyota car Prius third generation has been available since spring 2010.

Our drivers were lucky that they did not witness the "childish" illnesses of the first models, and Toyota Prius is a perfect product in which all the little things have been worked out.

Toyota Prius is the pinnacle of technological progress. It contains all the most advanced options that exist for cars of this class: a rear-view camera and LED headlights, navigation and climate control, parking assistance and touchscreen , start "with a button" and keyless entry, but most importantly - an "advanced" hybrid system, which allows you to achieve phenomenal results in economy.

Exterior

The design of the Toyota Prius is impeccable. The streamlined body shape is optimized for fuel economy and better dynamics. In the D-class to which the car belongs, it has the best indicator of aerodynamic resistance is 0.25 Cx.

Passengers and the driver have plenty of headroom thanks to the high roofline. Toyota Prius is equipped with a state-of-the-art Head-Up Display projector projecting onto windshield instrument readings. The driver can, without looking up from the road, observe speed indicators, information about the operation of the hybrid system, and navigation information. Thanks to Eco Drive Monitor system, the screen displays information about the distribution of energy flows, current fuel consumption and its remaining, which helps the driver to understand how effectively he manages his Prius, and improve his skills, if necessary. The smooth lines of the Toyota Prius are perfectly combined with modern aggressive ideas, for example, with elegant LED headlights. The spacious interior is also due to clear lines, competent spatial layout.

remote system

Fuel efficiency can be monitored on the display panel, which is part of the Eco Drive Monitor. Thanks to the clarity of the image, the driver sees how environmentally he works with the pedals.

For the first time in the world, the Toyota Prius is equipped with Touch Tracer Display allowing remote control of various systems. Using the buttons located on the steering wheel, while driving, without removing your hands from the steering wheel, you can get information about the status of various Prius systems, adjust the air conditioning system, control the acoustics in the cabin, etc. When you touch these buttons, the graphical menu is duplicated on the screen monitor.

Acoustic system

Sound reproduction is beyond praise. In the complete set of Sol, the acoustic system includes: a radio receiver, a player WMA and mp3 format, 6 speakers, of which two are high-frequency. The Premium package includes a CD player that can load up to two discs in one slot and eight speakers. The system supports voice control and is also equipped with an on-board Bluetooth communication system. Both systems have a low-frequency input where external devices are connected. Rendered on steering wheel speaker control buttons are part of the Touch Tracer Display.

Interior

In a modern calm Toyota interior Prius uses the latest technology and natural textures. Basically all devices are touch-controlled, which makes driving a Prius fun, safe and easy. To reduce emissions into the atmosphere, many parts, including the instrument panel, are made from reusable raw materials. Interior trim plastic specially designed for Toyota Prius. It is based on exclusively ecological ones - from oil and vegetable raw materials. The developers did not save on security either: seven airbags.

The center console is very avant-garde. She seems to be floating in the air. Seats - leather, but there is no clear lateral fixation, and the short pillow does not please. But you can envy rear passengers: there is a lot of space, the floor is without a tunnel, there is plenty of space above your head. Under the center console there is a niche for storing things: napkins, maps, sunglasses, etc. - everything that should be close at hand on a trip. In addition, the cabin has plenty of storage boxes and a roomy rear trunk.

The hybrid Toyota Prius is ideal for family trips, daily city trips and business trips. The interior of the pleasant and agile Toyota is spacious and comfortable.

Riding modes

In addition to the normal mode, the car has additional: "Eco" ("Economy"), "EV" ("Electric Vehicle"), "Pover" ("Sport"). Almost two kilometers allows you to drive on electric traction mode "Electric car". This is not in any other hybrid! When the "Economy" mode is selected, fuel is saved due to the fact that the Toyota Prius responds very smoothly to pressing the gas pedal. Finally, the "Pover" mode means that both engines (electric and petrol) are running, making the ride dynamic.

The quick response and smoothness of the Toyota Prius, which is made possible by a CVT, or continuously variable transmission, makes driving a real pleasure. Without taking into account fuel economy, it can be argued that this unit provides an effective interaction between electrical and gasoline engine, thanks to which the adjustment is extremely smooth. gear ratio, as well as overclocking.

Trunk

Toyota Prius is spacious. Enough space for everything! With the backs of the rear row seats raised, its volume is equal to 445 liters. If the backrests are folded, this figure increases to 1120 liters. Everything seems to be provided for by the designers, even a belt with a hook, which allows you to securely fix luggage in the trunk.

hybrid drive

The heart of the Prius hybrid is the company's signature hybrid powertrain, the HSD. When driving, petrol 1.8 can be used alternately or simultaneously liter engine and two electric motors. The main difference between this hybrid and others modern machines is the possibility of movement and exclusively on electric traction. The maximum speed of Toyota, developed in this mode, is 45 kilometers per hour. What is the second one for? Electrical engine? It acts as a generator that charges the battery. From a place, Toyota moves exclusively with the help of an electric motor, which means that the Stop-Start function further saves fuel.

Thanks to the combined use of engines, the fuel consumption of the Prius by one hundred kilometers is equal to only 3.9 liters, the noise from the running engine is minimal, and the CO2 in the exhaust gas barely reaches 89 g/km. Power total hybrid installation - 139 HP makes driving fun.

Toyota Prius is recognized as the most dynamic hybrid of our time. It is stable on the roads, easy to drive, demonstrates amazing dynamics, even at high speeds, and is silent.

Specifications

Dimensions Toyota Prius: length - 4460mm, wheelbase - 2700 mm. power unit a car with a power of 136 hp provides acceleration to “hundreds” in 10.4 seconds, which is not bad even for an ordinary car. Already traditionally for Toyota, the Pruis has shifted the suspension into the comfort zone. Toyota copes well with coating defects, and only a little annoys the plastic creaking in the cabin. Toyota does not need to be recharged from the outlet, because full charge can be obtained for a few good braking.

Price

Conclusion

A comfortable progressive Prius that can go fast like a gas car or economical like an electric car.

Toyota Prius is a car from a popular brand in the world, featuring a hybrid engine, reliability and an increased level of comfort. Transport is assembled at the largest factories in China and Japan.

The Prius is economical, almost does not pollute the atmosphere (corresponds to the Euro-5 class), reliable and comfortable. In addition, he does not have idle move which distinguishes the model from its competitors.

Models of Toyota Prius

The release of Toyota Prius started in 1997. The main models include:

1. NHW10 - first generation (Prius-1). This model was only sold on automotive market Japan. Year of release (1997-2000).
2. NHW11 - rebranded first generation (Prius-1.1). The start of sales started in 2000 and continued for the next three years.
3. NHW20 - second generation (Prius-2). In 2003 appeared on the market a new version Toyota Prius, which kept on the conveyor until 2011.
4. ZVW30 - third generation (Prius-3). Released in 2009.
5. ZVW35 - third generation (Prius-3 PHV) The model was put on the conveyor in 2012 and is produced until today.
6. ZVW40 and ZVW41 - third generation (restyling). Release start - 2011. The difference between the two mentioned options is in the number of seats. In the first case, this is a 7-seater, and in the second, a 5-seater station wagon.
7. Toyota Prius 4 generation - debuted in September 2015. Pro this car there is still little complete information, so we will tell about it a little later.

Features and Specifications

Toyota Prius is a popular "hybrid" in wide circles. As mentioned above, the release of the car was launched in 1997.

1. First NHW10/11 models.

It had an electric motor with a power of 30 kW and a battery with a capacity of 6 Ah. The gasoline engine boasted a volume of one and a half liters and a power of 58 hp. The car accelerated to “hundreds” in 15.5 seconds.

The principle of operation of the hybrid is as follows:

1. The petrol engine runs only on the battery charge, and the electric motor is responsible for the movement vehicle(sequential mode of operation);
2. Any of the motors (gasoline or electric) is responsible for the movement of the car. This type of control is considered optimal.

2. Second model NHW20.

Belong to the second generation. Works on a similar principle. The power part of the car is called Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. It consists of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 76 hp. and an electric motor with a power of 68 hp.

The total power is 116 "horses".

The main achievement of the new model was the minimum harmfulness. Combined CO2 emissions were only 104 g/km.

The efficiency of the car deserves special attention. The average fuel consumption in the city is 8 liters, and when driving on the highway - 5.5 liters.

The new Hybrid Sinergy Drive has the following operating modes:

• The start of movement is made by an electric motor powered by a battery. After picking up speed, the gasoline engine is connected to work, and the electric motor goes into standby mode;
• In the case of active acceleration, the two types of motor work together to achieve maximum power;
• Uniform movement is characterized by the active operation of the electric motor. In this case, the petrol engine is switched off. If the battery charge level drops below the acceptable level, then the computer starts the motor to make up for the lost capacity.

A feature of the Prius II is the saturation of electronics, such as ABS, VSC and EBD, as well as the presence of an economical electric drive that powers the car's air conditioning.

The body of the car has also changed, which has turned from a classic sedan into a hatchback.

In spite of external changes, transport did not impress buyers. The manufacturer, when creating the second version, was no longer chasing beauty.

The task was to make the trip as comfortable as possible for the driver and passenger.

The salon is spacious and has a unique style. The instrument panel is well thought out. The LCD monitor of the onboard computer is installed in the central part.

A diagonal of 14.5 centimeters is enough to see the information on the screen even with poor eyesight.

Basic information conveyed on-board computer- fuel consumption, power distribution between the battery, wheels and engine, fuel balance and more. The information is updated every five minutes.

3. Prius-3 (ZVW30/35).

Appeared in 2009. It was this generation of the car that provided the model with worldwide recognition.

The new car has become longer and wider (by 1.5 and 2.0 centimeters, respectively). As for the length of the wheelbase and the height of the body part, they remained unchanged.

changed and appearance car. Now the rear and front lights seem to have united with each other, thanks to the seemingly insignificant, but harmoniously looking stripes on the sides of the body.

An important feature for passengers was the shift of the highest point of the body to the central part of the cabin. Now, even with a height of 1.7 meters and above, you can feel comfortable and not be afraid to hit your head. The passenger and driver seats have become thinner by three centimeters, there is room for the knees.

Changed position and gearshift knob. With dashboard, where it was previously, the handle was moved to a raised center console.

Buyers have the opportunity to choose the diameter of the wheels - between 15 and 17 inches.

In the third version of the Toyota Prius, small protrusions appeared to provide better control of the vehicle's airflow. In comparison with the second version, the air resistance coefficient has decreased by 0.01 (from 0.25 to 0.24).

The power part of the car also experienced serious changes. Instead of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, a 1.8-liter engine with a power of 99 horsepower.

The decision to increase the volume of the engine was caused by the desire of developers to reduce fuel consumption when driving at high speeds.

The total power during the operation of the electric and gasoline engine is 136 horsepower. The car accelerates to “hundreds” in 10.4 seconds.

A planetary gearbox appeared in the electric motor, supplemented by a heat recovery system, as well as an oil pump.

Additional modes of operation have also been added. So, instead of one "EV Mode", when the car was driven only by electric traction, two more options appeared:

• "Power Mode" - a mode designed for traveling at high speeds;
• "ECO Mode" is an economical option designed for reduced consumption of the fuel mixture.

In normal mode, fuel consumption averages 4 liters per hundred. When switching to the eco-variant, it is reduced to 1.75 liters.

4. Restyled Prius-3 (ZVW40 and ZVW41).

In 2011, the world saw a new restyled version of the already beloved third Prius.

The designers did not make changes to the power unit, focusing on the appearance and interior of the car.

So, LED sections appeared in the head optics, the air intake hole increased, the interior trim changed (the quality of the material used improved).

A number of devices have changed location on the dashboard. The Japanese paid more attention to soundproofing.

The suspension, which has become stiffer, has also undergone structural changes.

The power unit remained unchanged - the same 1.8-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor for 82 "horses".

Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 3.9 liters per "hundred". Besides, new model"learned" to ride only on electric traction.

Reviews from Toyota Prius owners

The best indicator of quality, reliability and recognition of a car - reviews real owners. To make things fair, below are both positive and negative reviews.

Positive reviews.

1. Viktor Semenov, 46 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.5 l, automatic transmission, 2008, mileage - 110 thousand kilometers.

“I have been the proud owner of a Toyota Prius for eight years now. During the operation, the car was not seriously repaired.

The main job was to change the oil and filter elements. A year earlier, we bought a Toyota Prius and my son, so he managed to run over 200 thousand kilometers all the time.

All that was done on the car — oil change, candles and filters. There are no complaints about either of the two cars.

After several kilometers behind the wheel of a car, you don’t even want to consider other options.

The machine is economical, pulls well at any speed, reliable in operation.

Of the additional options, it is worth noting the rear-view camera, which has repeatedly saved from collisions.

2. Yuri Skorikov, 47 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.5 l, automatic transmission, 2009, mileage - 115 thousand kilometers.

“I bought the car in 2012. During the time that I have a car, I managed to hit 60 thousand kilometers. No complaints about transport.

During the operation had to make a running diagnostics and change the oil. If there were problems, they were fixed personally.

Once almost burned the inverter. When replacing the battery, my son managed to mix up the polarity, after which an error popped up on the dashboard.

The service said that the car is worthy of respect, because the inverter survived and did not burn out.

I think that the main advantages of the car are reliability, high quality of the engine and running gear, as well as economy.”

3. Evgeny Petrenko, 49 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.8 l, automatic transmission, 2010 onwards, mileage - 90 thousand kilometers.

“The experience of owning different cars is minimal. Before the Toyota Prius, there were only two cars - Hondas of 2004 and 2006 of release.

When choosing a car, I paid attention to the following criteria - efficiency, reliability and maintenance costs.

Friends advised me to buy a Toyota Prius, and as it turned out, not in vain. The car turned out to be easy to drive, economical, stable on the road. The design deserves special attention, which caused not fake envy among others.

I bought the car already from hand, so many alterations have already been completed.

So, the ground clearance turned out to be raised to 20 cm, excellent acoustics with ten speakers were installed, high-quality ones were made on the doors. In general, not a car, but a music center on wheels.

There are no complaints during the operation. The car is economical, unpretentious in operation, there is a roomy trunk.”

4. Gennady Rastorguev, 38 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.5 l, automatic transmission, 2007, mileage - 160 thousand kilometers.

“I bought the car in 2012. The year of manufacture of the purchased Toyota Prius is 2007. The car is made in the USA, which only adds “whists”.

During the operation, I had to change oils, working fluids and make diagnostics of the main systems (more for complacency).

Drove all the time 95 thousand kilometers. The car showed its best side, was unpretentious and did not break down on the road. This is primarily due to the timely replacement technical fluids what I wish for you. Do not forget about the filters (they also need to be changed on time).

After 30 thousand kilometers, I had to change the candles (the engine started).

Real consumption fuel struck to the core. At a speed of 80-90 kilometers per hour, the car showed a result of 2.8 liters per "hundred". Starting the engine in cold weather does not cause problems.

Of the main advantages, it is worth noting reliability, comfort, self-confidence on the road and ease of maintenance.

If you understand the mechanics and electrical parts, then there will be no problems with the car at all.

negative feedback.

1. Gennady Ivanov, 35 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.8 l, automatic transmission, 2010 release, mileage - 130 thousand kilometers.

“Previously, I gave preference only to foreign cars, but I wanted to change the car to some kind of “hybrid” in order to save on fuel. Bought a Toyota Prius in 2010.

At first, there were no complaints about the car, and after each MOT, an engine error began to light up. The masters at the service station explained that the reason was the filling of low-quality fuel, although he tried to pour only expensive fuel.

After a year of operation, fuel consumption jumped - 5.0 to 6.0 liters per "hundred". A year later, the car began to “eat” and did 7.5-8.0 liters.

Recently, the battery failed, and an inscription appeared on the dashboard demanding to check the hybrid system.

When buying, they assured that the power source is eternal, but in practice everything turned out to be not so rosy. The service itself is disgusting - they repair for a long time, you wait for parts for months, and the quality leaves much to be desired.

2. Rodin Osadchy, 33 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.5 l, automatic transmission, 1998 release, mileage - 330 thousand kilometers.

“The car was reliable and unpretentious for the first three years of operation, but after replacing the battery, constant problems began.

First, the elements of the power source flew out one by one, then there were problems with the inverter, then with the hybrid installation. In the end, I had to disassemble and sell everything for parts.

3. Diana Ivanova, 26 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.5 l, automatic transmission, 2008 onwards, mileage - 60 thousand kilometers.

“When buying a car, I thought that I would get high-quality transport that would provide comfortable warmth in winter. It turned out that it is warmer in Zhiguli than in Toyota.

Causes criticism and handling of the car. On a bad road, the car strives to be demolished to the side of the road. I had to sell the car after 2 years of operation.

4. Nikolai Lunev, 36 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.8 l, automatic transmission, 2011 onwards, mileage - 40 thousand kilometers.

“In principle, the car is not bad, but the low ground clearance upset me. When traveling to the country, I constantly strike the bottom even when driving the wheel into relatively small pits.

5. Stanislav Gaidashenko, 38 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.5 l, automatic transmission, 2009 onwards, mileage - 40 thousand kilometers.

“The main disadvantage for me was the price. I wanted to buy a hybrid, so I had to get into serious debt. It turned out that the car is not so good.

Noise isolation is not enough, the steering wheel is not informative, there is no fixation of the lever.

If accidentally hurt, you can turn on the neutral gear. The interior is made of cheap plastic, which began to creak almost immediately after the start of operation.

At normal speed (more than “hundreds”), fuel consumption is not so small - almost 7 liters per hundred kilometers.

The battery discharge is fast. To save fuel normally, you should stick to a speed of 70 km / h.

Results

Toyota Prius is a reliable, comfortable and economical vehicle. The main thing during operation is to change consumables in time, monitor the condition of the battery and periodically go to diagnostics in order to fix problems at an early stage.

If you do not start the malfunction, then serious problems will not be in operation. An important point is the quality of the fuel.

Toyota Prius is whimsical to fuel, so it is worth refueling at proven gas stations.

In 2012, Toyota released updated version hybrid Toyota Prius, designed to replace the previous generation of the car.
As befits new versions, the car received several updates. Along with minor changes in appearance, the level of equipment and interior trim has changed. The Toyota Prius has improved aerodynamic performance, sharper steering, changed driving performance. However, let's look at everything in order.

General impression

2012 Toyota Prius Hybrid dashboard © pressroom.toyota.com

The third generation Toyota Prius received some updates. And if the individual elements of the changes are barely perceptible, then some are very obvious and literally catch the eye.
For example, already base model has a serious package, which includes Bluetooth, touch interface electronic systems, wireless internet connection. In addition, the package of additional options has significantly expanded.

Note the economy of the third Toyota generations Prius Hybrid. Surprisingly, fuel consumption figures are on par with many plug-in hybrids, which by definition should be more economical. Thus, in 2012, the Toyota Prius set a certain savings record for cars with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

Finish quality and functionality

Interior Toyota Prius Hybrid 2012 © pressroom.toyota.com

Launched in 2012, the Toyota Prius Hybrid was available in four trim levels.
Standard equipment included 15" alloy wheels, heated mirrors, keyless ignition, climate control, cruise control, multifunctional steering wheel, stereo system, full power accessories. Improved the possibility of transforming the cabin.
The quality of the interior trim was very acceptable, the only thing that caused criticism was the use of too hard plastic on the dashboard and trim elements. It made the interior of the car look cheap, both visually and tactilely. This feeling did not disappear, even despite the rich equipment and a lot of innovations in the car's interior.

You can point to another disadvantage of Toyota Prius Hybrid - extraneous noise in the cabin. Soundproofing is frankly weak, due to which the hard plastic in the car began to vibrate over time, even when driving was not too dynamic.
In advanced trim levels, the car added functionality. The most popular was the version where, in addition to basic parameters, a set of solar panels and a sunroof were installed. Their use reduced the load on the air conditioning system, autonomously maintaining a cool temperature in the cabin.

Solar panels on the roof of Toyota Prius Hybrid 2012 © pressroom.toyota.com

Performance

The Toyota Prius Hybrid is powered by a working tandem of a 4-cylinder, 1.8-liter gasoline engine and a pair of electric motors / generators. Their total power is 136 hp. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds, which is average for a hybrid car. What pleased me was the fuel consumption, which was about 3.9 liters per 100 km. Thanks to such indicators, the purchase of a car was profitable in terms of saving money with subsequent self-sufficiency.

Hybrid Toyota engine Prius Hybrid 2012 © pressroom.toyota.com

Driving the Prius Hybrid

The driving dynamics of the Toyota Prius Hybrid are far from sporty and aggressive. The car is designed for a calm, self-confident driver who needs a comfortable and economical vehicle for every day, with well-defined functionality.

Driving capabilities of Toyota Prius Hybrid are presented in four modes:

1. Normal - standard control mode.
2. Eco - economical mode.
3. Power - for active driving on the track or for climbing uphill.
4. EV - a mode that blocks the operation of a gasoline engine, but only with acceleration up to 25 km / h.

The car demonstrates its best driving characteristics in the city. The electric steering is not too informative and very light, it is unusual on the track, but it is very convenient when driving in and out of parking lots. The ergonomic suspension of the car minimizes the feeling of unevenness on the roads, which is why the ride on the Toyota Prius Hybrid is very soft, one might say “drowsy”.

Toyota Prius Safety

Each Toyota model The 2012 Prius Hybrid comes standard with anti-lock brakes, exchange rate stability, traction control, front, side and curtain airbags. More expensive trims are equipped with the Toyota Prius Safety Connect collision avoidance and emergency communication system.
The braking distance of the Toyota Prius Hybrid from a speed of 100 kph is 35 meters. This is a very decent indicator for a car with its dimensions and aerodynamic characteristics.

Advantages:

• improved equipment of the base model;
• significantly reduced fuel consumption;
• the car is available in several trim levels;
• comfortable suspension;
• maintained a high level of safety.

Disadvantages:

• lack of dynamics;
• low sound insulation;
• trim the instrument panel with cheap plastic.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, signed in 1997, many countries have taken responsibility for reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Given the fact that Japan was one of the initiators of this protocol, many major Japanese companies launched a number of projects designed to reduce emissions. Toyota Motor was one of the companies - back in 1992, the Earth Charter was presented here, later supplemented by the Environmental Action Plan.

These two documents determined one of the most priority areas of the company's activity today - the development of new environmentally friendly technologies. As part of this program, several variants of power plants were developed, including a hybrid power plant that appeared in 1997 on Toyota Prius Hybrid cars.

Development of a car with a hybrid power plant started back in 1994. The main task for the engineers was to create an electric motor and power sources that could, if not replace, then at least effectively supplement the main engine. internal combustion.

Toyota engineers, by their own admission, tested over a hundred variants of various schemes and layouts, which made it possible to create a truly effective scheme called the Toyota Hybrid System. Eventually, after bringing the system to a fully working model, it was installed on the Toyota Prius Hybrid (model NHW10), which became the company's first hybrid car.

The THS system is a combined powertrain consisting of an internal combustion engine, two electric motors and an HSD continuously variable transmission. The 1500 cm3 1NZ-FXE gasoline engine is capable of developing 58 hp, and the total power of the electric motors is 30 kW. Electric motors use the energy stored in high-voltage batteries with a reserve of 1.73 kWh.

The main feature of the power plant was that the electric motors could also work as a generator - when driving on a gasoline engine, as well as during regenerative braking, they charged the battery and allowed it to be used again after a while. The engine itself worked according to the Atkinson principle, due to which the average fuel consumption in the city ranged from 5.1 to 5.5 l / 100 km.

The electric motor could operate both separately from the main engine and in synergistic mode, allowing faster acceleration to more economical transmission. All this has reduced the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere to about 120 g / km - for comparison, the hybrid hypercar Ferrari LaFerrari emits 330 g / km into the atmosphere.

Despite its merits and efficiency, the Toyota Prius Hybrid was met rather coolly - an unusual power plant affected, which was not powerful enough even for a quiet ride of a car weighing over 1200 kg.

Therefore, in 2000, the power plant was finalized in the NHW11 version - the power of the gasoline engine was increased from 58 to 72 hp, and the power of the electric motor was increased from 30 to 33 kW. Also, due to minor changes in the energy storage system, the capacity of the VVB has increased to 1.79 kWh.

Second generation NHW20 (2003-2009)

Introduced in 2003, the Toyota Prius hybrid model was significantly different from its predecessor. First of all, the hybrid received a five-door hatchback body - this body was more popular among 72% of potential car buyers than a sedan.

The second significant change was the modified THS II power plant. All the same one and a half liter 1NZ-FXE gasoline engine was boosted to 76 hp, but the power of the electric motor was increased to 50 kW. This made it possible not only to increase top speed hybrid from 160 to 180 km / h on a gasoline engine and from 40 to 60 km / h on an electric motor, but also to reduce the acceleration time to 100 km / h by almost one and a half times.

The use of an inverter is fundamental new design made it possible to reduce the mass of batteries from 57 to 45 kg and reduce the number of cells. The stored energy reserve decreased from to 1.31 kWh, but since the new type inverter allowed more efficient conversion of regenerative energy, the range on batteries increased compared to the first generation Prius, and the battery charging rate increased by 14%. We also managed to reduce fuel consumption to 4.3 l / 100 km, and carbon monoxide emissions up to 104 g/km.

Third generation ZVW30 (2009-2016)

Despite the clear commercial success, Toyota engineers continued to improve the model in order to increase its autonomy using environmentally friendly energy sources and further reduce emissions. Based on the THS system, a fundamentally new series-parallel hybrid drive Hybrid Synergy Drive was developed, operating on the same principle, but with a number of major innovations.

First of all, instead of the exhausted increase in the power of the 1NZ-FXE engine, the 2ZR-FXE engine with a volume of 1800 cm3 was installed, developing a power of 99 hp. The power of the electric motor was increased to 60 kW, and its size was reduced due to the use of a planetary gear. The regenerative system has been improved to improve efficiency and speed up charging times. Despite the increased curb weight to almost 1500 kg, the dynamic performance has only improved thanks to a more powerful engine.

The use of a new hybrid drive has made it possible not only to increase the dynamic characteristics of the car, but also to make it more economical. According to Toyota engineers, the combined consumption is 3.6 l / 100 km - these are passport data.

Naturally, in real conditions this figure is higher, but according to the owners, on average it does not exceed 4.2-4.5 l / 100 km, against almost 5.5 l / 100 for the second generation Prius.

Another innovation is a roof-mounted 130W solar panel used to power the climate control system.

In 2012, the model underwent modernization, during which the autonomy of the electric hybrid was significantly increased. New rechargeable batteries, and their capacity is increased by almost 3 times - 21.5 Ah versus 6.5 and stored energy of 4.4 kWh versus 1.31. Such a charge allows the hybrid to drive on an electric motor 1.5 km at a maximum speed of 100 km/h or 20 km at a speed of 40 km/h. At the same time, the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere is only 49 g / km.

Fourth generation (2016)

In the fall of 2015, Toyota presented a new generation of Prius Hybrid at the Las Vegas Auto Show. The car is based on a completely new platform and is radically different with its aggressive and interesting design, hinting at a more sporty character.

This is true - according to the chief engineer of the Prius project, Kouzdi Toyoshima, when developing the design, the hybrid was given sporty features, as it became much faster and more dynamic than its predecessors.

The power plant Hybrid Synergy Drive remained virtually unchanged. But thanks to the use of more advanced materials, increased torque of the electric motor and a new electromechanical variator, it was possible to increase the maximum speed of the car. Also in mid-2016, the first all-wheel drive version of the hybrid will appear, with rear axle additional electric motor with a power of 7.3 kW.

With newly designed high-voltage batteries, the hybrid travels more than 50 km on electric power, and an advanced charging system reduces the time for a full charge to 90 minutes and allows you to reach a 60% charge in just 15 minutes.

To date, Toyota has sold more than 3.5 million of its Prius vehicles. Deservedly considered the most popular hybrid in the world, this model demonstrates with confidence that the future belongs to cars with a hybrid and electric powertrain that reduce the harmful impact on the environment.

Video

In conclusion, a video review of the latest version.

Toyota Prius V- a compact station wagon from the line of the world's most popular hybrids. The car appeared in 2011 under the name Toyota Prius Alpha Hybrid on the roads of Japan, where it quickly became a real hit. A little later, the car appeared in the US and Europe under the more familiar Prius V model code.

Appearance Toyota Prius Alpha

The appearance of the hybrid differs slightly from the general configuration of the Toyota Prius. The exterior strictly adheres to the image of the main model, so the main difference between the cars is the parameters, since a comfortable station wagon requires completely different dimensions than a classic hatchback.

Body

A short history of Toyota Prius Alpha has only one generation with restyling. The first version is distinguished by a somewhat angular body, inherited from the classic hatchback. The front of the car is distinguished by headlights pointed towards the center and a small radiator grille, divided into 2 parts by a chrome strip. The front bumper is equipped with a stylish air intake strip, along the edges of which neat fog lights are located.

The back of the Prius was carried over to the Alpha not too well. A straight trunk with a bend just under the window has a format that is quite familiar to a station wagon, however, the rear lights that “spread out” on the side panels darken the appearance of the car. Somewhat levels this shortcoming stylish spoiler, which is a smooth continuation of the roof of the car. In addition, on the positive side, it is worth noting the design of the side windows, which, thanks to the neat bend of the body, look very attractive.

Restyled generation in terms of the exterior, it has taken a huge step forward: comparing photos of the Prius Alpha of two generations, some motorists literally do not recognize the familiar outlines of the hybrid. The front of the car has become more sporty and at the same time smoother. The bonnet was less angular, the wavy pattern of the front headlights, directed towards the center, made the “look” of the car more aggressive. The radiator grille lost its dividing strip, and the bumper received a zone with an air intake highlighted in dark blue.

Toyota designers decided not to change the shape of the headlights, but their angles were made smooth, and the size of the lights itself decreased, which made it possible to take the eyes of motorists away from this part. A successful spoiler remained in its place, but rear bumper became visually smaller thanks to the extended bottom protection, highlighted with black plastic.

Options

Despite visual changes, the body dimensions of the Toyota Prius Alpha in both versions remained the same. The length of the vehicle was 4.615 m, width - 1.775 m, and height - 1.575 m. The wheelbase turned out to be quite long (2.78 m), and the parameters of the front and rear axles turned out to be almost identical (1.54 m and 1.545 m, respectively). Ground clearance- one of the main disadvantages of the Prius V for the Russian buyer. 145 mm ground clearance in the regions will be too small, so most often the car is found in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad and Vladivostok.

Prius Alpha wheels have a standard diagonal of 16 inches. In more expensive trim levels, 17 and 18-inch wheels are available. At the same time, wheels for a classic hatchback will not work, because they have different load indices and drilling.

Options Toyota Prius Alpha

There are 2 basic configurations of the Toyota Prius Alpha. They are codenamed " S" and " G". In terms of the level of equipment and equipment of the car, these versions are largely similar, however, there are enough different parameters in both variations of the hybrid.

Salon

The interior space of the Toyota Prius V is a combination of ergonomics and style. The salon, despite its apparent simplicity, is equipped with serious functionality, thanks to which every trip brings maximum positive emotions. The front panel is notable immediately for 2 moments. Firstly, its central part is equipped with a high-quality multimedia system with a 7-inch VGA display, DVD, USB and AUX connectors, as well as an audio system with 6 speakers and an 8-channel amplifier.

The second notable detail of the front panel catches the eye almost immediately when looking at any photo of the Prius Alfa interior. We are talking about the dashboard, which has been moved from the usual place behind the wheel to the center above the multimedia system. In addition, there are no classic dials on it. Instead of them, there are digital designations of all parameters.

The salon is designed by default for 5 seats, but due to the trunk it expands to 7 seats. The seats of the car are covered with high-quality fabric, thanks to which each passenger feels comfortable. Eco-leather upholstery is available as an option. The default trunk volume is 232 liters. The rear row of seats folds in a ratio of 3:2, due to which the luggage compartment increases to 1750 liters. As additional option a special Prius Alpha trunk shelf is available, which allows you to store things in two rows.

Equipment options

As mentioned above, the manufacturer has provided two basic configurations. In the Prius Alpha, the S package provides a fairly rich set of options:

• windshield with UV protection and sound insulation;
• EBD with ABS and Brake Assist;
• vehicle approach warning system;
• a set of airbags for the driver, passengers of the first and second row, including side ones;
• anchorages for ISOFIX child seats;
• steering wheel heating rear window, the first two rows of seats;
• Smart Key function for the driver's door;
• front seat adjustment;
• LED backlight;
• auto air conditioning system;
• rear seat ventilation;
• immobilizer.

The G package is equipped with small but very important additions, for which, if you have the funds, you should definitely purchase this version. Distinctive features improved versions are:

• windshield with protection from UV-better and infrared radiation;
• front door glass protection with water-repellent coating;
• safety system Pre-crash Safety;
• Cruise control;
• leather interior;
• Smart Key function for all doors and trunk;
• velor front pillar;
• parking sensors.

In different countries, other types of trim levels are also available, which are specially designed for the respective region.

Specifications

The Toyota Prius Alpha hybrid engine is the trump card of the car. It is thanks to the unique combination of engine and electric motors that perfectly complement each other that the car has gained incredible popularity around the world and has become the most successful project in the hybrid segment.

Engine

The power plant of the Toyota Prius V is a 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE engine. The main parameters of the unit are as follows:

• net power - 99 hp;
• torque - 142 Nm;
• compression ratio - 13;
• number of cylinders - 4 (4 valves each);
• environmental class - Euro 5.

Prius Alpha fuel consumption averages 4.1 liters per 100 kilometers, and fuel must be used no lower than AI-95.

electric motor

Prius V is equipped with an additional electric motor. Its power is 82 hp. at 206 Nm of torque. The operation of both units in tandem allows the car to produce up to 185 hp. and develop speeds up to 180 km / h. At the same time, the level of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere will not exceed 96 g/km.

Battery

The batteries in the Prius Alpha are different from those in the hatchback. The station wagon is equipped with a compact lithium-ion battery, while the classic Prius uses a nickel-hydrogen battery. Such a replacement was made due to the increased size of the car, which did not allow the use of a large battery. According to the manufacturer, the device is enough for a 17.5 km drive without an engine, but with optimal battery performance, the Prius Alpha is able to travel up to 22-24 km. The most rational solution in this case would be driving at a speed of no more than 70 km / h.

Outcome

It is currently impossible to buy a Toyota Prius Alfa in Russia directly from dealers. This is due to the lack of stations that will allow you to charge the battery during the trip for the operation of electric motors. Used models from Japan and Europe are considered very rare, so the cost of the car will be from 1.5 million rubles.