Toyota Prius III: On a starvation diet. Toyota Prius - disadvantages and advantages, reviews of Prius owners 3 generations

Despite the fact that it is not the first year that electric vehicles occupy best places on the catwalks of international car shows, they are still far from conquering the markets. Until recently, these developments were spurred on by the rapid rise in oil prices, but today the situation has changed, and without legislative pressure from “green” internal combustion engines, it would have remained the only “heart” of a car for a long time.

According to a recent poll on the site, hybrid cars are the most promising in the near future - 41% of voters think so. The second place is shared by traditional internal combustion engines running on gasoline and diesel fuel (17% of the votes each), and electric vehicles are in third place (12%). Our readers do not consider other types of fuel for internal combustion engines to be promising: liquefied and natural gases, as well as ethanol and its mixtures, gained only 3–5% of the votes.

Today, hybrid cars can be found in many countries of the world - from Europe to the New World and Asia. Top Model- Toyota Prius, in 2005, when the second generation of the model appeared, the Americans bought it up at a rate of one car per hour, and in total today there are more than 1.7 million Prius owners in the world. By 2010, Toyota, the founder of this trend, plans to introduce 10 new hybrid cars to the European market, and by 2020, every Toyota model will be equipped with a hybrid power plant.

However, the hybrid future has already arrived in Russia. Back in 1997, the first petrol-electric Prius appeared on the market of the land of the rising sun (the name is translated as - going ahead). Soon, these cars, along with other Japanese second-hand goods, leaked to the Far East, where they began to master them using the “scientific poke and gaze” method, broke many copies (read - batteries, controllers and electric motors), but tamed the same outlandish car to our climate, and to our roads. Later, hybrid Lexus officially entered the market, but in a completely different status - an expensive and prestigious toy.

And now - the premiere of the third Generation Prius at the Geneva Motor Show, a generation that will officially come to Russia this year for the first time. An economical hybrid car is not cheap today, so we can hardly expect excessive demand, but there is certainly interest - both as a technical novelty and as a product: how long it will last, what it will cost, whether it will be liquid on the market. This review will focus on both the new Prius and the company's hybrid program as a whole.

The basic principle of the new Prius is optimal balance between comfort, driving pleasure and operating costs. It was for the sake of good dynamics that the Japanese did not save on the displacement of the internal combustion engine, increasing it from 1.6 liters (for the previous model) to 1.8 liters. The total power of the hybrid power plant increased to 134 hp (by 22%), and increased torque. At the same time, the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine also fell due to the optimization of settings and the redistribution of the main modes in the range of more low speed. And the total consumption on the combined cycle was 3.9 l/100 km, which corresponds to a record low level of emissions for a D-class car - only 89 g of CO2 per kilometer.

The Prius can run either on electric power or ICE, or using both propulsion. At stops, the internal combustion engine switches off automatically (Start&Stop system). Despite the fundamental similarity of the two generations, 90% of the details of the hybrid installation are designed anew. This is a more compact electric motor with more output (due to increased speed), and new attachments that do not need drive belt: all nodes are driven by electric motors. Let's add to this a more advanced electronic filling of the power plant control unit: its efficiency has become higher, and the cooling of the components is more efficient due to direct washing with antifreeze. Also appeared and the engine heating system due to the heat of the exhaust gases.

The new outlines of the body not only give the model a modern look, but also work to improve aerodynamics: Cx decreased by 0.01 and reached 0.25, noise also decreased. Note that at low speeds, when the internal combustion engine is not working, the car is almost silent, which, by the way, is potentially dangerous for pedestrians who are used to focusing on the noise of the engine.

An interesting option is a solar battery in the roof. Usually, drivers try to leave the car in the shade in the summer so that the sun's rays do not heat up the interior. In the Middle East, limousine chauffeurs often leave the engine on at all to keep the cabin pleasantly cool. The interior of the Prius cools down even when idle engine. Roof-mounted elements power a climate system that keeps the cabin cool even under the scorching sun, and the more sun hits the roof, the more free energy they produce.

World sales of the Prius will start in July, the car will appear in Russia in the fall (see below). By 2010, Toyota expects to sell 60,000 Prius in Europe and 400,000 worldwide. Sales plans in Russia, as well as prices, have not yet been announced.

Exclusive interview with Thierry Dombreval, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Europe:

Suppose you are faced with the task of choosing a keyword to launch an advertising campaign for Toyota. Which of the three would you choose to indicate the main advantage of the brand - reliability, affordability or manufacturability?

Probably none of the three...

Then your choice...

Or rather, a little of everything. Reliability is one of the main components of the image Toyota brands. New technologies are also the basis of our development, this is the direction of hybrids, and safety, and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, which we see on the example of IQ ... Here our positions are very strong. But today the consumer is thinking. And I would single out brand trust as a key point for the consumer in today's situation. And Toyota is very well positioned in the market, buying such a car is a good investment. Therefore, I would note the trust in reliability and Toyota technologies as the basis of our success.

Today, Toyota, like many other automakers, pays a lot of attention to hybrid technologies. You were the first to put this technology on stream. But there is an opinion, shared by car designers, that hybrids are just a temporary compromise, a stage on the way to electric vehicles. For all their advantages, they have many disadvantages. What is your forecast, perhaps the crisis will scare away a significant part of consumers from these expensive and complex cars, and after a while we will immediately enter the era of electricity?

No, I do not think that an electric car can compete with a hybrid today. Its autonomy is limited to 100-120 km, that is, short trips, mainly in the city, while the mileage of a hybrid car depends only on the capacity of its tank, and gasoline is everywhere. At the moment we are working on an electric FTEV concept based on the Toyota IQ, but it will be a pure city car and not a competitor to hybrids. I think that both approaches will coexist for a long time; hybrids will become a mainstream product, and urban electric vehicles will complete the gamut.

But already today there are cars like Tesla that have an autonomy of up to 300 km, and there are "electric gas stations" that can charge the battery in an hour or two, so perhaps it's just a matter of organizing a network of charging stations and the same technology. Perhaps in two or three years there will be a sufficiently capacious battery to cover three hundred kilometers on a single charge. Or do you still think that in the next ten years this will not become a reality?

All these developments cannot yet be called large-scale. Yes, with batteries mobile phones… How long will they last? Three years, no more.

The developers announced seven.

Well, these are just words. And the cost of replacement, you know ...

Yes, it's scary to imagine!

Today we have lithium-ion batteries that are larger and lighter, we have advanced technologies, we imagine the ways of their development and, believe me, it will be many more years before an electric car can travel 300 km.

A prototype Toyota Prius with a Toyota Plug-in HV hybrid power platform combining a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The car received vehicle type approval from the Japanese Ministry of Transportation before being shown at the Paris Motor Show, and after testing on the roads of the USA (California) and Japan, it is likely to go on sale. Main characteristics: dimensions (LxWxH) - 4445x1725x1490 mm, seats - 5, internal combustion engine - 110 Nm at 4000 rpm, 56 kW / 76 hp. at 5000 rpm, electric motor - 400 Nm at 0–1200 rpm, 50 kW/68 hp at 1200-1540 rpm electric autonomy - 10 km, max. electric speed - 100 km / h, battery - nickel-hydride, 13 Ah.

Even a year ago, when oil prices were rising, one could assume that sales of fuel-efficient cars would grow at no less pace. Now oil prices have fallen, as have household incomes. Perhaps the market is shifting to more simple cars, more affordable, and it would be worth thinking about new technologies to create just such cars?

Today, the European car market has lost 30%, but we notice that the preferences of customers in general have not changed. They don't say "I would buy a simpler car", they still want a reliable, comfortable, economical car. This is the approach of most clients. Of course, there are those who are focused on affordability, but, as a rule, they are either unemployed, or those who are afraid of losing their jobs, or those who have faced problems in lending. But again, they are a minority. In addition, the legislation of many European countries, in particular taxes, encourages the choice of a more economical vehicle. Another trend is downsizing, a reduction in the size of the car. Many people realize they don't need big car. But I don't see any radical changes here.

What part of the market, according to your estimates, can hybrid cars occupy in the coming years, in particular, in the Toyota range?

In the next three years, according to our calculations, the share of hybrids in the range of Toyota products may reach 10%.

Lexus today has this figure - 70%.

How do you assess the European market as a whole?

Look, there are practically no other hybrids, only Honda Insight. We hear so many claims, but try to buy a real car! My prediction is a maximum of 2-3% hybrids.

And what are the forecasts for Russia? Lexus hybrids are already well known here, but I would say that they are bought not so much for the sake of technology, but for the sake of image. And what product will become a business card Toyota hybrids? New Prius?

Yes, it will be a Prius. This year we will gradually bring it to Russian market, in limited volumes, since market conditions are unstable (details in an interview with Ruslan Romanyuk, Development Director model range LLC "Toyota Motor" Note. ed.). It will become a link between our high-tech product and consumers who are attracted by new developments, who value technology and care more about the environment than others. In Russia, this approach is not yet very common. But I think the new Prius will change a lot. There are people in Russia who are open to innovation.

Do you plan special programs, discounts for corporate clients? For example, in Spain, Prius work in a taxi ...

No, we haven't discussed these issues yet. It is important for us to first understand how the market will react, not so much in terms of sales, but in terms of interest in the model. This is the first phase. We are not going to push this model by all means, our task is to establish interaction.

On our website, we conducted a survey about the main disadvantages of electric vehicles. 7% noted a long charge, 21% - limited mileage, 30% - a high price, and the majority - 39% - fear the unreliability of equipment in our conditions. What can you say about the reliability of the new Prius? I heard that these cars have already been tested in Russia. Did you have to change something in the design based on the test results?

The main thing that had to be done was to turn on the heated seats as standard equipment. In Western Europe there is no such need. I also had to adapt the suspension, because Russian roads different from European ones. Otherwise, we only stated the normal operation of all systems, including electrics and electronics. Including in cold weather. In addition, in the north of Japan, for example, or in Canada, where the cars were tested, it is also very cold.

But there is not so much salt on the roads.

Salt, chemicals - it's not a problem. All electrics are well protected. We've sold Prius in Canada and Finland, where the roads are also treated with chemicals, and we've had no problems.

How about after-sales service? Are you ready to service and repair Prius in Russia?

When we launched the Prius in Europe, we selected a group of dealers, trained specialists and trusted them to work with this car. Gradually, we expanded this circle, and today all European dealers work with these machines. We are planning the same scheme in Russia.

Do you already have a Prius sales plan in Russia for this year? Ten, one hundred, one thousand?

Yes, there is a plan, but I would not like to announce figures, since the market is very unstable, and making forecasts in these conditions is especially thankless. It's like predicting what the dollar will be against the ruble in three months. I'm almost sure I'm wrong.

Ready to predict, in exchange for your assessment!

- (Laughs.) Not worth it yet, let's wait.

Exclusive Interview with Akihiko Otsuka, Divisional Chief Engineer cars who developed Prius third generations:

Is the third generation Prius an evolution or a revolution? And if a revolution, then in what?

Oh, this is a difficult question! In general, we follow the former concept. On the one hand, the Prius has already established itself well in the market. On the other hand, it is a fashion product of Toyota. Therefore, we do not want to change the concept while maintaining the image. At the same time, we were faced with the task of significantly improving a number of parameters, such as handling, comfort, and functionality of the car.

On the other hand, there are also revolutionary changes. We have redesigned the hybrid powertrain by 90% using new technologies. First, we have improved the internal combustion engine - the most important part of the hybrid power plant (since all the energy for the movement of the car still comes from this engine, which consumes fuel). Today, the 1.6-liter engine has been replaced by a 1.8-liter engine operating on the Atkinson cycle. You may ask why a larger displacement engine is needed? The fact is that it turns out to be more economical with a quiet mode of movement on the highway due to a lower speed crankshaft. The engine is also equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and an electrically driven coolant pump (there is no drive belt at all). auxiliary units). In addition, the traction motor and generator have become more compact and lighter (by about 20%).

One of the main goals for the new Prius is to reduce fuel consumption. What contribution does the engine make to its solution, and what other components - the body, transmission, new tires, etc.?

The third-generation Prius emits 89g CO2 per kilometer, up from 104g/km for the previous model. Reducing emissions (and fuel consumption) - 14%. Half was achieved by improving the engine, the other half by other changes: aerodynamics, tires with reduced rolling resistance, etc.

Speaking of aerodynamics, you claim that you have managed to significantly improve the drag coefficient (Cx). However, it decreased by only one hundredth: 0.25 versus 0.26 for the previous generation. And how has the midsection (middle section) changed? After all, cars today are getting taller (for greater capacity) and wider (for greater safety)...

Yes you are right. The cross section of the new Prius is slightly larger. But still there is a general gain in aerodynamics, although it is really small.

What is the fuel efficiency for the new Prius?

Oh, another difficult question. I can't name the exact figure, about 45%, taking into account losses in the transmission.

This is a very good indicator! If I'm not mistaken, the transmission of the new Prius is built according to the previous scheme, where the electric motor is used as a clutch. What has changed?

Yes, you are right, the basic principle remains the same. But, for example, the maximum speed of the electric motor has doubled, from 6400 rpm to 13400. This is a payment for its compactness and increased power. Therefore, we had to introduce a planetary gearbox into the circuit.

And how much energy can be recovered during braking?

From 70 to 90% of the power of the electric motor.

The press release says that the inverter power switches and other electronic filling of the hybrid power plant control module received direct liquid cooling. What kind of liquid is used?

It's engine coolant.

Seriously? Does antifreeze directly wash the microcircuits? Will this lead to failures?

No, everything is quite reliable. We checked!

How does an exhaust heat recovery system work? What is it for?

In winter, the engine warms up to operating temperature much longer. In order for it to reach the optimal mode faster, we installed a heat exchanger in the exhaust system, which transfers the heat of the exhaust gases to the antifreeze.

If I understand correctly, this system only works in cold weather?

Quite right.

And how will other systems work in the conditions of the Russian winter? Have you done cold tests? If yes, at what temperature?

Minus 40 Celsius.

We have both minus 50 and minus 60! And how long will the batteries live in Russian conditions?

As much as a car.

And more specifically? A year, two, five?

Ten. It's quite real. The consumer need not worry about this.

I was surprised that every Prius on display at the show had different tires. Toyo Proxes 215/45R17 87W, Bridgestone Turanza EL400 195/65 91H, ER33, 250 Ecopia. But tires are an important part of fuel economy. What tire models will actually be used in the original equipment?

Yes, it is very important for us to use tires with low resistance rolling. For the European market, the following configurations are provided: for 17-inch wheels - Bridgestone, Toyo and Michelin, for 15 inches - exclusively Bridgestone. (They plan to supply Prius to Russia only with 15-inch wheels, but, according to the latest data, in addition to Bridgestone, they will probably be equipped with tires from other manufacturers. Approx. Ed.)

Interview with Ruslan Romanyuk, Toyota Motor Model Line Development Director in Russia:

When will the new Prius appear in Russia?

We are planning for early September.

How hybrid Toyota models adapted to our conditions? Have such works been carried out? How do they differ from European ones?

I will focus on the Prius, it is more interesting in this regard. There were big battles around him, and the result was that we in Russia represent the Prius in maximum configuration. Its buyers are guided by high technology, so LED headlights, an active parking assistance system, and a navigation system are already included in the base. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get a solar roof because this option weakens the rigidity of the body, which is critical on our roads. Due to the same specifics, the car is equipped with only 15-inch wheels (there will be no 17-inch ones).

Have you tested the new Prius in Russia?

A group of engineers came and brought the Prius, which is on sale today. We drove it quite a lot, and based on the results, we decided that it could be sold in Russia.

But economically, this is not the most profitable model for our market. What prompted this decision?

Yes, the volume of sales will be small, but this is not the main thing. The Prius is a very attractive product in terms of image. Behind it are our advanced technologies. It may be expensive, but for the money it will have options that are not on the LS600.

For example?

For example, the active parking assistance system. In Europe, the LS600 has it, but not yet in Russia. And LED headlights, by the way, are also only on the LS600 and Prius so far.

And who will be the buyer of the new Prius?

These are advanced people, certainly well-to-do, but the main thing is that they strive to try something new, fashionable. We have already shown the car to potential buyers, carried out preparatory work.

The main customer - private individuals?

Yes, first we want to bring to the market an expensive version, designed for a private buyer. Subsequently, perhaps, we will sell a more budget model to corporate clients, government agencies.

And what about the service, have you already been trained in Russia?

This process is underway now.

In what volumes will the Prius be sold in Russia?

This will depend on the price. But so far we are talking about hundreds of pieces.

Are Prius Orders Already Accepted?

Will start around August of this year.

What can you say about competitors (Honda Insight), where do you see your advantage?

Honda is more environmentally friendly. Prius is somewhat different. Enough is here powerful engine, the total power of the two engines is 136 hp, due to this the car rides very well. We have a good balance between dynamics and economy.

And how is the transport tax paid for these cars, are there any benefits?

Good question. In the PTS of hybrid vehicles, power is indicated only gasoline engine, and this is logical, because it is the only source of energy, the batteries are charged by the energy of gasoline combustion. But our customs is already starting to ask questions. Although our cars meet Euro-5, there are certain preferences for them in European countries.

What is the battery life on a Prius?

The manufacturer gives them a five-year warranty.

What about the car itself?

Three years.

Will the interservice mileage and maintenance cost change?

No, the mileage has remained the same (10,000 km), the amount of service should not change, the hybrid filling does not need special care.

Are there any problems with the supply of spare parts?

No, there is nothing fundamentally new here.

Prius cars of previous generations are quite well known beyond the Urals (they were brought to us from Japan). Craftsmen have long studied the design and even learned how to restore many nodes of the hybrid filling. And in which regions will the new Prius be sold?

We plan to sell the Prius, like other Toyota models, throughout Russia. Based road conditions initially in larger cities.

The Toyota Verso delivers the best economy in its segment for the 110-140 hp power range. With a 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine, this compact MPV has CO2 emissions of 140 g/km.

Can you announce the schedule for bringing new models to the Russian market?

In early April, the Avensis and petrol RX will appear, towards the middle of the year - the updated RAV-4, in the second half of the year - Verso. The latter will be equipped with a CVT gearbox; the MMT box, which was not very popular with customers, will no longer be available. Also, in addition to the 1.8 liter engine, a 1.6 liter will appear, which is almost equal in power to the 1.8.

Will a five- or seven-seater version be sold in Russia?

Both. Our buyers do not yet realize all the advantages of this type of body, and are mainly guided by the price. Although there are options like a roof with a panoramic view, For example.

The Toyota IQ urban compact has already been launched in the series, but still collects a lot of curious looks. However, the main advantages here are hidden in the details. What is the layout alone worth: asymmetrically located seats, a new shape of the backs, an unusually located fuel tank. Thanks to this, three adults and one child are relatively comfortably accommodated in a tiny car. And for a crash test for 5 stars according to EuroNCAP, it’s time to give stars to designers. Ruler power units The small car is represented by two petrol and one diesel engines.

What about the Lexus 450h?

In the middle of the year or a little earlier.

What about UrbanCruiser?

So far, the situation is unclear. European configurations are not very suitable for us. From our point of view, the car is aimed at women, so it should have automatic transmission. In addition, the Russian buyer is waiting here four-wheel drive. There is no such version with a gasoline engine either.

Why did it happen so? Initially did not count on the Russian market?

No, they didn't count.

Will IQ appear here?

With him, the situation is different. First of all, it is a matter of price. If the market had not faltered in the autumn, IQ would already be sold in Russia. Now, if this happens, it will be very expensive.

With leather interior, xenon headlights?

Certainly. There can be no other! But in general, the car is very interesting, completely different sensations: very sharp control, good dynamics ...

And even crashed into five stars.

Yes, even though it looks impossible!

A used Toyota Prius can be viewed from two angles. On the one hand, it is a symbol of ecology, which has turned into an economical spineless car for traveling from point A to point B. On the other hand, it is an interesting and rather original way to reduce fuel costs.

But what do the vast majority of people really need? To make the car reliable, relatively fast, convenient, safe and consume a minimum of fuel. All these requirements are met by the third generation Toyota Prius.

The manufacturer claims that the Prius is able to get by with 4 liters of gasoline per 100 km. In reality, moving so as not to irritate others, you will need about 6 liters. If you avoid traveling on the highway, then in the city the average consumption will be about 5 liters. Outside the city, where the hybrid drive is no longer useful, and the engine has to push a car with heavy batteries, the cost will be at the level of 7-8 liters.

Practicality is another forte Toyota Prius. There is quite a lot of space inside. But in terms of comfort, things are a little worse. Armchairs do not keep the body from moving, and the seat cushions are short. In addition, it is impossible to properly install the steering wheel. You either have to sit with your arms fully extended or with your legs bent.

You will have to get used to the extremely slow heating of the cabin in the winter. First of all, the engine with high thermal efficiency is to blame for this. The thermal energy it generates is simply not enough for such excesses as crew comfort. To save polar bears, something has to be sacrificed.

Even the ergonomics are not exemplary. The head-up display does not tire the eyes as much as the digital instrument cluster overloaded with small icons above the central panel. It takes time to get used to it.

Noise isolation and suspension are not bad in the city and at low speeds, but at a higher rate of movement, the tires begin to howl and the chassis makes itself felt. rear axle with an elastic beam, reacts boldly to cracks in the asphalt and undulating surfaces.

Toyota Prius does not require any special driving skills. But if you want to use the maximum potential of a hybrid setup, then you should get used to driving a little differently. For example, use inertia to accumulate electrical energy (recuperation). Thus, fuel can be saved. Having adapted to guess how far the hybrid can roll without gas, slowing down by inertia, it will be possible to use the brakes only in exceptional cases. This is a special kind of entertainment, no less exciting than riding sideways.

While earlier generations of Prius could not fully rely on the electric motor, the third generation of the model may well do without the help of an internal combustion engine. The power reserve is enough for 2-3 km of travel, but at speeds above 50 km / h, as a rule, the combined mode of the hybrid installation is activated.

The electric motor works mainly as an assistant, helping a relatively heavy car to start with dignity from a place. At intersections, few people want to stop for a hybrid. But what is the surprise of others when the Prius cheerfully starts at a green traffic light. Unlike some automatic machines that take forever after releasing the brake pedal before the car pulls away, the Japanese hybrid starts moving instantly. Of course, this is not the most economical way to ride, but you can always speed up if necessary. Toyota willingly accelerates somewhere up to 150 km / h, but after 130 km / h the acceleration is already a little impressive. On a flat road you can reach top speed 180 km/h

The hybrid power plant has three modes of operation. In the first, Eco - the response to the gas pedal is rather sluggish. And in Power mode, the reactions are too sharp and look like an ON / OFF switch. For ordinary trips, "standard mode" is better suited. Power might come in handy for overtaking.

On the steering driving modes have no effect. The responses are a bit vague, as if the signals are being sent through wires. There is simply no feedback on the steering wheel. The Toyota Prius has a different character than classic cars. The driver can never become one with the Japanese hybrid.

At speeds up to 80 km/h, after removing the foot from the gas pedal, the engine is switched off and the energy recovery process begins. Braking occurs due to the electric motor, which saves brakes. There is also a transmission braking mode, which is necessary when driving down a steep descent with a loaded car.

Typical problems and malfunctions

Toyota Prius has no fatal defects. And the power drive is very reliable. The 1.8 liter internal combustion engine runs on a modified Atkinson cycle (the intake valve stays open for a while even when the piston starts to return, thus effectively simulating the stroke of a variable length piston).

Instead of the often problematic, limited-life CVT, a near-perpetual planetary gear is installed here. She works with an electric motor, which also does not have characteristic diseases. But this does not mean that the Toyota Prius does not require maintenance. A gasoline engine, like any other engine, regularly needs oil and filters to be updated. And after 300-400 thousand km, the gasket under the head of the block may burn out, or the cooling system pump may leak. Soon the EGR valve can fail. It is easily accessible from above and often comes to life after cleaning.

If there are any minor mechanical failures, then, as a rule, due to the neglect of regular maintenance. Problems also appear after long stops, during which the battery is completely discharged. This car should not be "idle".

The Toyota Prius went through a couple of big recalls. One concerned cars manufactured before January 2010 - there were problems with ABS on rough roads. In February 2014, the second one was announced. This time the repair required a hybrid installation. There was a danger of the inverter transistors overheating, causing the vehicle to go into safe mode or lose power completely. The defect affected all copies of the Prius and it is quite possible that this problem is still ahead of your car. The cost of a new inverter is from 320,000 rubles, used - from 20,000 rubles.

In winter, sometimes the central display begins to act up, not willingly responding to touch. Not too high-quality interior creaks at times, and plastic is easily scratched.

However, the reliability of the car is rated as above average. Toyota Prius regularly ranks first in satisfaction and reliability ratings.

Many people are concerned about battery life. It is true that in winter their capacity, and above all their readiness to move the vehicle on pure electric power, is reduced. But in a temperate climate, even after 100,000 km or 5 years of operation (warranty period), a significant decrease in battery power is not felt. Owners even after 300,000 km do not complain about the drop in battery capacity.

The need to replace a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery may only arise after mechanical damage, such as an accident. The cost of a new high-voltage battery is from 280,000 rubles, a used one is from 45,000 rubles.

Maintenance

The oil in the gearbox and differential is designed for the entire service life and requires only a level and condition check every 60,000 km. And yet, when operating in difficult conditions, Toyota recommends reducing the monitoring interval to 45,000 km, and complete replacement to carry out working fluids no later than 90,000 km. Difficult conditions include frequent trips on the highway at a speed of about 130 km / h.

Still need to change the coolant. The first time after 150,000 km, and then every 90,000 km. The inverter coolant also needs to be updated: first after 240,000 km, and then every 90,000 km.

Conclusion

Toyota Prius third generation - extremely reliable car, which, subject to the operating conditions and regulations Maintenance will be not only economical, but also durable.

Specifications Toyota Prius III (XW30 / 2009-2016)

Engine type - gasoline;

Working volume - 1798 cm3;

Type of timing system - DOHC;

Number of cylinders / valves per cylinder - 4/4;

Piston diameter / stroke - 80.5 mm / 88.3 mm;

Compression ratio - 13:1;

Maximum power - 100 kW (136 hp);

The highest torque - 207 Nm;

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h - 10.4 sec;

Maximum speed - 180 km / h;

Gearbox: type - stepless;

Capacity fuel tank- 45 l;

Weight: curb / full - 1495 kg / 1805 kg;

Fuel consumption:

Average / highway / city - 3.9 / 3.7 / 3.9 l / 100 km;

Wheelbase - 2700 mm;

Track: front / rear - 1525 / 1520 mm;

Tire size - 195/55 R15;

length × width × height - 4460 × 1745 × 1500 mm.

START. May 2014 My 2010 Outlander V6, which I was generally happy with, died in an accident. Due to the high annual mileage (50,000 km), the choice fell on a hybrid, in particular the Prius, for the following reasons: 1. The Prius is one of the most reliable cars according to various ratings. It is noteworthy that at the same time it is one of the most technically complex cars. 2. The Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient mass-produced cars. In particular, I fit between 3.7 and 4.2 l / 100 km in the city, and 3.9 - 4.5 on the highway. Just drove 800 km in the mountains with a consumption of 3.9. On cruise control, I basically kept 95 km / h. 3. The Prius is quite versatile - a hatchback. 4. The Prius is spacious enough - with a height of 186, I can sit "by myself." 5. Prius is comfortable enough, but certainly not premium. 6. The Prius is quite unpretentious in maintenance: the brake pads practically do not change, the car does not have a single belt! At the same time, from conversations with taxi drivers, I learned that the batteries in them do not change, and the cars themselves take care of 800,000 - 1,000,000 km in urban driving conditions. 7. According to ratings, the Prius is also one of the safest cars. 8. The Prius is a fairly "green" car. In addition to low fuel consumption, I, in particular, have a solar panel that powers the automatic cooling fan in the heat in the parking lot, so that the car does not overheat and is not wasted fuel. While the car is new to me. I can’t say that I am overwhelmed with vivid impressions: the purpose of the car is different from a brutal SUV or a sports convertible. Love the design on the outside, cheap on the inside. All this is a matter of taste. But in general, quite comfortable, adjusted for the fact that this is not a premium class. Lots of electronics. The trunk is decent for a body of this class. Bottom line: The Prius is a car that will get you from point A to point B safely and reliably with minimal fuel consumption. Who cares - decide for yourself. Continuation. End of 2014, more than 30 thousand km on the odometer. Advantages: Over time, "squeeze out the economy" ceased - speed on the highway up to 120, more dynamic driving in the city, fuel consumption increased to 5 l / 100 km. The machine integrates well with cell phone text messages, and with phones in general, and there's good voice navigation support, so some of the work can be done on the go. In the heat, you leave the car in the sun - the solar-powered ventilation system maintains a reasonable temperature inside the cabin. It is interesting that the drive of the stove and air conditioner is purely electric - the car can stand with the engine turned off, and it will be warm or cool inside - depending on the temperature set on the air conditioner, the engine will turn on itself from time to time - to charge the battery. If I get in the city on a green wave with uniform movement without jerks at speeds up to 70 km / h, it turns out to drive up to 5-7 km almost only on the battery. Once I went uphill with fuel almost at zero, the gas pump caught air and the engine stalled - the battery was enough to gain only 30 meters of height, which in general was enough to drive off the highway and refuel :) Once I drove to a friend's house and left the car on the street with an emergency gang (difficult section of the road, rain and night), he advised turning it off so that the battery would not run out, and I said that I had a hybrid and the battery would not run out until Friday, he appreciated the joke :) On long descents, when everyone’s brakes start to burn, I just smile. AT economy mode the dynamics are weak, but in Power mode, acceleration is very acceptable: somehow I was in a hurry and got distracted while talking on the phone while overtaking uphill, I came to my senses when it was under 160 on the speedometer, immediately reset it, of course :) From maintenance, I only change oil at the dealer center. Disadvantages: Spending 2-4 hours a day in the car, the interior begins to seem boring, but there are no complaints about quality, economy. Everything is just too good as expected. Continuation. May 2015. About 50,000 on the odometer. No breakdowns or malfunctions. It has been noticed that when it gets warmer, the battery works better, and overall fuel consumption decreases by about 0.5 l / 100 km. In general, measured driving also becomes a habit, on well-known routes you know how to "stretch" the battery, and consumption of about 4 l / 100 km, or even lower, is achieved quite regularly. However, the average for the tank is + -4.5, and actually on a 45 l tank I drive 1,000 + -50 km. At the same time, approximately 40% is a city, and 60% is a highway. Follow-up: July 2016, over 100,000 km on the odometer. The machine has proven to be versatile and durable. Inside, he transported a partially disassembled sofa, a wardrobe, and a dishwasher - in all cases, the tailgate was closed. Once, passing a turn of the highway, I saw a wooden pallet on the road. I was driving 90 km / h in a stream of cars, it was raining, it was not possible to maneuver, brake, so I “rammed” at speed, leaving the left wheels on the road, and right through the pallet deck right through. The car, having broken the boardwalk of the pallet, flew right side up, but stayed on the road and received no damage or changes in the alignment. By the way, they survived, and the wheels (Continental tires). After the last service at 100,000 km, wear of native brake linings is 50%. Apart from regular maintenance, no technical repair not required for the specified mileage. Continuation: February 2018, 180 thousand km on the odometer The car is not old yet, but the mileage is significant. The first failures appeared. With minimal use, the gasket around the sunroof dried out and partially collapsed; with sufficiently intensive work, it corny worked out a resource and the windshield wiper drive wore out; and, most unpleasantly, began to increase fuel consumption. The latter is still within the tolerable: now I have 5.5 - 6 l / 100 km, but this is still noticeably more than it was before 100 thousand km. At 170 thousand km. the first time I changed discs and brake pads - this is as it were expected. Disadvantages that were not critical before began to attract attention. 1. The car was taken with one child in the family, now there are three. There isn't enough room for three in the back. As seen now, even with children on back seat, this is a car for 4 + 1 people, not 5 people. 2. With more passengers in the back seat, I noticed the lack of ventilation in the armrest of the first row seats - for second row passengers. In summer, in order to get cool in the back, it is necessary to lower the temperature on the air conditioner greatly. As a result, it becomes excessively cool in the front row, and even cold, so that it just becomes better in the back. CONCLUSION: The machine is a workhorse, economical, reliable, but with a resource limit, not particularly demanding and without claims. Filled it up and drove from A to B with minimal fuel consumption. But if someone prefers speed, increased comfort, emotions - look in another category. Appearance and interior design is a matter of taste. TIP: Anyone looking for a hybrid or electric car - I advise you to take an interest in the resource and cost of replacing / repairing the battery. Based on my experience, it seems to me that battery technology has not yet developed to an acceptable level. In addition, with the gradual failure of the cells, the machine continues to carry their dead weight, which further increases the consumption. In general, if the annual mileage is 20-30 thousand km, it may be rational to have such a car, but if it is 50 thousand km or more, the point in a hybrid or electric car may be doubtful.

told

3.9 liters

hybrid Lexus

Toyota Camry.

At the end of October in dealerships Toyota centers Two interesting novelties have appeared at once. We have already talked about one of them, we will not ignore the other. Talking about hybrid Toyota car Prius, which was not officially delivered to Russia before.

The current Prius is the third generation of perhaps the most famous hybrid model in the world. Created in 1997 by the efforts of Japanese engineers, this car, over the 12 years of its existence, allowed Toyota to occupy a previously vacant niche in environmentally friendly clean cars, marking the vector of development for the entire automotive industry in the coming years. Over the years of its existence, the Prius of the first and second generations have sold over a million copies around the world.



I must say that once, in the years of its infancy, the Prius was a full-fledged sedan, and the plump "sirloin" part did not give it away. Everything changed with the advent of the second generation, which saw the light in 2004, already in hatchback status. The current car body is essentially a deep restyling of the previous one, just more advanced in terms of aerodynamics and more beautiful. But the platform is now different - it was borrowed from the current one Toyota Corolla, which is a shame, because before the Prius was built on its own. But what was unchanged in all three generations was the presence of a gasoline-electric power plant and a digital dashboard, located in the center - a sort of symbol of a futuristic flagship leading the entire Japanese corporation to a brighter future!



Inside the Prius is really a real spaceship! The salon is trimmed only with ecological plastic, the console wraps around the perimeter, the dual-zone dashboard is replete with incomprehensible symbols. There is even a projector that displays information on windshield. However, if you look closely, you can see that there is a lot in common with the same Corolla - both in terms of content and the dubious quality of materials.

But not the interior, and not the design as a whole - the pride of the Prius. Pride is the most advanced hybrid drive in the world. At least, that's what the developers of the Hybrid Synergy Drive power plant say, which runs on nickel-metal hydride batteries located at the rear of the hatchback. It consists of two engines - a 98-horsepower 1.8-liter gasoline engine and an 80-horsepower electric motor. True, their indicators do not add up when receiving the total power, and in total we have only 134 hp. But passport expense fuel is impressive - total 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers. This is much better than the old Prius, which required all 5.1 liters.



The optimization of aerodynamics (the Cx coefficient is 0.25 - a real record!) and the refinement of the continuously variable ECVT (Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission) hybrid transmission with a planetary gearbox made it possible to reduce consumption. The principle is the same as that of Lexus hybrids, but the efficiency is even greater. For developers, it is very important that the most advanced hybrid in the world bear the Toyota name.

However, is a hybrid drive really that economical?

If you compare this car, say, with a two-liter diesel BMW 1 series, then the comparison will not be in favor of a hybrid. Yes, BMW consumes 4.8 liters in the combined cycle, but it rides like a sports car, accelerating to hundreds in 7.5 seconds (Prius accelerates in 10.4 seconds). Diesel Golf 1.6 comparable to the Prius in terms of dynamics, which, alas, is not represented in Russia, will consume from DSG box only 4.5 liters.



By the way, in one of the issues of the TopGear program, an interesting test for efficiency was shown, the participants of which were ... Toyota Prius and BMW M3 V8. Cars drove around the ring at a calm pace - the Prius first, the BMW behind him. Imagine everyone's surprise when the average consumption of the M3 turned out to be even lower than that of the Prius ...

The popularity of the Prius in the United States is understandable - the prices for heavy fuel there are rather big. But in our country it is possible to achieve this kind of fuel savings for significantly less money, and taking into account the ratio of prices for gasoline and heavy fuel, driving diesels is even cheaper ...

You can excuse yourself by saying that buying such a car is rather a matter of prestige. You will not only save on gasoline, but sign your desire to save the environment from CO2 emissions and make the city in which we live more environmentally friendly and clean. However, it would be strange to forget that rechargeable batteries are by no means environmentally friendly in production. The same TopGear test allows you to look at this problem much more broadly. For example, as the story says, in order to produce the same batteries for the Prius or to deliver these cars to the consumer in the States or Europe on huge ships, such environmental damage is caused that the minimum emissions of the car itself cannot compensate for it ...



In addition, a lot of purely Russian questions arise about hybrids: how are such machines operated in our conditions, especially in winter? What is the shelf life of the batteries? Does their capacity decrease over time? How do they perform in comparison with a diesel ... Until the answers to all these questions are found, no one will be in a hurry to switch to a hybrid ...

Finally, the price of the new model also raises doubts.

Whatever the car may be technically, it still remains just a golf-class hatchback. But the price of the Prius (1,177,000 rubles) lives an independent life, being higher than that of the most popular business class sedan Toyota Camry.

In the US, Toyota Prius costs $22,000, Russian customs duty adds another 50% to this figure. Another thing is that one could offer a choice different levels machine equipment. Then the price would fall to approximately 850,000-900,000 rubles. And these are quite real numbers.

Perhaps this considerable figure indicates that Toyota is withdrawing the Prius not to increase sales, but for prestige and strategic purposes. By the way, the only equipment is called “Prestige”, and you can’t call it poor: seven airbags, a stabilization system, a multimedia complex with Russified navigation, keyless access to the salon and engine start with a button, intelligent system parking assistance, sensory system management on-board computer on the steering wheel (Touch Tracer), LED headlights and lights. Isn't that premium?



The fact that Toyota is not going to massively sell Prius in Russia is evidenced by another point. According to unofficial data, only 100 cars were allocated for the whole of Russia to begin with - the plant barely manages to cope with demand in America and Japan itself. Vehicle exhibited in dealer centers for informational purposes only and is available only on request, so there are no test machines.

Perhaps Toyota wants to prepare the market for the mass sale of hybrids in 3-5 years, to form a public opinion that hybrids are bought not at all to save fuel, and most importantly, to create a technical infrastructure for their maintenance. But the final word on the future of hybrids has not yet been said, among which the Prius, of course, remains the first number. So hurry, and really, nowhere.

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