Toyota Prius (2009 – 2016) Review
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Toyota Prius (2009 – 2016) At A Glance
Low CO2 emissions and zero car tax. Spacious cabin makes it a realistic family car. Plug-In version escaped London Congestion Charge.
Not so efficient for long distances at motorway speeds where some diesel cars still beat it. Feels strained when accelerating hard, especially uphill. Thefts of catalytic converters reported.
The third generation Toyota Prius was not only the best Prius yet - it's was also the best hybrid car on the market in 2009 and made its main rival - the Honda Insight - look distinctly second rate. There were some key improvements over the previous model but perhaps the biggest endorsement of the Toyota Prius is that it doesn't actualy feel like a hybrid to drive. That may sound strange, but the fact this car is so normal is its key strength. It means you don't have to make compromises to own one.
The hybrid system has been upgraded but the basic principle remains the same. There's a petrol engine - in this case a 1.8-litre unit with 98bhp - along with an electric motor which adds a further 36bhp giving the Prius a more than adequate 134bhp altogether. The electric motor can drive the car on its own at up to around 30mph, when the petrol engine takes over as well as providing extra boost to the combustion engine when needed, for stronger performance.
The electric motor is in turn powered by high-performance batteries which are charged during deceleration and braking, so the system is self-contained. The result of this clever system is an economy figure of 72.4mpg while CO2 emissions are just 89g/km, meaning the Prius is peanuts to run. The fact it's a proper five-door hatch means it's a realistic family car too - not some weird and wonderful model - and there's plenty of space for those in the back, plus a larger boot than a Volkswagen Golf.
It's rerasonable to drive too with the CVT automatic gearbox making for smooth progress. It feels lively when you want it to, but will happily cruise along. However the Atkinson cycle engine and CVT trandsmission mean if you press the accelerator pedal hard it can feel strained and quite noisy - it's far happier in relaxed driving. The motorway isn't the natural environment for hybrids, here the benefits over a diesel are eroded, but the Prius is smooth at 70mph and quiet too.
A Prius Plug-in model followed in 2012, which functions as an electric vehicle on short trips and as a conventional hybrid on longer distances. What sets it apart is its use of a lithium-ion battery. This offers greater capacity, giving it a longer range in electric mode at speeds up to 62mph. It also has a battery charging function so you can fully recharge it from an ordinary electricity supply, in less than two hours. And the plug-in Prius remains London Congestion Charge exempt even after the limit was lowered to 75g/km.
Reviews for Toyota Prius (2009 – 2016)'s top 3 rivals
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Toyota Prius (2009 – 2016) handling and engines
- Engines range from Plug-In Hybrid to 1.8 VVT-i
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 43–130 mpg
The previous Prius had a reputation for being rather joyless to drive. This one isn't a barrel of laughs, but it's thoroughly capable, with precise, accurate steering and decent riding characteristics from a familiar suspension system that allows this car to be punted tidily through tight corners and rarely becomes flustered, even on poor surfaces. The Prius might not have the dynamic poise of a Ford Focus, but it's now unobtrusively competent.
You might be surprised that its petrol engine is a hefty 1800cc four-cylinder unit, replacing a 1.5 that sometimes had to work hard for its living. The new motor pulls cleanly and smoothly, and at motorway speeds seems not especially stressed, something critics of the old Prius said was a bit of a weakness.
There are all sorts of clever efficiency aids, from an electric water pump, exhaust gas re-circulating and cooling and even a solar powered air con system - the latter claimed to be a world first, but only available on costlier versions of the car. Performance-wise, the Prius will get to 62mph in just over 10 seconds, and is capable of 112mph - the electric motor can manage up to 31mph. Toyota is claiming a combined mpg of up to 72.4mpg and although real world economy is unlikely to hit these levels, owners of the outgoing Prius reported near 60mpg returns and this one should be better still
As for emissions, the Prius puts out 89g/km of CO2 - better than the 99g/km boasted by the stop/start 1.6 litre, diesel-only Ford Focus ECOnetic and Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion, but these car are claimed to be marginally more fuel efficient, are both simpler and cheaper, and you can expect them to become ever more efficient.
The Toyota drives like a conventional, two-pedal automatic and its continuously variable transmission goes about its business in a low-key, jerk-free manner. This applies to the switch from electric to petrol drive, and the engine stop/start system, which is lighter and more compact than before. The car can seamlessly slip from near-silent, electric city trundling, which is thoroughly relaxing and one of its best features, to petrol power. Likewise steering and brake inputs remain consistent whatever is making the car work. It's all clever stuff, that works well, and the system itself has proved tough and long lived, with Prius taxis clocking up very big mileages without anything going awry.
Overall, the latest version represents a big step forward dynamically over its predecessor. Anyone flogging up and down motorways might still think a modern diesel would make more sense, as the Prius would spend much of its time lugging all its clever electric bits rather than using them for motive power. But around town it works very well and is a civilised, stress-reducing companion, as well as a bit of a lifestyle statement.
There are three driving 'modes' in the Prius. From start-up and at speeds of less than 31mph the Prius automatically operates in EV mode, using its electric motor power alone. The driver can also select EV mode manually, with the driving range dictated by the level of battery charge. In urban motoring it works with minimal noise and zero emissions and as the petrol engine is switched off in EV mode, it contributes to a significant reduction in overall fuel consumption.
In ECO mode, throttle response to aggressive accelerator pedal inputs is reduced and the air conditioning control is adjusted for improved fuel economy. Depending on the actual driving conditions, ECO mode can help drivers achieve a 10 to 15 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. Finally there's POWER mode - admittedly a bit of a contradiction for a car designed to be eco-friendly - which modifies response to throttle inputs, boosting power to improve acceleration and give greater driving pleasure.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 VVT-i | 71–72 mpg | 10.4 s | 89–92 g/km |
| Plug-In Hybrid | 135 mpg | 11.3 s | 49 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Toyota Prius (2009 – 2016)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
71%
Real MPG
43–130 mpg
MPGs submitted
747
Toyota Prius (2009 – 2016) interior
- Boot space is 442–1120 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4480 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm |
The interior of the Prius echoes the sharper shape of the outside. The facia, centrally mounted, digital instrument cluster and especially the centre console, are now all rather rakish. On costlier versions there is also a head up display that reflects what the dash is doing on the bottom right hand corner of the windscreen, and works very well.
Space wise the cabin will comfortably seat five, although the cars substantial battery pack and control systems mean that the boot is somewhat shallow, however luggage space can be usefully extended by collapsing the rear seats backrests. As with much of the cars detail design, these are simple to use and nicely thought out. Rather than traditional dials, there's a digital display in the middle of the dash top. This shows your speed and fuel level but can also be set to display the Eco Drive Monitor - a useful bar that illustrates when the battery is being charged and how efficiently you're driving. There's also a past record display which shows you how efficient your recent driving has beem - bettering it can become quite addictive.
A new head-up display is fitted as standard on all models. This projects key information onto the base of the windscreen so it can be read by the driver without taking your eyes off the road. As well as speed and the eco drive display, it also shows navigation turn-by-turn details (if sat nav is fitted). The display can be adjusted for height and brightness, or can be switched off altogether.
One favourite feature are the 'touch tracer' switches which are touch-sensitive controls mounted on the steering wheel that let you operate functions without having to look down or take your hands off the wheel. As you touche the top of the switch, a display is automatically illuminated on the centre panel - an amber highlight moves in line with your fingertip to the function you want, which can then be selected by pressing the switch.
In the middle of the dash there's a central ‘bridge' that puts the gearshift close to the driver's hand and also creates a large lower storage area. There is also a full colour multi-information display screen, with controls for the air conditioning, audio system and satellite navigation. All models have automatic air conditioning as standard plus there's an optional solar powered ventilation system available on T Spirit versions. This stops the cabin getting too hot when the car is parked and includes a remote control function that switches on the air con system for three minutes, cooling down the cabin before you get in.
There's plenty of room in the Prius - it's longer than a Toyota Auris and makes a good family car thanks to a large boot that has a wide load floor and low bootlip. There's more boot space than a Volkswagen Golf and the rear seats have the usual 60/40 split and also fold flat, creating a long area for items such as bikes. There's a handy underfloor storage tray which is ideal for things that will otherwise slide about while in the front there's good storage including a split-level glovebox and a large central bin between the seats.
Equipment from launch (August 2009):
T3 is the entry-level model and has a head-up display, projecting key vehicle data on to the windscreen in the driver's eyeline, Toyota's new Touch Tracer multi-function control on the steering wheel, smart entry (driver's door) and start, seven airbags including a driver's knee airbag, heated door mirrors, front fog lamps, automatic air conditioning, electric windows, 15-inch alloy wheels and a CD stereo.
T4 adds 17-inch alloy wheels,keyless entry on all doors, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker audio system and rain-sensing wipers.
T Spirit is the top model and comes with a HDD (hard disk drive) navigation system and music library plus park assist with a rear parking camera.
Toyota Prius (2009 – 2016) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4480 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1425–1450 kg |
| Boot Space | 442–1120 L |
| Warranty | 5 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £21,995–£33,395 |
| Insurance Groups | 15–16 |
| Road Tax Bands | A |
| Official MPG | 70.6–235.0 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Plug-in Hybrid CVT 99 Auto 5dr | £33,395 | 134.5 mpg | 11.3 s |
| T Spirit Hybrid 1.8 VVT-i CVT 99 Auto 5dr | £25,295 | 70.6 mpg | 10.4 s |
| T3 Hybrid 1.8 VVT-i CVT 99 Auto 5dr | £21,995 | 72.4 mpg | 10.4 s |
| T4 Hybrid 1.8 VVT-i CVT 99 Auto 5dr | £23,745 | 70.6 mpg | 10.4 s |
Model History
- March 2009
- June 2010
- July 2010
- October 2010
- March 2011
- April 2011
- August 2011
- January 2012
- February 2012
- April 2012
- April 2012
- July 2012
- June 2015
March 2009
The third generation Prius made its European debut with the next-generation of Hybrid Synergy Drive that sees power increased by 22 per cent to 134bhp, fuel economy by 10 per cent (72.4mpg official combined cycle) and CO2 emissions down 14 per cent at just 89g/km. There are three on-demand drive modes - EV, ECO and POWER while an xxceptionally low drag coefficient Cd 0.25 helps fuel efficiency further.
The new Prius's next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive system features comprehensive improvements with 90 per cent of the hybrid drive components redesigned to create a lighter, more compact system that delivers more power, uses less fuel in real-world conditions and which operates better in cold weather.
System power output was increased by 22 per cent, from 109bhp to 134bhp and, with performance to match a conventional 2.0-litre petrol vehicle, the Prius will accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 10.4 seconds. At the same time overall fuel economy was improved by 10 per cent, returning 72.4mpg in combined cycle driving. The adoption of a larger, 1.8-litre engine reduces the rpm during high-speed driving to give a 10 per cent gain in long-haul cruising fuel efficiency.
Prius easily exceeds the Euro 5 emissions standards, producing 89g/km of CO2. And when operating in EV mode at speeds up to 30mph, Prius uses no fuel and produces zero emissions. Unlike parallel or ‘mild' hybrids, which use supplementary electric motor power purely to boost petrol engine performance, or ‘series' hybrids, which rely on electric power alone to drive the wheels, the Prius is a full hybrid capable of operation in petrol and electric modes alone, as well as a combination of both.
The system comprises a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine, a powerful electric motor, a generator, a high-performance battery, a power control unit and a power split device, which uses a planetary gear set to combine and re-allocate power from the engine, electric motor and generator as required. A new four-cylinder, 1.8-litre VVT-i Atkinson cycle petrol engine replaces the 1.5-litre unit in current Prius. Generating 97bhp at 5200rpm and 142Nm of torque at 4000rpm, it delivers higher torque at lower revs - a reduction of 300rpm at 75mph - and combines quieter running with a 10 per cent improvement in long distance cruising fuel economy.
The 80bhp electric motor that works in tandem with the petrol engine to improve acceleration, and which powers the driven wheels alone when the vehicle is operating in EV mode. Compared to the motor used in the previous Prius, the motor is 20 per cent more powerful, yet 33 per cent smaller. During deceleration and under braking, the electric motor acts as a high-output generator to effect regenerative braking, optimising energy management in the Hybrid Synergy Drive system by recovering kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat as electrical energy for storage in the high-performance battery.
Output from the nickel-metalhydride Hybrid Synergy Drive battery, a proven reliable battery technology, has been increased to a maximum 27kW (+2kW), allowing the new Prius to be driven in EV mode, using electric motor power alone. The battery has been reduced in size to minimise impact on cabin space. The efficiency of its cooling system has been improved with a significant increase in fan capacity.
Significant improvements were made to the car's proportions and packaging. The overall length grew by 15mm to 4,460mm, all of which is accounted for by an increase in the front overhang; the wheelbase is unchanged at 2,700mm (same as new Toyota Avensis). Width is greater by 20mm at 1,745mm, helping give the car better stability and a more dynamic stance. To maintain aerodynamic efficiency, the overall height remains 1,490mm, but the highest point of the roof was moved further back to help improve rear seat headroom by 12mm. Bespoke 15 or 17-inch alloy wheels are available, both fitted with low rolling resistance tyres.
A new front seat design improves comfort and adjustability. The range of adjustment has been increased in every direction: base sliding distance increases by 20mm to 260mm and, using a side lever for easier operation, height adjustment is greater by 15mm at 60mm. Although the seats have better lumbar support, the seat back structure has been reduced in thickness by 35mm, giving more knee room for rear seat passengers. Active front headrests improve protection against whiplash injuries. The rear seats gain integrated headrests, giving the driver better rearward vision. There is also more legroom and 15mm more headroom.
Larger and additional storage has been provided, including 3.0-litre upper and 6.0-litre lower gloveboxes, a console tray beneath the dashboard ‘bridge' and a 3.7-litre centre armrest box, which contains a 12V power outlet and an audio mini-jack input socket. The luggage compartment has an additional 30 litres of space, up to 445 litres, thanks to the more compact and repackaged Hybrid Synergy Drive battery.
A solar ventilation system prevents the cabin air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked. Solar panels integrated into the rear section of an optional sliding glass sunroof power an electric air circulation fan, with no need for the engine to be running. The first system of its kind to run on battery power alone, it reduces the cool-down time when the driver returns to the car, so minimising air conditioning use during start-up. In a world first, as part of the system, the air conditioning itself can be operated remotely using the key fob, letting the driver cool the car down up to three minutes before starting a journey.
Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) can help the driver negotiate parallel or series parking places. It uses a rear camera and ultrasonic sensors on the front wings to identify viable parking spaces and then input the appropriate steering angle. The system controls the steering to automatically guide the vehicle into the target parking position; no steering input is required from the driver, who simply controls vehicle speed during the manoeuvre. The system has been improved for new Prius, making it easier to use with significantly reduced operating time
01-09-2009: Prius went on sale in the UK An LED Tech Pack option is now available for the Prius, introduced in direct response to customer requests. Features include LED headlights with dusk-sensing function and washers, together with electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror and water-repellent treatment on side window glass.
June 2010
A lease demonstration of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) was launched in the UK in June 2010, as part of a worldwide evaluation programme. The Prius Plug-in functions as an electric vehicle on short trips and as a conventional hybrid when travelling longer distances. As with the standard Prius, it runs on both a petrol-powered internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
What sets it apart from its sister model and other hybrids is its use of a lithium-ion battery. This offers greater capacity, enabling an extended driving range in EV mode, using the car's electric motor alone, at speeds up to 62mph. It also has a battery charging function that lets users fully recharge their vehicle from an external source, such as an ordinary domestic electricity supply, in less than two hours.
The Prius Plug-in's enhanced EV mode offers significant benefits: compared to the standard Prius, it can run more frequently in electric-only mode, further reducing CO2 emissions andimproving fuel economy Official figures for the car featured in Toyota's demonstration programme are 59g/km and 108.6mpg.
July 2010
A new Safety Pack option was introduced which includes the Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which use radar-based controls to help the driver avoid accidents happening, and minimise the consequences should the worst happen. The pack also includes leather upholstery, dusk-sensing headlights, LED low beam headlights with washers, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and water-repellent front side window glass.
October 2010
'Street-sharp' special edition Prius with front, rear and side skirts, 17-inch smoked-finish alloys, dark-tinted privacy glass, high-quality black leather upholstery, embossed with the 10th anniversary logo. The new look belongs to a special edition model that celebrates the world-beating hybrid’s first 10 years in the UK. The new Toyota Prius 10th Anniversary remains as fuel-frugal and tax-friendly as its more sober-suited stablemates, with 70.6mpg and 92g/km combined cycle consumption and CO2 emissions.
Prius 10th Anniversary shares the same equipment specification as the top-of-the-range T Spirit model, so comes equipped with HDD satellite navigation (with integrated sound library), rear parking monitor, Bluetooth, Intelligent Park Assist, cruise control, smart entry and start, rain-sensing wipers and head-up display.
Only 1,000 examples are to be built, making this the most exclusive production Prius yet. White Pearl or Astral Black exterior paint finishes are available, and the on-the-road price is £26,150, inclusive of VAT at 20%. Orders are being taken from October 2010, with first deliveries to customers January/February 2011.
March 2011
Toyota aimed to bring Prius Plug-in to the global market in the second half of 2012 and in preparation for this around 600 vehicles took part in demonstration lease programmes worldwide, including 20 in London. These projects are designed to assess every aspect of real-world use and verify the car’s overall environmental and technological performance before going on sales
Initial feedback from European lease project customers is very encouraging. Most of those surveyed have reported that the car exceeds their expectations, in many cases by a significant degree. Two thirds have expressed themselves fully satisfied with the car’s EV driving range.
April 2011
Airport taxi service Checker Cars took delivery of the first of an order for 80 Toyota Prius cars. The five full hybrid hatchbacks arrived at the company’s Stansted, Essex office in early March to take their place in an existing fleet of 80 MPVs, and will be followed by 10 more at Stansted over the next two months.
Checker Cars employs 1000 drivers and is the official taxi operator not only at London Stansted but at Gatwick, Bristol, Cardiff and Southampton international airports. The company also services London Heathrow from an off-airport office.
The Toyota Prius in T4 form offers low carbon dioxide emissions of 92g/km and it's low stress, simplified drivetrain has proven extremely reliable with trouble free mileages of 400,000 + being recorded.
As a full hybrid, this means Prius can be powered solely by the electric motor at lower speeds which means zero fuel consumption and zero emissions. Standard features on the T4 five-door hatchback include Bluetooth, heads-up display, seven airbags, electric windows front and rear, 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control. In addition, Checker Cars has specified the leather option pack.
August 2011
Toyota debuted the production version of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid features a new, more compact lithium-ion battery which has been developed to meet Toyota’s rigorous standards for reliability. The new battery offers extended EV (electric power only) range, enabling the Prius PHEV to achieve the remarkable fuel efficiency of 128.4mpg* and to lower CO2 emissions to 49 g/km*, almost half the standard Prius.
While debate continued over the relative merits of electric cars, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers drivers the best of both worlds; extended EV driving range for shorter journeys in towns and cities, while the efficient hybrid petrol engine gives the car uncompromised long range capability and the very low fuel consumption of the standard Prius.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid represents the latest development of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system. This trusted and reliable full hybrid technology has a track record earned through worldwide sales of over two million cars and billions of miles of driving.
The new Prius Plug-in becomes the flagship of the Prius range, a showcase for new technologies and further advances in hybrid technology. In 2012 it will join an expanded Toyota hybrid range consisting of the Prius, the British-built Auris hybrid, the new, seven-seat Prius+ and the new Yaris hybrid, demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to introduce Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to the wider market.
January 2012
Third-generation Prius improved from March 2012 UK deliveries. It continues to deliver 89g/km CO2 emissions on petrol – the lowest level in its class – and combined cycle fuel economy of 72.4mpg (the figures for models running on 17-inch wheels remain 92g/km and 70.6mpg).
For 2012 the front of the Prius was given a new Tioyota corporate look, while in the cabin there are new front seats, new upholstery and new soft-touch surfaces that combine to give a higher quality feel.
Equipment levels were raised, notably with the introduction of the Toyota Touch touchscreen control system in all grades. The advanced Toyota Touch & Go Plus multimedia and navigation system is a standard feature on Prius T Spirit and an option on T3 and T4. This brings with it Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, USB port and an on-board connectivity feature that allows access to a raft of on-line information services sourced through Google Local Search using a compatible mobile phone.
Extra stiffness in the bodyshell and changes to the suspension and steering column have improved comfort and steering feel.
UK sales of the revised Prius began in March 2012, with on-the-road prices from £21,350. Later in the year Prius will grow, with the introduction of the ultra-efficient Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Prius+, the world’s first seven-seat full hybrid MPV.
The new styling brings a new bumper and a larger lower grille that gives the vehicle a low and wide look. There are new clear-lens headlights and the LED daytime running lights have been relocated in the bumper beneath the turn indicators, while the foglights move to within the lower grille.
T Spirit models now use LED headlamps, which come with a washer system, while all versions gain new power-folding heated door mirrors. At the rear the combination lamps have a new look, and there are new-design wheelcaps for the 15-inch wheels on the T3model. The 2012 Prius is available in eight exterior colours, including new Dark Blue and Cabernet Red metallic.
New, darker materials are used for the dashboard and T4and T Spirit models gains a new black seat trim. Silver inserts have been added to the centre console and air vents and the hybrid system start button gains blue illumination. The front seats are new and offer wider adjustment, both fore and aft and in height range, making it easier for the most comfortable driving position to be achieved.
The centre console box now has a built in cupholder that can be used without having to open the box lid. The 12V power socket, USB port and AUX audio input terminal have been moved to the front of the box for easier use. All models adopt the innovative Toyota Touch touchscreen system for audio, multimedia connectivity and Bluetooth, plus a rear-view camera.
T Spirit versions are fitted with the Touch & Go Plus premium package with satellite navigation, advanced traffic pattern intelligence on programmed routes, voice recognition for calls, music search and play, and phone contacts search and call functions. The system’s connectivity allows access to Google Local Search (using a compatible mobile phone, and pre-registration via a Toyota customer portal) to obtain useful information on navigation locations and services such as live parking and fuel prices.
Touch & Go Plus also provides a text-to-speak function and, using Gracenote, “play more like this” audio selection. The satellite navigation is supported by three years’ free map updates, with two updates a year.
Toyota Touch Pro is available as part of the optional Technology Pack for T Spirit. This provides increased functionality and more advanced features, including 3D representations of landmarks; lane guidance and an automatic zoom at intersections; speed limit and TPEG traffic flow data, and parking, weather and fuel price information. It also provides a better interface and functionality for connection and playback from iPods and other digital music players, and allows route points-of-interest (POI) to be searched and uploaded from the Google Local Search database.
For 2012, T Spirit grade includes water-repellent glass, dusk-sensing LED headlamps with washers, and an auto-dimming electrochromatic rear-view mirror.
Changes have also been made to the multi-information display (on all models) to make images clearer and simpler to understand. New functions have been added including a monthly fuel consumption record, with a rolling archive of five months’ data, and an ECO savings calculator. The calculator works by the driver inputting a target consumption figure and fuel price; the system records the driving time during which consumption is lower than the target and calculates a monthly saving compared to the expected fuel cost..
February 2012
Toyota announced the official EU CO2 emissions and economy figures for the new Prius Plug-In Hybrid. The car emits 49g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle and travels 134.5 miles on one gallon of petrol, making it the most efficient Toyota ever on British roads.
Toyota’s engineers have improved the car’s EV driving range to 15.5 miles. And, at only 90 minutes using a conventional plug, recharging is quicker than any other electric vehicle on the market today. When the EV battery is depleted, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid automatically switches into HV mode, delivering CO2 emissions of 85 g/km and economy of 76.4mpg, an improvement on the emissions and fuel economy of the standard Prius. This leading performance helps to deliver a total driving range of 769 miles.
April 2012
Satnav system allows speed camera warnings to be switched off for travel through France.
April 2012
Prius Plug-in offers all the familiar virtues of Prius, and then some. Like its sister model, it is powered by a smooth, refined and ultra-efficient full hybrid powertrain, but thanks to new, rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology, it can cover longer distances and reach higher speeds on electric power alone, cutting tailpipe emissions to zero. And unlike all-electric vehicles, once the charge in the battery is used up, the car switches seamlessly to its hybrid system, so the driver need have no anxiety about journey distances.
As a result, Prius Plug-in achieves a new low benchmark in its class for official CO2 emissions, 49 g/km.
Recharging the battery is simple and speedy, using a power point linked to a standard domestic or workplace supply, or an on-street charging point. Prius Plug-in comes with a charging cable set as standard, including five metres of cabling, that can be stored neatly in a dedicated area beneath the boot floor. Toyota has teamed up with British Gas as its UK partner which can provide both fleet and retail customers with site surveys and install the appropriate hardware.
Prius Plug-in is offered with a single equipment specification that, true to the car’s reputation for user-friend technology, includes a generous range of advanced features. These include LED daytime running lights and headlights; Toyota Touch and Go Plus with touchscreen controls, satellite navigation, voice recognition, rear-view camera and advanced Bluetooth for phone connection and audio streaming, a DAB digital tuner, eight-speaker JBL sound system, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control.
Heated front seats, 15-inch alloy wheels with wheel caps and leather steering wheel trim are also included in the package. Black leather upholstery (£1,500) and rear privacy glass (£270) are available as options, together a Protection Pack (rear parking sensors and boot liner) and a Style Pack (exterior chrome trim elements), both at £360.
Four exterior colours make up the palette for Prius Plug-in, led by Sky Blue (metallic), a new shade exclusive to the model. Tyrol Silver and Novus Grey metallics and White Pearl Pearlescent are also available. In the cabin the upholstery is Minowa black fabric with optional Setana black leather.
The on-the-road price for Prius Plug-in is £32,895, but this falls to £27,895 with the benefit of the £5,000 Government grant available on new vehicle purchases, provided through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).
The organisation of the grant element of the purchase will be undertaken by the Toyota Centre handling the sale Toyota (GB) and OLEV, placing no burden on the customer. The price the customer pays will include the grant, so he or she will not have to claim the money back after purchase. Toyota’s UK sales network is well experienced in handling this kind of arrangement, having handled similar processes for the previous PowerShift grants for hybrid vehicles and the Government’s scrappage scheme.
July 2012
Final price for Prius Plug-in announced of £28,630 after £5,000 OLEV grant. For company car drivers Prius Plug-in attracts a 5 per cent benefit-in-kind tax rating for the first three years, rising to 13 per cent in year four. For fleet operators it benefits from a 100 per cent write-down allowance in the first year. And for all owners, the 49g/km CO2 figure means there is no annual road tax (VED) bill to pay, plus exemption from theLondon congestion charge.
June 2015
1,324 Toyota Plug-in Prius sold between 2012 and May 2015.
What to watch out for
Possible software or switching problem in the cruise control. When nudged to increase speed it continuously increases speed and needs a dab of the brakes to turn it off. Nothing to do with the accelerator pedal switch recall.
11-05-2011:Hybrids should be trickled charged, not jump started (bulletin from Toyota how to do it correctly). If a recovery agent connects jump leads directly to either hybrid battery and then to his battery the sudden charge can damage circuits within the hybrid system (not necessarily the ECU). It seems that not all recovery companies are familiar with the correct jump start process . Damage can be caused which will not be apparent at the time.
07-01-2012:If the cars are not driven distances regularly then the 12v auxiliary battery gradually loses its capacity to hold a full charge. Owners are advised to consult their Toyota dealer and use a suitable trickle charger to keep the 12v battery at full charge.
16-01-2014:'Top Intermidiate' steering column shafts of early Prius are failing (knocking noise). Cost £181 parts plus £90 labour to fix. Model was recalled but some slipped through the net.
05-03-2015:Report of decreasing EV range of November 2014 Prius Plug-in. Originally, when fully charged it showed a full graphic battery and a digital range of 11.2 miles. Now in early March 2015 (about 4 months later) the battery when charged shows a full battery graphic, and a range o 9 miles. This range has been deteriorating bit by bit from new, and is now almost 20% down on when it was new. Car was checked in February the range had dropped to 9.7 miles. It is supposed to offer up to 15.5 miles EV range?
18-07-2015:Brake actuator fault on 5 year old Prius cost £2,757 for Toyota dealer to repair. Falt code C1214. Reader recommended to send to www.ecutesting.com for repair by=ut chose to use the Toyota dealer instead.
05-08-2015:All 'current' Toyota sat-navs use the same software. There is a manufacturer's advisory that if customers complain about nonsense directions in UK, France or Spain and their sat-nav has Software Version: 2.8.4al it requires upgrading free of charge, takes about one hour.
08-02-2016:Corroded rear brake discs reported on 2012 Prius. Dealer recommends replacing both discs and pads.
20-02-2018:Report in Los Angeles Times that recall pf 2013 Toyota Prius let to poorer fuel economy. New Prius bought in 2013 was recalled 6 months later to fix the car's hybrid electrical system, which was overheating and frying itself. A technician plugged the car into a diagnostic tool that installed new computer code in two electronic modules. That was supposed to fix the problem. The repair itself became controversial amid allegations that the electrical systems are still overheating after the software fix. But one owner noticed his fuel economy dropped by 5 miles per gallon in city driving. This owner checks his mileage every fill-up, dividing the number of miles he drove since the last fill-up by the number of gallons he pumped to top off the tank. About 800,000 Toyota Priuses in the U.S. were recalled in 2014 to address overheating that damages the car's inverter, a key part of the electrical power system. A lawsuit brought last year by one of Southern California's largest Toyota dealers asserted that the software fix did not solve the overheating problem and could lead to an abrupt loss of power. A related complaint by the dealer is now under review by the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority.
20-06-2018:Report of tapping noise from steering of 2010 Toyota Prius bought used from Toyota dealer in December 2017 at 52,000 miles. (Sounded like two bits of metal knocking together.) ''Tapping" stopped if driven over road bumps with the steering wheel turned left or right. Selling dealer denied any problem so owner took it to another Toyota dealer who said it was a known weakness. (See: 16-1-2014.) There was a modified part for the lower section of the steering rack - and they 'bullied' the original dealer into paying for (most of) its fitting. But the tapping / knocking noise continued. The second Toyota dealer said it must be the upper section of the steering shaft. But it was expensive. The part was: T45250-47250 @ £1,104. Plus fitting. Plus VAT. (Probably £1,700 in total.) Owner told it was 'wear and tear' (and consequently, not covered by any sort of warranty). He persevered, quoting our advice in honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights / and eventially the dealer capitulated and fixed the car FoC.
17-04-2019:Another report of cat converter being stolen from a Toyota Prius Mk II (a 2008). The thieves use electric hacksaws to cut them off. There are devices to protect cat converters from this type of theft: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281977526814 or Google <catalytic converter theft prevention>
28-07-2019:Report of another cat converter theft on a 2010 Toyota Prius 3. There are devices to protect cat converters from this type of theft: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281977526814 or Google <catalytic converter theft prevention>
27-09-2019:Now seems to be a shortage of Toyota cat converters to replace those that have been stolen, and also of Toyota cat clamps to he;p preven theft.
28-09-2019:Report of another cat converter theft from a Prius.
04-10-2019:Toyota advice on catalytic converter theft: https://blog.toyota.co.uk/catalytic-converter-theft-how-to-protect-your-car Toyota recommended prices for a bundle that includes a new catalyst and a Catloc are £1,050 for Prius Gen 3.
10-10-2019:Report of yet another catalytic converter theft from a Toyota Prius, this time twice: First time from Oxford Park & Ride; 2nd time from outside the owner's front door.
17-12-2019:This is one make of clamp: http://www.catsafe.org.uk/ This is the type recommended by Toyota: https://www.vtstore.co.uk/accessories/security/catloc-catalytic-converter-lock This is Toyota's advice: https://blog.toyota.co.uk/catalytic-converter-theft-how-to-protect-your-car
