Head Office: CAA-Québec 444, rue Bouvier Québec (Québec) G2J 1E3 2004-2005 TOYOTA PRIUS The second-generation Prius is larger, more fuel efficient, more powerful, more environmentally friendly and, with the addition of a hatchback, more versatile. It is has an exceptionally low, 0.26 coefficient of drag, and comes well equipped. There are no major changes for 2005. Interior and trunk The interior is relatively roomy and easy to enter and exit. The front seats are firm and do not offer adjustable lumbar support, but are comfortable just the same. The driving position is very good and headroom and leg room are generous. However, a height-adjustable driver s seat would be more accommodating of tall people by allowing them to lower the seat to offset the dead angle created by the inside mirror. The rear bench is comfortable, but for two adults only; the high tunnel uses up all the leg room in the middle. Leg room at the outboard positions is very good and headroom is adequate for all but tall people. The seatback is divided 60/40, and both sections fold down. The cargo area is roomy and easily accessed, thanks to the big hatch opening. It has a practical bin under the floor, a luggage cover and several cargo hooks. Convenience and safety In spite of the excellent level of finish, we could hear some creaks and rattles in our test car. Road noise should be better controlled. There are lots of handy storage spaces in front, including two glove boxes. The bare-bones instrument panel does not have a tachymeter or engine temperature gauge. Controls are well located, but as in most Toyota products, only the driver-side power-window button is lighted at night. Having to turn on the dome light or fumble around for a control is not very bright from a driving safety point of view. Pictures: www.toyota.ca
Occupants can monitor the status of the hybrid system via a display screen is it the gas engine or the electric motor that s powering the front wheels, or both? The screen can be hard to see on sunny days. Air conditioning is competent. The rear wiper has both an intermittent and a continuous mode, which drivers appreciate and which should be the case for all rear wipers. The optional Smart Key system lets the driver unlock the doors and start the engine without actually using a key. As long as you have the key on you, the onboard computer will recognize you; touching the door handle unlocks the door, and pushing a button starts the engine. Safety-wise, the Prius comes with standard front air bags only. Side air bags and side air curtains are part of the B package, which includes several other elements that push the price up considerably, by more than $4,000, in fact. The front head restraints adjust high enough to protect tall people (but not the rear restraints). Visibility is good to the front and on both sides. The view to the rear is restricted by the horizontal panel separating the two glass sections of the hatch, and by the narrow rear window, of which a good part on the right side is missed by the wiper. The wide C-pillars create large blind spots. We noted that the top of the dash reflects off the windshield. Headlight intensity is good. Engine and transmission The hybrid system composed of a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor develops 110 hp. The gasoline engine produces 82 lb-ft of torque; the electric motor, 295 from 0 to 1,200 rpm. Compared to the version of the previous generation, the power train moves the vehicle along much more easily, providing better acceleration and safer passing. When the batteries are fully charged, the electric motor alone can power the front wheels to 50 km-h. Most of the time, you have to look at the display screen to find out which elements of the system are working. We could feel a jerky movement at times. The hybrid system meets AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) standards (practically no polluting emissions). The continuously variable transmission is marvellously smooth. The B position provides additional engine braking. On the road The ride is superb on good pavement with a firm reaction on certain bumps. Road holding is adequate, with more-than-average lean in turns. With its
compliant suspension and narrow tires for a car of this weight, the Prius reaches its limits relatively quickly. Like many other highly aerodynamic vehicles, it is sensitive to side winds. The power steering is well-weighted, stable and precise, but a bit slow. Braking is more progressive, and smoother, than before. And because the electric motor acts like a generator to transform braking friction into electricity, you don t have to plug in to recharge the batteries. An inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre confirmed that the Prius is very well assembled and adequately treated against corrosion. However, the ABS sensor wire in the rear fender liners may be affected by accumulations of snow and road salt. Conclusion Roomier, more powerful, more fuel efficient and more environmentally friendly, the second-generation Prius is a better vehicle from every point of view. Rear (and ¾ rear) visibility is deficient, however, which is not very desirable in a car destined more for urban driving. We d also like Toyota to drop its distasteful habit of isolating safety equipment in expensive packages. HIGHS: hybrid system, ultra-smooth transmission, room, comfort, cargo area, brakes LOWS: road noise, rear and ¾ rear visibility, side-wind sensitivity, side and curtain air bags packaged with other equipment, sections of rear window not cleaned by wiper, unlighted buttons 2004-2005 TOYOTA PRIUS Engine: 16-valve, 1.5-litre 4 cylinder; electric motor Horsepower: 76 hp @ 5000 rpm; 67 hp from 1,200 to 1,540 rpm Torque: 82 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm; 295 lb-ft from 0 to 1,200 rpm Transmission: continuously variable electronically controller automatic Suspension: independent/torsion bar Brakes: disc/drum Length: 444.5 cm Width: 172.5 cm Height: 147.5 cm Wheelbase: 270 cm Weight: 1,310 kg
Tires: P185/65R15 Towing capacity: non-recommended Air bags: standard front, optional side and side curtain Fuel consumption: Transport Canada rating: city: 4.0 L/100 km (71 mpg); highway: 4.2 L/100 km (67 mpg) Test result: 5.8 L/100 (49 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 45 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 11.1 seconds 60-100 km/h: 7.4 seconds Competition: Honda Civic Hybrid Warranty: Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km Power train: 5 years/100,000 km Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited kilometrage Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device) Hybrid system: some elements covered for 8 years/160,000 km Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $625 Front brake disk: $94 Brake pads: $74 Muffler: $211 Front fender: $259 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $858 to $1,234 Price according to trim line: $29,990 Main options: Group B: $4,065 Price as tested: $34,055
Freight and preparation: $1,225 Dealers: Quebec: 71; Canada: 251 CAA-Quebec, August 2004.