New Toyota Prius revealed – New Toyota Prius revealed
New Toyota Prius revealed – New Toyota Prius revealed Updates for 2012 Prius include a new-look front end, upgraded interior and softer suspension
The world’s favourite hybrid has received a range of upgrades for 2012, including a restyled front end, more equipment and improved comfort. Fuel economy and emissions of 72.4mpg and 89g/km (or 70.6mpg and 92g/km for models wearing 17-inch wheels) stay the same.
Most of the styling changes take place on the lower part of the front end. A redesigned bumper – which adds another 20mm to the Prius’ overall length – houses a larger front grille. Clear-lens headlights are added, while the LED daytime running lights are relocated to underneath the indicators in the front bumper – the fog lights are now imbedded in the lower grille.
Equipment levels have been increased with the Toyota Touch central touchscreen now standard on T3 and T4 models. Top-spec T-Spirit models get the Toyota Touch and Go Plus system as standard, which adds sat-nav, voice recognition and allows you to use Google local search through your phone’s 3G connection.
The Prius now comes in eight colours, including two new shades – Dark Blue and Cabernet Red. New kit on the T Spirit model includes water-repellent glass, dusk-sensing LED headlights and an electrochromatic rear view mirror.
By increasing the number of welding spots, the body is now marginally stiffer, which has a couple of knock-on effects. Firstly the suspension can be dialled back to a softer setting without any loss of body control, and secondly the steering column becomes more rigid – improving the steering feel.
Prices begin at £21,350 for the T3 model, £23,080 for the T4 and £24,620 for the T Spirit – and increase of £295, £310 and £335 respectively – and sales begin in March. Later in the year the Prius range will grow with the introduction of the Prius Plug-in and seven-seater Prius +.
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