Apart from launching the 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota has also introduced the all-new Prius in the Indian market on the same day. The Japanese automaker has priced the fourth-gen Prius at Rs 38.96 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The car had a decent fan following in the country until the third-gen Prius was discontinued in 2015.
The Prius is by far the most renowned hybrid car worldwide. It has been in existence since 1997 and the current-gen has come a long way from what it was back then. The new Prius is built on company’s TNGA (Toyota’s New Generation Architecture) platform and is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine that produces 98PS of power and 142Nm of torque. The electric motor, on the other hand, is capable of producing 72PS/163Nm on its own. Working together, the total power output goes up to 122PS. Transmission duties are handled by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and power is sent to the front wheels only. The main highlight of the Prius is the fuel-economy of 26.27kmpl.
The Prius is also generously equipped. On the outside, some of the standout features include LED powered fog lamps and headlamps, daytime running lights, 15-inch alloy wheels and smart entry tech for all doors. Inside the cabin the Prius has a lot going for it. Its feature list includes leather seats, chrome door handles, eco-driving indicator, touchscreen infotainment display with 10-speaker JBL sound system, pitch and bounce control, follow-me-home headlamps, seat heater for the front two seats, heads-up display, wireless smartphone charger, dual automatic AC and seven airbags.
The Prius doesn’t have any direct competition but price-wise, it is Rs 1.96 lakh more expensive than the Honda Accord Hybrid and nearly Rs 7 lakh more than the Toyota Camry Hybrid. At the end of the day, it is all about the image that the car carries. With the Camry or the Accord, you may have to verbally tell people that it’s a hybrid and that you are trying to save the planet. The Prius, on the other hand, does the talking for you!
Source: CarDekho.com
