First Drive: 2010 Toyota Prius

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March 27, 2009

2010 Toyota Prius. Click image to enlarge

Eco mode modifies throttle response for less aggressive acceleration and suppresses the air conditioning to save energy and fuel. This is probably the best all-around driving mode if you want to save fuel and aren’t particularly concerned about performance.

Power Mode increases throttle response for improved acceleration and a sportier driving feel. For example, in a 30 to 50 mph passing test, a Prius in Power mode takes 4.1 seconds while in Normal mode it takes 5.8 seconds (Toyota’s figures). Power mode is useful when you’re in a hurry or you need to make sure you get ahead of that looming Mack truck. But fuel economy suffers considerably.

The CVT shift lever operates as before with Reverse, Neutral and Drive, plus Braking for regenerative braking which charges the battery. Park is engaged by pressing a button.

Drivers who wish to get the very best mileage can make use of the ‘B’ gear to charge up the battery when coasting. With the battery fully charged, the Prius will run in EV mode longer, thus using less fuel.

On a 20-minute test route encompassing city and highway roads, I drove as frugally as I knew how, running in EV mode whenever I could, and managed to attain average fuel consumption of 3.5 L/100 km (80 mpg Imperial) according to the onboard readout. Some particularly determined auto journalists on the same route averaged less than 3.0 L/100 km (94 mpg Imperial) but I heard rumours they drove under 40 km/h the whole way! When I wasn’t focusing on reducing fuel consumption, my average fuel economy was between 5-6 L/100 km (56-47 mpg Imperial). (Note: photos show U.S. mpg)

To assist the driver in driving economically, a real-time Hybrid System Indicator in the dash display indicates when the driver is in the “Eco” range or the “Power” range. By keeping it in the Eco range, the driver can maximize fuel economy. A history of past fuel consumption attempts can also be displayed.

With more power and a more responsive CVT, the new Prius feels peppier than the current model when accelerating, but I wasn’t able to measure acceleration times. The revised electric rack and pinion steering is more responsive and has more ‘feel’ than the previous steering, and the improved braking system is more responsive without a lot of the drag associated with hybrid regenerative brakes.

The 2010 Prius’ handling and cornering stability is better, particularly with the optional 17-inch tires, thanks to the wider track and revised suspension tuning (front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam). But the ride, if anything, seems stiffer over road imperfections than the previous model’s. Anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, traction control and stability control are all standard on the new Prius. Stability control is optional on the base 2009 Prius.

New Dynamic Radar Cruise control allows the driver to pre-set following distances at three different levels: short, medium or long. This system can decelerate and apply light braking if the following distance is too close, as well as sound a warning buzzer, but it won’t stop the car automatically. The optional Pre Collision system will brake automatically when there is a high possibility of a collision to mitigate collision damage.

With its roomier cabin, excellent visibility, and improved steering and handling, the new Prius is a better driving experience, but I wouldn’t call it fun to drive. You can have more fun watching the onboard fuel consumption indicators encourage you, or shame you, into driving more economically – thus helping to reduce greenhouse gases and global warming. Even if the icecaps eventually do melt, you can feel confident that you did your part.

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