Inside Story, Toyota

Inside Story: 2010 Toyota Prius

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October 29, 2009

The Overhead

2010 Toyota Prius. Click image to enlarge

An upper sunglasses holder is joined by backlit vanity mirrors. The visors are non-sliders, with no additional pull-out blockers for sunshades.

Seat Treat

Manual height adjustment helps keep that ‘Base model’ stigma alive and well for the driver’s seat. The roof profile was moved to the rearward of the Prius, resulting in increases for height and leg room.

Cargo Embargo

The cargo area borders on cavern, with proper tonneau cover, and tie-down points. Note the centre rear seat shingle-style head-rest. Seatback releases are found at the seat tops, allowing for an impressive flat-fold. The cargo floor locks into place, with a driver’s side storage box beneath a separate floor biscuit. Beneath the floor is a cargo organizer insert.

organizer insert. Remove that, and you’ll locate the spare and jacking tools, with the primary start battery on the passenger side. Toyota will change that tire for you, during the first three years or 60,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

The Mill

Belt? What belt? Thanks to such innovations as an electrically-driven water pump, the 134-net horsepower 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder uses no drive belt systems. Fluid fill points presented no issues, though mind your manners around the orange-coloured high voltage wiring. Speaking of high voltage, I opted for the Power Mode for economy testing. Even in the highest fuel slurp setting, this urban heavy cycle returned a consumption rating of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Not too shab, when you consider that Toyota’s combined mileage figure for City/Highway on the Prius is 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

The Verdict

The Insight might be able to play the price card, though it is the subtle refinement of the third-gen Prius cabin that ultimately wins out. A recent evaluation at this week’s AJAC Testfest reminded me that the Insight is a smidge pokier than the Power Mode Prius. To clarify, this is best described as ‘Get Out Of The Way’ power, not ‘Blistering Tire Cooking’ power. Whatever you call it, the Prius deserves the Zen of third gen. The attributes to applaud seem more concerned with mimicking Versa. Not a bad baby to have.

Next week: Kia Forte Koup

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