NEW FOR 2015:
– No changes.
For 2015 the Toyota Prius and the Prius Plug-in carry over without any changes. After a five-year production run, this will likely be the final year of this body style before an all-new model emerges for 2016.
The original member of a family that now includes a subcompact hatchback and a practical tall wagon, the Prius offers owners excellent fuel economy without compromising on interior or cargo space. These virtues do come at a cost: the ride quality is choppy relative to other compact cars, and it isn’t especially enjoyable to drive.
Inside, the futuristic-looking cabin offers more technology that one might expect; top-end models can be had with radar cruise control, full LED headlamps, and a sunroof with embedded solar panels.
The Prius uses a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, combined with the Hybrid Synergy Drive hybrid system and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery, and continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup delivers 134 net horsepower. The Prius offers drivers four modes. In addition to Standard Mode, the Prius can also be programmed into EV-Drive Mode, allowing battery-only driving at low speeds for about 1.6 km in certain conditions; Power Mode, which increases throttle input sensitivity for a sportier feel; and Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve better fuel economy.
The plug-in model uses the same gas engine but receives an upgraded lithium ion battery pack. It offers approximately 25 km of range, and can be charged from a household 110-volt outlet in as little as three hours.
It comes in a single trim line, with available option packages.
The Prius features include 15-inch alloy wheels, 6.1-inch display AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio with six speakers, USB and auxiliary input, Bluetooth capability, backup camera, automatic climate control, cloth seats, six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split/fold rear seat, power locks, power windows with auto-up/down, outside temp gauge, multi-information display with ECO drive monitor, tilt/telescopic steering with steering wheel mounted audio and climate controls, touch tracer display, carpet and all-season floor mats, tonneau cover, push button start, driver door handle touch lock/unlock, cruise control, overhead console box, map lights, cargo net, keyless entry, illuminated entry, power adjustable heated mirrors, body-colour door handles and mirrors, LED taillights, and vehicle proximity notification system.
Moonroof Upgrade Package adds navigation, satellite radio, integrated garage door opener, proximity function for locking and unlocking doors, and power moonroof with solar panels.
Touring Package adds (to Standard model) navigation, satellite radio, integrated garage door opener, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, power eight-way adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, fog lights, LED headlights, headlight washers, auto-leveling headlight system, and proximity function for locking and unlocking doors.
Technology Package adds (to Standard model) 7.0-inch display audio system with navigation, eight-speaker JBL audio system, satellite radio, power eight-way power driver seat, pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel, integrated garage door opener, front passenger door handle touch lock/unlock, power moonroof with solar panels, and rear bumper protector.
The Prius Plug-in features the same equipment as the base Prius plus Plug-in specific wheels, tailgate garnish, and front valance, satellite radio, navigation, heated front seats, auto-dimming rear view mirror, proximity function for locking and unlocking doors, and a lithium ion battery pack.
An additional Technology Package adds 7.0-inch display audio system, eight-speaker JBL stereo, power eight-way adjustable driver seat, pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, synthetic leather upholstery, LED headlights, headlight washers, auto-leveling headlight system, and fog lights.
