Toyota Prius Premium: we want more

Germain Goyer

Germain Goyer

Friday, 18 August, 2017 11:54

UPDATE
Friday, 18 August, 2017 11:54

Look at this article

When the output of the Prius at the end of the ’90s, she was part of the few hybrid cars with the Honda Insight. Over the past few years, the range of the
Prius is available in few versions : the C (sub compact hatchback), the V (the family compact hatchback), and recently the Premium. The latter has the particularity to be able to travel up to 40 km in mode 100% electric. Once the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine combined with the system of regeneration of energy takes over.

We drove for seven days the
Toyota Prius Premium. Here’s what we liked, but also what we didn’t like.

What we liked :

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Consumption

The consumption of the Prius Premium is the main asset. She drinks almost nothing. In hybrid mode , we recorded an average fuel consumption of 4.8 L/100 km. By using the 100% electric, we traveled 35 km on the road, compared to 40 km based on the figures announced by Toyota.

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Silence

Of course when we use the electricity, it would be hard to ask for more silence on board. And that, we appreciate it. It’s so quiet. As much as one would like to see the V12 of an Aston Martin grumbles still more, as much as the absence of noise a Prius fills us in turn. Even in combined mode, that is to say, using gasoline and electricity, the silence is omnipresent.

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Safety deposit box

Thanks to the large tailgate, the cargo space is adequate and many times more generous than that of the Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi.

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Reliability

Talk about the reliability of Toyota vehicles, it is as the good weather comes after the rain. It is a certainty. Ok, maybe not for this summer, put. Always is it that Toyota has proven itself for many years and the reliability of its vehicles is proven. Even last year, in the ranking of the most trusted brands according to Consumer Reports, Toyota has garnered the 2nd place, just behind Lexus.

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Turning radius

A radius of what, you might ask. In other words, is what the car is capable of turning on a dime? In the case of the Prius Premium, it is a yes of course assumed.

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Length of the wire

Once parked in the driveway of the family home, the wire load of a length sufficient for plugging into the socket nearest. It prevents the need to always be in need of an extension at hand, which was not the case with the Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi.

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Fast lane

This detail may seem trivial, but depending on your itinerary, it will make you save precious minutes. In fact, thanks to its license plate the lettering green, the Prius Premium has the right of access to the hov lanes and avoid the often heavy traffic.

What we didn’t like :

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Number of seats

Having regard to the size and configuration of the car, there is no doubt that it is for families. However, with only four seats, it is difficult to believe. A fifth place at the center on the rear bench seat would have been appreciated.

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Silhouette

It is not uncommon to hear talk of the Prius Premium as one of the cars the most ugly in the market. But I’m against. The beauty is very subjective. Without saying that I find it beautiful, I can’t say that she is attractive. Yes, it is bold as the design. Very daring, even. She has a little the air of a space ship. If one takes a moose, we almost feel that we will be able to make up on the moon.

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Visibility

Overall, the glass area of the Prius Premium is very high. However, the rear window is delimited by the rear lights which run through the whole. In short, as soon as you cast a glance in the rear-view mirror, it was this bar that clogs widely the view.

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Infotainment

The Prius Premium has a very large screen at the centre of the dashboard. Like a big iPad. We wonder where Toyota has been able to take the idea… #Tesla. Unfortunately, most of the manipulations are complex and non-intuitive.

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Steering wheel

With its black buttons and large white surfaces, the similarities of the steering wheel with a Stormtrooper are striking. Fans of Star Wars will be delighted. For others, it is downright ugly.

Toyota Prius Premium 2017

Germain Goyer

Emergency brake

Located at the height of the feet, the emergency brake of the Prius Premium is worthy of the past millennium. It’s like being in an old pickup. For a car to look futuristic, let’s say that this element brings us back two feet on the ground. Is it effective? Yes. But a good old lever between the driver and passenger would be equally.

Brief

Overall, the Prius Premium is a great vehicle and the charge, are details. However, when we look at the competition, we note that there are better. In fact, at Chevrolet, the Volt is the second generation offers a range of 85 km. This is more than double that of the Prius Premium. Frankly, Toyota, thou who hast been accustomed to the best, you disappoint a little.