The much anticipated new Prius has finally made its world debut and it’s a spectacular sight to behold. Its super sporty styling may come as a bit of a shock to some, but the hybrid’s new look signifies its new attitude. It’s bolder, not only in looks but also in power and handling, and offers 10 percent greater mpg over the outgoing model.
COMPARISON PHOTOS OF 2016 AND 2015 PRIUS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
STRIKING STYLE
The hybrid that started it all enters its fourth generation with a bold look that'll entice you starting from up front, where its lower hood, steeply raked windshield and sharp new angular light treatments dazzle. Conveying a look of motion, bold new character lines run along the sides of the body and up toward the rear fenders. From the back, the 2016 Prius is also strikingly sportier and the rear shows off its own new distinctive light treatments, as well. Overall, the hatchback hints at Maxima and Mirai fuel-cell designs. Also, its new “Hypersonic Red” color (pictured) really highlights its new form.
SPORTIER HANDLING
With Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), the 2016 Toyota Prius will be more fun to drive. The new architecture has a lower center of gravity and multilink rear suspension, which result in better handling. Plus, Toyota says drivers will experience improved responsiveness when cornering thanks to the car’s firmer structure.
MORE CABIN ROOM & MORE EFFICIENCY
How can they make the car larger and more efficient at the same time? Through innovation, that’s how. Every single element of Prius’ hybrid synergy drive system is lighter weight and reduced in size. Higher-energy batteries are used and thermal efficiency has been improved on the gas engine. These and other changes result in a car that not only offers undisputed best-in-class fuel economy, but also the best fuel economy of any car without a plug.
As far as size, the all-new Prius is 2.4 inches longer and just slightly wider, along with being slightly lower to the ground. Its passenger and cargo areas get a boost in space and the redesigned center console also creates more room for personal storage in the cockpit.
NEW FEATURES
While complete details regarding the 2016 Prius haven’t been released yet, we do know that it will offer improved seat designs, an inductive charging pad for mobile devices, and the latest in driver-assist technology via the brand-new Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package. Prius will be among the first Toyotas to offer the package, which will come with cutting-edge technologies including Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic High Beams and Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
The 2016 Toyota Prius will go on sale in Decatur, Illinois, in early 2016.
