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Toyota Prius 2008

Toyota Prius 2008

Midsize > Toyota
By René Gervais - (2008-06-01)

As you know, the hybrids steal the show these days. We hope they’ll throw a balm on the environmental problems which, regrettably, are due in large part to the automobile. As expected, every good manufacturer will demonstrate ecological concern and actually, hybrid technologies is the chosen path.

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Road Test - Toyota prius 2008

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René Gervais

Toyota Prius 2008

By René Gervais

Handling impressions

Of course, I didn’t just research the Prius, I also drove it. Thus, I am able to say that this champion of fuel efficiency does not compromise on the essentials of a modern vehicle; it offers plenty of comfort, lots of room and, you guessed it, virtually silent running. These features make up the heart of every respectable luxury vehicle. I am not, though, comparing it to the great touring cars but for urban use, you would be hard pressed to find fault. The Prius also does well on the open road, contrary to other hybrid models and has impressive cargo space,

You won’t be shocked if I don’t consider it to be a top performer or a dream to handle; this is not its vocation. When I received negatives reactions to this hybrid, the fuel bill at the end of the tryout made me forget that negativity. I must admit, however, that reaching the average 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres seems difficult. Without straining the vehicle during the tryout which took place mostly in the city, I managed an average of 5.9 litres per 100km.

Conclusion

To opt for a very eco -friendly vehicle speaks, above all, to your commitment to lessening environmental problems; I don’t think people will buy this vehicle on a whim. Progress rarely stops and so we are a long way from the Honda Insight which had everything except practicality. The Prius handles roughly like any conventional vehicle giving less credence to the economic argument and bolstering its ecological appeal. I believe greater concerns rather than marketing ploys may be the way of the future.

Technicals Informations (Prius)

BASIC INFORMATION
Category Midsize
Number of passengers 5
Number of doors 5
PRICE
Price range 29 500$ - 35 280 $
Price of model tested 32 530 $
DRIVE TRAIN
Engine type 4 cyl. hybrid
Displacement 1,5 liters
Horse power ch@rpm 110 hp.
Torque (lb.pi@rpm) 82 lb.pi@ 4200 rpm
Continusly variable transmission Yes
Antilock brakes Yes
TIRES
Tire size 16 inches
Wheel dimension 195/55
SECURITY
Front air bags 2
Side air bags 2
Side curtains 2
Traction control Yes
Stability assist system Yes
COMFORT AND COMMODITIES
Heating seats No
Air conditioning Yes
Cruise control Yes
Power door locks Yes
Remote entry system Yes
Power windows Yes
Adjustable steering Yes
AUDIO SYSTEM
AM/FM radio with CD Yes
GAS MILEAGE (l/100km)
Average consumption during test 5,9 l/100km
DIMENSIONS
Length 4 445 mm
Width 1 725 mm
Height 1 475 mm
Wheel base (mm) 2 700 mm
Ground clearance (mm) 125 mm
Weight (kg) 1 335 kg
Cargo volume (L) 456 L
WARRANTY (YEARS / KM)
Base warranty 3 years / 60 000 km
Road side assistance Yes

 

Toyota Prius 2008

Toyota Prius 2008

Toyota Prius 2008

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