Toyota Prius gets added Tech, Safety & Functionality
There are few vehicles that need less of an introduction than the icon Toyota Prius. As it enters its 4th-generation, it continues to serve as Toyota’s Hybrid icon, pioneer, and overall legend. Like all legends, some improvements need to be made and the Prius will be them.
Under the hood, Toyota’s proven 1.8-litre Hybrid powertrain will continue. It combines an electric motor with Toyota’s 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle 2ZR-FXE engine produces an impressive 90 kW of power. So far, the Prius has been classified as a Full Hybrid (FHEV) and uses a self-charging powertrain to provide electric energy. While braking, regenerative energy is caught and stored in the battery. This allows the Prius to operate solely on either a petrol engine, electric motor, or a combination of both. As standard, the Prius will come standard with an integrated CVT transmission.
Inside, the cabin will come fitted with a touchscreen infotainment system that now offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a higher-resolution display. Other functions such as USB, Aux, and Bluetooth functionality will remain. Toyota Connect will come standard on the Prius, offering in-car Wi-Fi connectivity with a complimentary 15Gb of data and a telematics interface with the MyToyota app.
In terms of specs, the latest Prius will benefit from features such as Heads-Up Display (HUD), Reverse Camera, high-definition Multi-Information Display, seat heaters with electric lumbar support, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and rain-sensing wipers, to name a few. The exterior has benefited from some subtle changes too such as auto-retractable exterior mirrors that are now joined by LED head-, fog- and DRL-lamps. Most of the eight colour choices have remained the same besides the Pearl White which has now been replaced with a new Platinum White Pearl. Inside, passengers will be greeted with a fine and luxurious black leather interior too.
As far as safety goes, the Prius has gotten some notable upgrades as the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) has been adopted on it. This offers an array of safety aids such as Pre-Crash System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) plus Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Lane Trace Assist (LTA). Other standard safety features include ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist.
Pricing
Toyota Prius 1.8 R566 400
The Toyota Prius will come with a 6 Services/90 000km service plan, with service interval at 12 Months/15 000km and 3 Years/100 000km warranty as well as a hybrid battery warranty of 8 Years/195 000km.
Also worth a look: the Toyota Everest and the Toyota Corolla Cross: Still King of the Crossover Castle?.
FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota Prius cost in South Africa?
The Toyota Prius is expected to be priced around R650,000 to R750,000 in South Africa, positioning it as a premium hybrid offering in the local market.
Q: Is the Toyota Prius worth buying in 2024?
The Prius is worth buying if you prioritise fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility, offering exceptional consumption figures with its proven 1.8-litre hybrid system producing 90 kW of power.
Q: What fuel consumption does the Toyota Prius achieve?
The Toyota Prius delivers outstanding fuel consumption of approximately 3.4 litres per 100km, making it one of the most economical vehicles available in South Africa.
Q: Does the Toyota Prius have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the updated Toyota Prius now includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity through its touchscreen infotainment system with improved high-resolution display.
Q: What safety features does the Toyota Prius include?
The Prius comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense features, reverse camera, heads-up display, LED headlamps, and comprehensive airbag protection as standard safety equipment.
Should You Buy It?
The Toyota Prius remains the best hybrid vehicle under R800,000 in South Africa, offering proven reliability and exceptional fuel economy. At an expected price of around R700,000, it delivers outstanding value for environmentally conscious buyers who want cutting-edge hybrid technology without compromise. The addition of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota Connect with 15GB of complimentary data makes this generation more appealing than ever. If you're looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle that won't leave you stranded and actually helps reduce your carbon footprint, the Prius is definitely worth buying. However, if you prioritise driving excitement or need significant cargo space, you might want to consider other options in Toyota's range.
