Toyota unveils Prius C compact hybrid
A statement for the environment, especially for clean air and sustainable energy, now comes at the same price of most popular SUVs and luxury cars, or even half the price of most European luxury cars. Last week, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) unveiled the Prius C, an all-new compact hybrid which is the latest addition to the Prius Hybrid line-up. The “C” in its name stands for Compact, Clean, Clever and City – which says everything about its cutting-edge hybrid technology and how that contributes to the environment.
The Prius C is priced from P1,475,00 to P1,540,000 – depending on the variants. (The Prius C Full Option is priced at P1,540,000, Prius C Full Option at P1,525,000, Prius C Standard at P1,490,000 and Prius C Standard at P1,475,000.) The third-generation Prius that is now sold in the local market since 2009, is priced at about P2.2 million.
A TMP executive said its fuel efficiency is above the rest – about 40 kilometers to a liter! It is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 1NZ-FXE VVT-i Atkinson cycle engine that complies with standard regulations of EURO V emissions.
Engine efficiency is also enhanced through the adoption of EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system and electric power pump. The step-up converter increases the voltage from the HV battery from DC144 V to a maximum of DC520 V to compel the high voltage motor and generator thus, producing better engine response, a Toyota statement explained.
The hybrid synergy drive (HSD) system accurately uses the gasoline engine and electric motor according to the current driving conditions, to offer smooth and reactive driving, while minimizing fuel consumption and gas emissions.
The Prius C doesn’t need to be plugged into a power source to be recharged. The HV battery is reloaded through the use of the regenerative braking system that allows continues recharging as you drive.
Since the introduction of the first generation Prius in 1997, the name has been known to be the pioneer in ECO (Hybrid) vehicle technology. Throughout the years, the development of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) has changed the course of vehicle innovations around the world.
The design of the Prius C creates a powerful impression – it exudes a quiet kind of elegance and sporty atti-tude that is ageless – meaning, it does not look styled for the young, or for the middle-aged – and without gender. Toyota designers said the whole form is meant “to create a strong sense of dynamic motion from front to rear that is noticeable even from a distance.”
For those with the affection for speed, may that be only in the form of the car they drive, the Prius C’s rear “tapers with aerodynamic performance in mind, contrasting with an underbody form and is built with a sturdy stance that conveys an agile driving experience.”
By PINKY CONCHA COLMENARES
mb.com.ph
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