The Prius has evolved and upgraded over the years and has distinguished itself immensely in the world of automobiles. Toyota has added three new Prii to its family this year, while additionally upgrading its current model – now the Prius family has four; the 3rd Generation Prius, the Prius v, Prius c and the Prius Plug-In Hybrid. Take a look at what these new Prii have to offer:
3rd gen Prius
51/48 MPG
Best Overall Value of the Year in its Class by IntelliChoice
Exterior changes for 2012 include revised and updated head and tail lights, and a visual change to the front grille and rear bumper. The 2012 3rd gen Prius has the option of the Toyota Entune suite, standard are the 6.1-inch touch screen, USB port for the iPod or other MP3 players, auxiliary input, leather-trimmed heated driver seat, smart key system, auto climate control with air filter and humidity sensor, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and Bluetooth hands-free capability.
For the premium Prius Five model’s Advanced Technology Package you get Premium HDD Navigation System, Pre-Collision System (where the vehicle pulls in the front seat belts and applies the breaks when it determines a crash is unavoidable), and Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay within the lane. The 2012 3rd gen Prius also comes with Toyota’s own Vehicle Proximity Notification System, which fabricates a noise when the vehicle is going less than 15mph in order to alert any pedestrians in proximity to the vehicle.
Prius c
50 MPG city
The Prius c will be roughly 20 inches shorter than the standard 3rd generation Prius. It will be roughly the same size as a Toyota Yaris. It will have the same interior dashboard as the other Prii, but is said to have a floor-mounted drive selector as a opposed to the dashboard selected found in the other Prius models.
Toyota says that the Prius c will get 50 MPG city. It also has nine airbags, Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Toyota’s Entune and touch-screen infotainment system (with access to Pandora radio, do web searchs via Bing and read emails out loud) are both optional.
Prius v
44/40 MPG
The Prius v gets six inches on the previous Prius model, while also possessing a slightly wider form than its 3rd generation brother. Mechanically, the original Prius and Prius v are twins. This new model is popular because of its resemblance to a small SUV – its cargo size is quite competitive with an extra 12.7 cubic feet under its hatch.
Standard features are the UV reduction glass windshield, rear window defogger with timer, heated outside mirrors, audio display with back up camera, MP3 capability, USB port, hands-free phone use, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Standard on the Prius v Three and Five are display navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Toyota’s Entune – which includes web search via Bing.
Prius Plug-In Hybrid
87 MPG electric/49 MPG hybrid mode
The Prius runs in its electrical state when it’s in its “EV mode,” you can drive up to 15 miles at up to 62 mph. When your electrical charge runs out, you’re still running in the Plug-In’s Hybrid mode, which also gets an impressive MPG. Toyota says that the Prius Plug-In is perfect for people who take short trips, meaning they can run almost completely on electricity and therefore the driver will barely need gas, while people who go longer distances more frequently would be switching to and from Plug-In to Hybrid mode.
Some features are the Audio Display with Navigation, Toyota’s Entune audio system and a back up camera. There are heated front seats, more information on the display, and a charge timer for when your vehicle is charging. There is an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat and Premium HDD Navigations and JBL. There is an available Charging Station Map, Pre-Collision Systems and much, much more. The Prius Plug-in comes with a standard cordset to charge at home, and has an optional additional cordet for those who will want to charge away from home.
If you have any questions or are interested in looking at or purchasing a new Prius, please call us at (802) 229-9117, or visit our website.