Video test – Toyota Prius (2023): unrecognizable

Usually rather prudent, not to say Timoré, Toyota surprises all its competitors when, in 1997, the brand presents a hybrid car intended to be produced in series. And the Prius, since that is what it is about, does not fail to make the throat laughs deployed most of the rivals of the Japanese. First of all because its three -volume line is particularly clumsy. Then, because no one believes in the success of such a motorization.

New Toyota Prius test (2023): the rechargeable hybrid at all costs

The Toyota Prius, which revolutionized the world of hybridization a quarter of a century ago, returns with a new transformation. This fifth generation of the Prius is today propelled by a rechargeable hybrid system, which improves its efficiency, but also increases its price. Will this Prius 5, always visionary, can seduce once again ? Our verdict.

New era, new face for the Prius

Talk about the Toyota Prius to an automotive enthusiast and you will get a mocking laugh, a total indifference, or a certain interest if the latter is a taxi. However, this fifth generation changes the situation because, for the first time in its history, the Prius, once devoted to nature lovers, also seduces car lovers. With its shark nose, its 19 -inch rims, its widen 2.2 cm, its 5 cm lowered roof, its wheelbased wheelbase of the same measure and its mustard yellow shade, the new Prius shows a new face. Although this transformation can confuse the faithful of the model, rest assured: despite its apparent adolescence crisis at 26, the most famous of hybrids remains an icon of ecology.

The reliability of the Toyota Prius 5

One of the major assets of Toyota Prius remains its reputation for reliability. The Japanese brand has built a real myth around the sustainability of its cars, and the Prius, as an emblematic model, does not escape this rule. With its new largest capacity battery, its handled mechanics and its well -controlled architecture, the New Prius is designed to resist the rigors of everyday life. Insurance for those who fear unforeseen costs.

Impressive performance

The Prius 2023 promises CO2 emissions as low as 11 g/km and mixed consumption of only 0.5 l/100 km, a performance made possible thanks to the WLTP standard. The latter is particularly mild with rechargeable hybrids, authorizing 100% electric driving on two thirds of the approval cycle. It is a boon for the Prius whose battery has increased by capacity, going from 8.8 kWh to 13.6 kWh for this new generation.

Eco-driving: another asset

Thanks to its energy recovery system, the driving experience of the Prius 5 also becomes an eco-driving game. A game that can be transformed into real economy. Depending on driving conditions, the car can regenerate energy during braking phases and store it for subsequent use. A precious advantage for city dwellers who spend a large part of their time braking and accelerating.

Autonomy and recharge of the Prius 2023

The rechargeable hybrid declination, introduced with the Prius 3 in 2012, almost doubled its electrical autonomy at each generation, culminating in 86 km For the Prius 5 when mounted with its 17 -inch wheels. It is a record among the compact hybrid rechargeable. However, not everything is rosy. The Prius 2023 has one of the longest recharge times among its competitors, with a minimum of 4 hours required. Its only redemption could be its solar roof equipped with photovoltaic cells, capable of recovering until 9 km of autonomy per day, But this equipment is only available in high -end finishing, for a purchase price higher than € 51,000.

Prius 5 equipment and technologies

On the technological level, the Prius 5 shows up with modern equipment such as the semi-autonomous driving system Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, the head -up display, or the wireless smartphone charger. Without forgetting its infotainment system which integrates Android Auto and Apple Carplay, providing optimal connectivity.

Driving experience

The New Prius, seeking to seduce sports drivers, adopts characteristics worthy of a coupe. The driving feeling has been significantly improved compared to the previous generation, offering more comfort and pleasure behind the wheel. Three driving modes are available on the new Prius: 100% electric (EV), hybrid (HV) and auto. Everyone offers a separate driving experience, suitable for different driving situations and driver preferences.

The interior of the Prius

Despite its external extravagance, the interior of the Prius eliminates all the eccentricities that made it unique. The instrumentation is now oriented towards the driver, making information more accessible. However, despite a 12.3 -inch and intuitive 12.3 -inch touch screen, ergonomics could be improved.

Price and competition from the Toyota Prius 5

Deprived of its Full Hybrid version, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid suffers from the cost of its battery ten times higher. The starting price is rising to € 43,900 For the well -equipped dynamic level. This price climbs to € 46,900 for design level and even reaches € 51,200 For the collection version with its solar roof. A substantial investment that could dissuade certain buyers. Compared to the launch price of the old Prius, which was € 30,950 For the Full Hybrid version in 2021, the last month of its sale (the PHEV version was then € 40,600), the addition is heavy.

Our opinion on the Toyota Prius 2023

In conclusion, the Prius 5 remains a visionary car, adapted to those looking for an environmentally friendly solution and with optimized driving comfort. Despite its high price, it offers autonomy and performances that place the high bar for competition. Nevertheless, its radical design and its price could discourage some, faced with more conventional or premium alternatives.

Buy or maintain your hybrid car in one of the 153 dealerships at Gueudet 1880. It’s simple as a click !

Over 500 hybrid models and 400 used electric models in the Gueudet 1880 network.

“For short journeys, favor walking or cycling #sédéplacepolluer”

Video test – Toyota Prius (2023): unrecognizable

If, technically, the Prius has always been remarkable, difficult to say as much in terms of design and driving pleasure. The one who was, in 1997, the first standard hybrid car in the world, has also, over the years and the arrival of competitors, lost a lot of interest … and customers. But at Toyota, we are not the type to throw in the towel. Also, this pioneer returns to us with a completely revised fifth generation. And not only on the aesthetic level since it is only available in rechargeable hybrid.

writing

Only in rechargeable hybrid

From € 43,900

Usually rather prudent, not to say Timoré, Toyota surprises all its competitors when, in 1997, the brand presents a hybrid car intended to be produced in series. And the Prius, since that is what it is about, does not fail to make the throat laughs deployed most of the rivals of the Japanese. First of all because its three -volume line is particularly clumsy. Then, because no one believes in the success of such a motorization.

Video test – Toyota Prius (2023): unrecognizable

If the success of esteem of the first generation agrees with many detractors, they begin to revise their position when, in 2003, the veil was lifted on the second generation. No more 4 -door sedan rather ugly, place a 5 -door model whose futuristic profile allows it to then display one of the best penetration rates in air. There Success Story is thrown. As early as 2005, 100,000 copies are sold annually. Three years later, the Millionme Prius comes out of the channels. This figure is doubled in October 2010.

Meanwhile, Toyota, who has no doubts about the appetite of global customers for hybrid technology, multiplies the models that use. This follows Auris, Yaris, Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 … To date, more than 40 Toyota hybrid models are offered in more than 90 countries, and more than 20 million cars using HSD technology (Hybrid Synergy Drive) found takers.

And the prius in all of this ? Well, she continued her career with increasingly daring lines – bad tongues will say tortured – which go so far as to put a large part of the customers. And sales figures drop year after year. With such a scenario, many manufacturers would have thrown in the towel. Even within the Japanese group, some have doubted the relevance of developing a fifth generation. Or, by transforming it into a SUV.

Newsletter

A Renaissance more than an evolution

Finally, on November 16, the Prius which is presented publicly resumes the main lines, literally with regard to the drawing of its body, generations 2, 3 and 4. Like the model that preceded it, it uses two types of engines, Full Hybrid and rechargeable hybrid. The first does not take the road to Europe, however. Indeed, on this market, Toyota wants the Prius to retain a certain technological advance and the multiplication of simple hybrids within the brand of the brand no longer allows this technology to be able to claim this status.

So now, now, for the 223 hp PHEV motorization alone, made up of the wedding of a 2.0 essence of 152 hp and an electric block of 163 hp. Compared to the previous rechargeable hybrid prius, the battery capacity makes a big leap forward, with, now, 13.6 kWh.

Aesthetically, if we recognize the profile of the Prius at first glance, the general printing differs notably. Indeed, the Prius V is shorter (4.60 m instead of 4.65 m), a little wider (1.78 m against 1.76 m) and lower (1.43 m instead of 1 , 47 m) that the fourth opus. From “Monospacization” sedan, the Prius thus turns into a 5 -door coupe.

Many details also accentuate the visual dynamism of the car, such as the “beak” overlooking the grille, the double row of lighting and the stern that mixes influences from the mirai and the GR supra.

Cramped

The architectural choices made by Toyota are not without consequences on the space allocated to the occupants. Moreover, the manufacturer now classifies this model in the C segment, that of the Peugeot 308 and Volkswagen Golf, while the previous generation belonged to the D category (BMW 3 Series, Peugeot 508, etc.).

By taking place on board, it will therefore be necessary first to ensure not to hit the pavilion and, that we settle in the front or at the rear. The space does not really lack forward except with regard to the roof, penalized, on our test model, by the panoramic glass roof. On the bench, it’s a whole different story. Leg space is indeed worthy of a compact sedan, but the more than 1m75 will rub their skull against the pavilion.

And this lack of habitability is not even justified by a desire to preserve the loading volume. With 284 liters, the Prius is less generous than most city cars. During weekend departures, you will have to learn to travel light.

The interior presentation was completely reviewed. For the first time, the instrumentation handset leaves the central position to take place against the driver. However, it remains raised, like the BZ4X or the Peugeot I-Cockpit, which allows you to consult it without leaving your eyes. Naturally, analog here no longer has its place and all the information is provided by a digital slab. The central console has, for its part, have dreated and becomes much less massive than in the past. The touch pad, now placed at the top of the dashboard, has allowed this cosmetic weight loss. Special mention for air conditioning orders, which are always the subject of physical pimples, although there are little readable, not integrated into the said tablet.

If, at first glance, the on -board furniture seems modern and flattering, it does not resist a slightly more advanced examination. Admittedly, foaming plastics are present as never on board a prius, but their rigid cousins ​​and poor quality are still there. And sometimes in the field of direct vision of the occupants, as is the case for the element that dresses the area between the steering wheel and the instrumentation combination. Let’s close our complaints with the steering wheel, constelled with small pimples whose exact functions are struggling, even after several hours spent on board.

Let’s finish on a positive note by welcoming the efforts made in terms of the quality of the assemblies.

• Length: NC
• Width: NC
• Height: NC
• Number of places: NC
• Chest volume: NC / NC

• Gearbox: Auto.
• Fuel: Electric petrol hybrid
• CO2 emission rate: NC
• Malus: NC
• Model marketing date: September 2023

* For example for version 5.

The bonus / penalty and the CO2 emission rate are given as an indication for the most ecological version.

The bonus / penalus displayed is that in force at the time of the publication of the article.