Friday, March 27, 2015
2013 Toyota Prius Hybrid Plug in
The Toyota Prius has a very successful worldwide hybrid model in the range, which now inspires the customers already in the third generation. The latest addition to the Prius, there is now also available as plug-in hybrid, the larger battery can also be charged via a plug socket and up to 25 kilometers purely electric range allows.
Prius have ESP, ABS and seven airbags are there already a head-up display, a keyless entry and start system, power windows, audio system with 6.1 "touch screen monitor, a rear view camera, cruise control, automatic climate control , an onboard computer and 15 "alloy wheels.
The interior of the Prius plug-in is designed very futuristic, yet you find yourself right off the bat handle. Perfectly positioned is the small control stick that is positioned on the flat running and free-floating center console near the top. Under the center console then there is also a large storage compartment, as well as the somewhat hidden housed controls for the heated seats. The materials used have a very high quality, and also the color choice in the interior fits perfectly with the economical Toyota.
Despite the sleek shape of the Prius for passengers and luggage provides plenty of space. Even in the second row, you can still travel comfortably. For tall passengers, only the thigh support adjustment of the steering column is a bit too short and too small. This results in a not very optimal seating position for tall drivers.
The boot capacity is also generous with 443 liters, under a small flap, there is also a very handy storage compartment in which the charging cable can be accommodated.
The many cup holders and shelves inside also offer extra space for small items. This shows that the Prius is completely tailored to the tastes of the North Americans.
Also, the engine adapts itself to fit the urban driving habits of Americans. The combination of a 1.8 liter 4-cylinder with 99 PS (73 kW) and 60 hp (18 kW) electric motor produces a system output of 136 hp (100 kW). Those who wish can lay up to 25 kilometers purely electric, and we have come in practice to a value of around 20 kilometers. Just over 90 km / h shuts the gasoline engine also is added. Nevertheless, it is mainly in urban areas often purely electric way, even if the main battery is empty.
The Prius has a cap on each side of the vehicle, one for the filling of the gasoline engine and is responsible for charging the batteries. If the batteries, you can charge the Prius Plug-in on any normal power socket. Push of a button, you can also save battery power for later retrieval, which is especially handy if you from out of town in a city with low emission zone go.
His greatest assets is the Prius hybrid plug-in without this in the city. There he can shine with its rapid acceleration up to 50 km / h and a very high proportion of electrically kilometers covered and provides a wonderful consumption.
Over land, it will be a little tougher with the Prius, which is mainly due to the continuously variable transmission. Who gets the full power, given a distressed-sounding engine features to wish its pulling power also unsatisfactory. While the Prius accelerates in 10.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h who wants to overtake a car on the highway, but should be patient and just wait for a long time.
Is the Prius then once in motion, he moves back very quiet and comfortable. Also, suspension and chassis are all designed for comfort on the Prius, which once again underlines its vote to the U.S. market. It seems to float across the street and can also complete long distances without problems. But he taught in curves not the best feeling, though he should offer thanks to its low center of gravity and advantages here is actually safe on the road - it just does not feel as for the passengers.
But what clearly speaks for the Prius hybrid plug-in, its consumption has actually surprised us. Specified by the factory 2.1 liters per 100 kilometers, although hardly accessible, with 3.4 liters but is still sensational efficient Prius hybrid plug-in. Even if after the batteries are not charging, the consumption remains very low. After more than 300 kilometers without additional charging of the main battery, the onboard computer was still reported very frugal 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
Here, the Prius would certainly have been more economical if we could have pinched the overtaking on the highway as well as the utilization of the allowable highway speeds.
It is also pleasing the clarity offered by the compact Toyota, only the two-piece tailgate makes the rear view, it offers the standard rearview camera when parking a good overview.
The Prius plug-in hybrid has proven to be very comfortable partner, who can score with good facilities and plenty of space.
But its greatest strength is its economical use of fuel. This reflects the long experience of Toyota in the hybrid drive, which works really excellent. That the CVT transmission and allow the power delivery is not much fun, the Prius might be forgiven given the sensationally low consumption. He is definitely an ideal companion for those who want to be frugal on the road, especially in urban areas.
Photo Credit: © Toyota
