Toyota’s Prius needs no introduction. Seen as the gold standard of hybrid passenger cars, this model has now been updated for the South African market.
For 2021, the Prius has been outfitted with some notable upgrades and enhancements to align with other premium Toyota models.
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) has been adopted, bringing with it an array of safety aids in the form of a Pre-Crash System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic High Beam assistance (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) plus Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Lane Trace Assist (LTA).
On the interior front, the touchscreen infotainment system has been updated to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while also benefitting from a higher-resolution display. The core USB, Aux and Bluetooth functionality remains - while playing through a high-quality six-speaker setup. Toyota Connect is fitted as standard – offering in-car Wi-Fi connectivity with a complimentary 15Gb of data – and telematics interface with the MyToyota app.
As before, eight exterior colours are on offer, while Pearl White has been replaced with the new Platinum White Pearl. A black leather interior provides a sense of luxury and practicality.
The Prius offers buyers a comprehensive spec level. Some of the standout features include Heads-Up Display (HUD), Reverse Camera, a high-definition Multi-Information Display, seat heaters with electric lumbar support and wireless (cell phone) charging. Dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror ramp up the convenience quotient.
The proven 1.8-litre Hybrid powertrain continues unaltered – combining an electric motor with Toyota’s 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle 2ZR-FXE engine for a total system output of 90 kW. A dedicated EV-mode enables the vehicle to operate under full-electric power. The Prius is classified as a Full Hybrid (FHEV) and uses a self-charging powertrain to provide electric energy.
Power is transmitted to the front wheels via an integrated CVT transmission.
The Prius 1.8 costs (April 2021) R566 400 and includes a service plan of 6 years/ 90 000 km, a warranty of 3 years / 100 000 km and a Hybrid battery warranty of 8 years / 195 000 km.
Supergroup Dealerships announced the upcoming launch of four new MG dealerships as part of its growing portfolio. The new locations that are set to open soon, include three on the East Rand, one in Rustenburg and one in Paarl, Western Cape.
The highly anticipated F&I Industry Awards 2024, which were held recently, showcased the pinnacle of excellence and innovation in the automotive financial and insurance sector.
In a groundbreaking move towards offering a comprehensive, one-stop integrated service to its customers, Absa has introduced an integrated Finance & Insurance solution for dealer partners across South Africa. This innovative initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing customer experience and streamlining financial services.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Toyota announced that it has expanded its Land Cruiser 70 Series with the addition of new 5-speed manual gearbox option in the range. The manual powertrain will be offered in both the Single Cab and Station Wagon variants.
Peugeot has updated its Landtrek bakkie with the big news of the addition of a new, more powerful engine. The Landtrek continues to establish itself in the one-ton pick-up segment, which represents 2.5 million annual sales worldwide. It is sold in around 40 countries, predominantly in Africa, the Middle East and South America.
Ulterio Motiv, the newly launched sister company of respected armouring establishment, SVI Engineering, has launched its most affordable product to date, this time based on one of the best-selling bakkies in South Africa – the Ford Ranger.
