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.
The Automotive Business Council (naamsa) has expressed concern over the recent announcement by US President Donald Trump to introduce additional tariffs on all imported products under what has been termed ‘Liberation Day’ trade measures.
Despite potential headwinds, South Africa’s automotive industry remains committed to long-term growth and resilience.
South African consumers demonstrated a strong appetite for new passenger vehicles in March, according to figures released by the Automotive Business Council (naamsa).
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
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