Canadian versus US model differences

[hiremichaelreid]

I had a hard time trying to compare US models with Canadian. There seem to be different trim levels and fewer options in Canada.

I've ordered a base model 2008, which is called the "Special Edition" here. As far as I can tell:

- All Canadian Prii have the US Touring model wheels and tires. I'm not sure if the suspension is upgraded like in the US Touring. Anyone know ?

- The base model I'm getting seems to be like a US package #1, except that it also includes:

- Anti-theft from package #3.
- Auto-dimming mirror with Homelink from pkg 3.
- Fog lamps from pkg 4 (but no HID lights?).

Has anyone else noted any other differences ? I haven't outlined the differences in the other 2 trim levels in Canada.

[Tideland Prius]

Here's something I put together:
http://priuschat.com/forums/knowledg...countries.html

Alternatively, here are the differences:

US:
- MAIN'T REQ'D light
- availability of HIDs
- availability of leather-trimmed seats
- Spectra Blue Mica
- base model with no cruise, tonneau cover, seatback pockets or trim rings
- AUTO-OFF function for headlights

Canada:
- automatic headlights
- DRLs

[hiremichaelreid]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

Here's something I put together:
http://priuschat.com/forums/knowledg...countries.html

Alternatively, here are the differences:

US:
- MAIN'T REQ'D light
- availability of HIDs
- availability of leather-trimmed seats
- Spectra Blue Mica
- base model with no cruise, tonneau cover, seatback pockets or trim rings
- AUTO-OFF function for headlights

Canada:
- automatic headlights
- DRLs

Thanks!

I can't imagine that US has Maint Req'd light but Canada doesn't ? So my Canadian Prius won't tell me when an oil change is needed ? Hard to imagine.

What's the difference between AUTO-Off for headlights and automatic headlights ? Here also, I find it hard to imagine US and Canada are different.

Everything else makes sense.

I'm still wondering if we get the Touring suspension components, since we get the Touring tires and wheels whether we want them or not.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by hiremichaelreid

Thanks!

I can't imagine that US has Maint Req'd light but Canada doesn't ? So my Canadian Prius won't tell me when an oil change is needed ? Hard to imagine.

What's the difference between AUTO-Off for headlights and automatic headlights ? Here also, I find it hard to imagine US and Canada are different.

Everything else makes sense.

I'm still wondering if we get the Touring suspension components, since we get the Touring tires and wheels whether we want them or not.

You're not missing much with the MAIN'T REQ'D light. it's just an "idiot" light. It comes on every set kms. It doesn't track your oil life. I guess Canadians are just that little bit smarter heh.

AUTO-OFF means that if you forget (or too lazy) to turn the knob to the OFF position, the vehicle will shut off the headlights for you. In the Prius, it's linked to the driver's door so as soon as the driver's door is opened, the light goes off.

AUTO headlights means that there is a light sensor and the headlights (if the knob is in the AUTO setting) will come on and off as necessary. The good thing about it is that if you have the headlights on during the day (you manually switch it on), the light sensor knows it's daytime and will not dim the MFD or speedo (unlike the US models which will dim). The same goes if you travel into a heavy tree-lined road and it's dark enough for the lights to go on, the dashboard won't dim. Smart! Of course it'll shut off by itself too and is linked to the driver's door.

I don't know. A friend of mine is a salesperson and he told me he couldn't tell the difference between the 07 and 08 model so it could be we strictly got the cosmetic stuff. I wouldn't mind the 16" alloys since I think the spoke design looks better and fills the arches better even if it costs me 1mpg.

[hiremichaelreid]

Auto-headlights sounds nice if there are 3 positions: Off, Auto and On.

I've been leaving my lights on for years, with auto-off, on the presumption I am more visible with low beams at all times, and people are less likely to jump in front of me. But I want the option to turn them off too.

Yes, the 7 spoke looks nicer than the 6 spoke, and has more spokes too.

[Tideland Prius]

It's OFF, Dot, ON, AUTO (the dot being the parking lights and taillights only) on the Canadian model.

The DRLs are running at 80% full intensity so you'll be fine leaving it in DRL mode unless of course it's misty or foggy or just darn cloudy and you want the taillights on too.

[hiremichaelreid]

Got my new ride today...

Pics here: Newbies - Let's See Some Pics!

Was pointed to this thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-ma...ar-struts.html

and I have pink and red struts so I'm guessing we Canadians get the Touring suspension parts too !!

[Tideland Prius]

I saw the pics. Nice ride!! I wish I had the 16" alloys when I bought the car.

[hiremichaelreid]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

I saw the pics. Nice ride!! I wish I had the 16" alloys when I bought the car.

Yeah, I'm happy.

Do you know when the 16" alloys were made standard in Canada ?

[Fibb222]

Another thing that I think might be different between CAN and US Prii, is that the CDN MFD mileage counter doesn't automatically reset after a fill up. At least I've never seen mine reset but I've heard many people say that it does.