My 2010 Prius Test Drive!!!

[mlibanio]

Hi everyone,
I just came back from a wonderful test drive of the 2010 Prius. WHAT A TREAT! The car was amazing at the autoshow, but driving it was something else.

The HSD system is so much improved over the current Prius. The responsiveness is so immediate. The startup delay is near instantaneous versus the current or my THS system. Smoothness was never the 1.8L claim to fame, and while very smooth, still exhibited a bit of "gruffness" when accelerating. However, the sound is very similar to our 1.5L, smooth and unobtrusive. I was suprised to feel the familiar startup jolt, it seems a bit more pronounced than mine or current Prius', but given how quickly it now starts, I didn't mind. PWR mode has to felt to be believed. In regular mode the 2010 Prius feels very similar to our Prius, that is smooth and fairly peppy. Push the PWR button, and you realize that button should be labbeled Dr. Jeckyl and MR. HYDE!!! Wow, very suprising burst of acceleration, the whole car comes alive. Enough to snap my head back. I would say the 10 second 0-60 time is conservative.... by a bit.

The roominess and seat comfort are milestones for Toyota. Being 6 ft, its difficult to get a good seating position in most cars. My Prius being no exception. This 2010 Prius addresses this issue in spades. Very supportive and comfortable.

The EV Mode was pretty cool, and boy is that new motor torquey!! I climbed up hills that would have challenged my Prius, this one seemed like it was doing it effortlessly. Very nice. Good for up to 45 km/h.

Last but not least is handling. What a HUGE improvement in this area. Where my Prius is responsive, but poor in road feel, and the current Prius is similar, this one actually has heft and some road feel. Compared to my in-law's 2009 Camry SE, this is WAY better. It carved through some tight corners with confidence, that would have left my and current Prius' with scrubbed door handles. However, unlike the Classic and Iconic Prius, the sensation of weight is intense. You really feel like its a more substantial car. I was suprised actually, as it really is a heavy car. But I drove the 15" rimmed Prius, I suspect the 17" might dull this somewhat, but still noticeable.

Otherwise, it was a true pleasure to drive this car. Not to mention being allowed to sit in the Lexus HS250 too! That car is amazing too. The haptic feedback for the nav and the interior are just mouth watering. I will post all my pics. Here are some to start!

[spwolf]

how was HS?

[mlibanio]

Oh, and I almost forgot. The question that most Prius owners are asking and thinking about. Is it that much better than our Prius' that we should trade in ours for?

My impression was, while this car is an unquestionable improvement, its simply not enough to sink myself into debt over 6 years for. Our Prius' are currently very green and enviro concious, and I don't feel that I am any less so just because I drive a Classic. If however, my 2002 decided to call it a day, then this car would be very high on my list. But for me to switch from getting my usual 4.2-4.6L/100km to 3.8L/100km seems a bit too little given the enormous price this thing will likely command. However, when discussing the Plug in Prius... although I can't divulge too much information, ITS COMING!!! And boy is it cool! All the more reason why I am hoping my little white Prius will hang on for 1 1/2 more years... OOOPS did I say too much already! Creeps! No more then! HAHAHAHA!!!

[mlibanio]

HS reminds me a lot of my Prius, very small outside, but VERY ROOMY inside. The interior is leather clad, and the steering wheel has a very thick rim. I noticed that the Electric Motor was much quieter than the 2010 Prius in operation. None of the electic motor whine that was so noticeable on Prius was audible on HS. I wonder what is so different?? However, the pop up nav display is similar to the old IS300 display. Actually it is very similar in sporty feel and layout to the old IS300, except its tons roomier!

The 2.4L is not based at all on the Camry. The Camry is not an Atkinson cycle, but the HS is. The power outputs are also much higher, in keeping with the sporty nature of the HS.

[HTMLSpinnr]

I don't believe that is correct, the HiCam also uses an Atkinson Cycle engine as well.

[mlibanio]

I know I thought so too! But that is what I told by the Powertrain Engineer from Toyota! Who knew!

[HTMLSpinnr]

Originally Posted by mlibanio

I know I thought so too! But that is what I told by the Powertrain Engineer from Toyota! Who knew!

Plenty of online documentation would refute that. Wouldn't be the first time someone from Toyota mis-spoke about their own products

The Hybrid Camry uses a 2AZ-FXE, which is an Atkinson variation of the 2AZ-FE engine found in your standard 4 cyl Camry.

[Flying White Dutchman]

nice pics
i want a drive to haha

[Leadfoot]

Pretty glowing writeup, which excites us even more.

Somebody mentioned the plug-in option two years hence would be a Prius option. A $5,000 option! Maybe due to more expensive batteries and/or different motor?

At any rate, thank you for the report. I certainly hope the wait will be worth it.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by mlibanio

HS reminds me a lot of my Prius, very small outside, but VERY ROOMY inside. The interior is leather clad, and the steering wheel has a very thick rim. I noticed that the Electric Motor was much quieter than the 2010 Prius in operation. None of the electic motor whine that was so noticeable on Prius was audible on HS. I wonder what is so different?? However, the pop up nav display is similar to the old IS300 display. Actually it is very similar in sporty feel and layout to the old IS300, except its tons roomier!

The 2.4L is not based at all on the Camry. The Camry is not an Atkinson cycle, but the HS is. The power outputs are also much higher, in keeping with the sporty nature of the HS.

It's a Lexus... more sound insulation.