Touring vs. Regular

[aeronaut]

Greetings,

New to the Prius world - just got my '07, touring edition, package #2, in silver pine mica. When I was making the buying decision, I test drove both the touring and non-touring editions. While the salesman said there wouldn't be much difference, I had to disagree. I test drove the touring edition first, drove to an empty parking lot, and then drove in a serpentine fashion (think small "S" curves) at about 15 mph. The car held the road well, and stayed pretty level. Then I did the same test with the non-touring edition, and found that it had a lot of roll, rolling out in the curves, to the point where I was worried about losing control. The decision was pretty clear for me at that point.

Mind, I don't normally drive that way. But in an emergency situation, I'd want to know that the car would stay level and under control, and not sway around like a pregnant water buffalo. I didn't feel that the ride smoothness was comprimised by the stiffer suspension in the touring edition.

Of course, my previous car was an 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, which handled great, so part of this is my own bias towards tight handling and solid road feel. While many people love their Mercedes, I've driven a couple, and hate the way one is separated from the road.

I don't think that I'd recommend that anyone trade in their older Prius and get a new one just for the touring upgrade. However, if someone is considering a Prius, but is turned off by the reports of sloppy handling, the touring edition may be just the ticket for them.

Regards,

[sassypamela]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aeronaut @ Jun 30 2007, 02:33 PM) [snapback]470687[/snapback]</div>

Greetings,

New to the Prius world - just got my '07, touring edition, package #2, in silver pine mica. When I was making the buying decision, I test drove both the touring and non-touring editions. While the salesman said there wouldn't be much difference, I had to disagree. I test drove the touring edition first, drove to an empty parking lot, and then drove in a serpentine fashion (think small "S" curves) at about 15 mph. The car held the road well, and stayed pretty level. Then I did the same test with the non-touring edition, and found that it had a lot of roll, rolling out in the curves, to the point where I was worried about losing control. The decision was pretty clear for me at that point.

Mind, I don't normally drive that way. But in an emergency situation, I'd want to know that the car would stay level and under control, and not sway around like a pregnant water buffalo. I didn't feel that the ride smoothness was comprimised by the stiffer suspension in the touring edition.

Of course, my previous car was an 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, which handled great, so part of this is my own bias towards tight handling and solid road feel. While many people love their Mercedes, I've driven a couple, and hate the way one is separated from the road.

I don't think that I'd recommend that anyone trade in their older Prius and get a new one just for the touring upgrade. However, if someone is considering a Prius, but is turned off by the reports of sloppy handling, the touring edition may be just the ticket for them.

Regards,
[/b]

I agree, that was one of my hang ups with considering the prius. I have always had sporty cars and like having that sharp turning in a pinch available. Plus I don't like that lofty bouncy ride.

I do wish it had a touring badge. Then I could see my fellow sporty prius folks.

P.S. We have almost the same car! But I demanded all the available options. I'm a real options wh0re.

[Gadgetdad]

I do wish it had a touring badge. Then I could see my fellow sporty prius folks.

Hi Sassy! I bought a touring badge made for the Avalon, http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ind...amp;catalogid=2 and mounted it right under the TOYOTA badge on the back hatch. I offset the Touring badge a bit to the right. It looks cool. Someday I'll get a picture posted so all can see!

Good luck with the 07 Touring, mine is great. BTW, a BT stiffening plate will improve the handling more, IMHO.

-Lee

[PLMurphy]

Hey touring model owners, distinguish yourselfs from the regular Prius. Did you know that your cool looking alloys are covered up by wheel covers? Both of our Touring models were delivered with silver wheel covers--huh! The dealer was surprised when I had them taken off to reveal great looking grey new style 16" alloys. He put Toyota hubcaps on the axle ends for free.

[Jaqueh2]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PLM @ Jun 30 2007, 05:09 PM) [snapback]470784[/snapback]</div>

Hey touring model owners, distinguish yourselfs from the regular Prius. Did you know that your cool looking alloys are covered up by wheel covers? Both of our Touring models were delivered with silver wheel covers--huh! The dealer was surprised when I had them taken off to reveal great looking grey new style 16" alloys. He put Toyota hubcaps on the axle ends for free.
[/b]

got a picture to make me jealous of my normal package 3?

[PLMurphy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jaqueh2 @ Jul 1 2007, 02:39 AM) [snapback]470943[/snapback]</div>

got a picture to make me jealous of my normal package 3?
[/b]

Not at the moment other than my icon to the left. The hubcap fits in the center and is shiny chrome with Toyota logo--you will like it since it complements the gray alloy color. Make the dealer give you four of them since they sold you alloys without the hubcap but do it while you are a new customer. :P

[Gadgetdad]

I found this picture in another thread. It shows the Touring Badge and the Touring wheels with the covers removed. Anybody have a wheel picture with the white Prius?

http://priuschat.com/uploads/post-19001-1177709368.jpg

[PLMurphy]

[attachmentid=9346][attachmentid=9345]<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Gadgetdad @ Jul 1 2007, 10:54 AM) [snapback]470996[/snapback]</div>

I found this picture in another thread. It shows the Touring Badge and the Touring wheels with the covers removed. Anybody have a wheel picture with the white Prius?

http://priuschat.com/uploads/post-19001-1177709368.jpg
[/b]

Good picture. Attached are two pictures of the Prius Touring Alloys in response to several posters curious as to what they look like.

[subarutoo]

I don't have a touring edition, they weren't available when I got mine in Jan 06. The other day I had to a high speed 70+ mph zig to miss a carpet roll on the freeway, and was amazed how well it handles. There was no time to brake (just a tap), because the VW ahead of me swerved, and the carpet roll was coming at me diagonaly. I do some Auto-x in my modified Impreza, which I expect to handle well, but the Prius really surprised me. I have the BT brace, and about 40/38 TP on OEM Goodyears. Anyway, I've never driven a Prius Touring, but it must be nice. I'm still happy with the handling of my "plain Jane", even under somewhat extreme conditions.

[RexChu]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PLM @ Jul 1 2007, 02:05 PM) [snapback]471103[/snapback]</div>

[attachmentid=9346][attachmentid=9345]
Good picture. Attached are two pictures of the Prius Touring Alloys in response to several posters curious as to what they look like.
[/b]

PLM,

Sorry to take up bandwidth here, PLM - I have sent you a PM.

Thanks!