Just test driven - some questions for more experienced types

1. Parking on unlevel road. For me, i would press the brake pedal to stop the car. Then, i would push the parking brake in. Release the brake pedal (put in N) to make sure that the car stays in place with the parking brake only. Finally, put PARK. I actually do this most of the time, even on level ground.

2. I use IPA whenever i can and have time (aka no car waiting for me to park). I use the camera and mirrors when i backout or park. However, i have 3" convex mirrors on both of my outside mirrors, which makes parking against a curb a breeze.

3. Not sure about over there, but the Prius in USA comes with "Hill Start Assist". You just press the brake pedal more than normal when you're stop. There is an icon that comes on (forgot if it was a special icon or just the wiggly lines). The point is that HSA will "hold" your car via brakes for a few seconds (1 or 2 sec i think) while you transition from brake to gas pedal. So, no, you do not have to use the parking brakes.

Hope this helps.

 

1.
Yes, no handbrake is really weird, and i too dislike the weird wobble when using P. After you've stopped, engaging the parking brake and then using P or N makes sense. if it's only a temporary stop (lights, roundabout etc) then i would just hold the brake - but i would do that in a manual as well.

2.
Couldn't get it to work on the test drive car, don't have it on the T4. Do have parking sensors, which are infinitely more useful.

3.
Push the brake all the way to the floor, you get a double beep and a yellow light, you now have about 3 seconds to get on the accelerator. Because the car tries to "creep" in D, hill starts are really not a problem, unless it's VERY steep.

Hope you enjoy the new car, did you get any extra options? How long till it's delivered?

 

I just keep on standard mode (no mode buttons pushed).

 

When you press the brake pedal and hold it the "fake auto creep" stops. It starts again when you release the brake pedal. When stopped at a light I will use the pedal only. When stopped waiting for some time (parked but car in "ready"), I use the parking brake first, -then- put it in "P". There is always some play in the mechanical bits so when you release the brake pedal the car may move ever so slightly.

I would -never- use "P" when waiting for a light. If someone rear-ends you there would be damage to the HSD (in addition to whatever other damage results).

Do note the parking brake is not very strong unless you really press hard when engaging it. I apply Pearl's lightly (car in "P") when I get out to open the garage door and the car will cause the rear wheels to creak if I push it in either direction (brake shoes dragging makes the noise). I suspect the disk brakes work in a similar fashion.

 

Holding the brake down all the way activates the hill start assist which allows the brakes to remain engaged after you let go so you don't roll backwards on a hill

 

Mines been in Eco mode since i got it in April. All the same power is available, you just need to push the pedal further. it makes it easier to keep where you want to be on the HSI.

 

The Prius DVD says to use the "hand brake" when stopped. I almost always just use the brake pedal. It'll apply some force but mainly it's just turning off the creep so using it shouldn't be a problem.

I almost never change modes while driving. I drive in ECO for the fine control but I have put it in PWR the odd time knowing I needed quick acceleration from a stop and it would get me out just a little faster.

 

Just drive it as you would any 'normal' automatic. I keep mine in D (Drive) all the time when at lights, well unless I'm going to be stood for ages where I'll press P (Park).

The hill start function is great. Just press the brake hard when stationary and as said by earlier posters the car will double beep and the traction control light flashes. It will continue flashing as long as you hold your foot on the brake to remind you hill start assist is still on and then as soon as you let your foot off the brake you have time to press the accelerator and go.

The different functions are quite useful. I use Eco in town, normal for A roads and motorways and Power for overtaking, pulling out of junctions fast or on motorway slip roads. It's personal choice and you'll enjoy experimenting with them. The car does shift when in Power mode and does surprise other drivers who think the Prius is a snail.

Oh and yes, you can switch between the different modes when driving - I do it many times a day. And prepare to enjoy the fuel savings

 

Dead easy - I glance down!

Or if it's heavy traffic I find the hazard light button with my left hand and then work my fingers upto the three buttons. I will pretty much always use Power for overtaking as it makes it effortless.

 

sorry to come in late..

1. sorry don't quite understand the question.

Stopping is use the brake pedal.

remaining stopped on non-flat road, is a combination of the transmission 'park' position and the emergency brake if you think u need it in addition.

unless there is another definition of 'unlevel' I'm not aware of.

2. IPA , don't have
3. Hill Start Assist you've heard about already.

I never adjust the buttons. I just drive.. step on the pedal to go, the other one to stop. don't have much city driving, or parking lot that would justify EV mode. did try it last week in bumper to bumper traffic, uphill, lasted only 1/4 mile til battery exhausted.. not very useful.

Sam