"The only button I have a complaint about is the new placement of the iconic “Power†ignition button. Instead of being placed prominently higher up on the dash as it was on the 2nd Generation, the Power button has been relegated further down, where a traditional key-based ignition would be located."

The placement of the Power button on the LHD cars was a blatant bodge. The RHD cars, which I strongly suspect were the original design (Japan is RHD), have the Power button by the driver's right hand, below the right-most vent: as you say, where the traditional key-based ignition would be located.



The keyfob slot (required on this car - UK did not get SKS) is further to the left of the power button - you can just see the small ring attached to the key through the steering wheel (below the upper spoke).

I haven't seen any sign of keyfob slots on the 2010, although I haven't seen a decent RHD photo - didn't someone mention that non-SKS cars would have proximity detection of the keyfob near the power button?

Edit: relationship of power button and fob slot on UK 2G Prius:



The other control is the manual headlamp adjuster, required in all cars to adjust the vertical aim when carrying loads that compress the rear suspension, lowering the back and therefore raising the beam.

Thanks Danny! I think you covered everything.

Thanks for the review.

What is the difference between the audio system w/ the nav option, vs. the JBL system in the III, IV and V models?

Bluetooth streaming?

Is the sound quality better?

Is it correct that is has a 4 CD changer, vs. a 6 CD changer for the non-nav JBL system?

I had asked someone -- I forgot her name -- this same question at the Connection and she confirmed that the detector is near the power button. This is the same thing owners with the SKS would have to do to start the car if the battery in the FOB ran out.

Wowie!! Short trip MPG should almost double?

Good review, Danny. Thanks.

BTW, you've actually driven off a mountain in your M2?

Sounds like a lot of great changes! However, there are three other key factors that make me hesitate:

* I would have to give up my beloved carpool sticker, which allows me to use carpool lanes all over California.

* Seems like a lot of really interesting cars are coming out in 2010, including the Volt...and many others. Maybe makes sense to wait?

* The sound system on my 2005 Package 6 failed, and Toyota refuses to budge: $800 to fix a CD that won't eject. I guess there goes my gas savings for the past few years!

Yes...I think I'll wait.

btw, there will be USB/IPOD accessory for prius, dealer installed... just like for many (if not most) of new Toyota vehicles.

thats why you save money compared to similar car with similar options, not Yaris.

Great review, Danny!

Excellent review Danny! Did moving the Speedometer display reduce or eliminate the glare on the windshield problem?

Thanks for the informative review. I will be very happy if the new Prius is more like a Camry in terms of comfort and power. I am not a hypermiler - I want to have a little fun driving and not have a sore ass after 45 minutes in the seat. And yes, the new car does look sportier than the old. From the article, it appears that I will have to select power mode every time. Why? It should simply stay in the mode you select.

Thanks for the in-depth review, Danny. I'll be sticking with my 2004, but your review makes the 2010 sound better than earlier descriptions of the specs. Better handling in wind sounds nice. I'd consider the 2010 for the radar and LKA if those were available without leather. I won't buy leather.

Daniel