UK/AUSTRALIA: Toyota updates Prius hybrid
05 Jul 2005
Source: just-auto.com editorial team



Toyota has slightly revised its Prius petrol-electric hybrid model and recently rolled the improved model line out in most major markets.

The list of upgrades runs from improved suspension and steering to a new design for the aerodynamic “spats†in front of the rear wheels.

The automaker has recalibrated the suspension, added a front suspension tower brace and added control logic to the vehicle’s electronic power steering system – to improve steering, ride and handling.

The model now also has increased body rigidity and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), a Toyota statement said.

Upgrades include an improved dash silencer, to reduce NVH, and a package of changes to increase body rigidity – thereby further reducing NVH, improving handling and increasing QDR (quality, durability and reliability).

In Australia, the Prius has been certified to Euro IV emission requirements – currently Europe’s toughest environmental benchmark.

A Toyota Australia spokesman said local certification to the Euro IV standard had led to the Australian government recently revising its environmental rating of the Prius, making it the greenest car available there.

“This groundbreaking hybrid petrol/electric car has the lowest fuel consumption rating of any vehicle on the market with an official figure of 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres,†he said.

“It also shares the government’s best rating for both greenhouse emissions and air pollution.â€

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