4th generation coming 2015!

I think it's only about showcasing the technology and less to do with Yaris or a particular car right now. I am guessing here, but would not expect this tech to show up first in a production Yaris.

 

Windstrings my friend ... I hope you feel the same if/when gas hits $7/gallon.

 

I don't think that's the all-new 2015. I believe it's the new plug-in for 2015 tho. Or, all-electric? No tailpipe... did ya see that?

 

Gas pricing aside, the Avalon hybrid is a superb car. I know, I am a plugin and EV owner, both - but there's something to be said for the amazing elegance of the Avalon.. and the hybrid version sure rocks! I sell plenty of both!!

 

There is a Tailpipe.

 

Dianne is kidding!

 

Looks more like 2013/14 with possible new power train inside. The 2013 running behind it looks identical in body lines so it lacks the supposed front end drop. I did notice the dash has been gutted for only analog speed / tach along with cluster lights were nav / radio is now. It is also missing the Sat/FM radio antenna on the roof. Could they finally be moving it to the windshield?

 

well…

 

Ya know... I wonder if that black covering doesn't cut down on the MPG some?

 

DianneWhitmore - Recognizing that selling Toyotas is your "Rice Bowl," you apparently have been imbibing on too much Toyota Kool Aid at the Toyota Sales meetings.

While the new Avalon (Conventional & Hybrid versions, of course) has attractive lines and is nicely appointed, I have found that the driver's seat cockpit area is much too cramped and falls short on "Volumetric Elegance" for comfortably accommodating my 5"10"/172-pounds carcass.

 

I have viewed the video a few times, especially the slow-motion close-ups and I think you can see the tail pipe protruding from the righthand bottom part of the undercarraige, just underneath the bumper surface.

In addition, it seems that there is a cover on the charging port at the right rear panel of the body. Again, it may just be a fake cover, quite possibly the case; overall, the cues might suggest a new generation PiP in testing, rather than a revamped Prius liftback model.

Having reviewed the articles PriusChat, as well as the Web, I get an impression that 2014 is almost certainly a carry-over of the 2013 and 2015 might (stressing the term, might) be a new model.

That being said, personally I am still in a dilemma, 2014 Prius liftback Five, or 2014 Prius V Three. My opening statement on the matter, so to speak, is while the extra cargo space is much welcomed for a family of 2+2, the fuel sipping capability cannot be denied. Any suggestions from well-seasoned owners?

 

Michael M. Maslowski - RE:“ANY SUGGESTIONS FROM WELL-SEASONED OWNERS?” --- FYI: I have written about this elsewhere on PriusChat.

I have owned both the Standard Prius Liftback/Hatchback Sedan and, now, my Prius v(vee) Station Wagon Five ATP (i.e. "V"onder "V"agon). Based on this experience, I named the Prius vee a "Caddy In A Kimono." I drive "Hybrid $mart" and have a Lifetime Fuel Economy of 53.7 MPG. With a family of 2+2, you will love the extra room in the cockpit, limousine-esque leg room in the backseat, as well as the 50% increase in cargo-hauling volume. I would recommend that you run, do not walk, to your nearest Toyota Dealer and purchase the Prius v(vee) Three you are considering.

 

Thanks for words of advice, catgic; A very cool name for the Vee, btw!

I have been closely monitoring the threads on this forum for the past four weeks and have already found a tonne of useful info; nevertheless, I decided to ask the question, as I would be more interested in first-hand experiences, more than technicalities involved with driving the Vee.

A month ago, I almost bought the Liftback Three (made the downpayment and reversed it after a day), as I decided to wait for lesser budget constraints until '14 and started pondering the purchase of the Vee. I have not test-driven that particle vehicle yet, but have been able to sit in it for a while twice and I loved everything about the interior. I admit that the generous space would be my primary consideration, equally important as fuel economy and security. On the other hand, the Liftback feels a better choice in terms of fuel economy. I should also add that, regardless of what I opt for, the Prius would be my primary commuter car as intend to hand the '11 Altima over to my SO. I drive much more than my wife on a daily basis and I am quite tired of leaving $200 a month at the pumps.

So, here you can see my dilemma. On the one hand, I love that idea of paying $50/month commuting as I currently do. On the other hand, having the ability to load the Vee with a stroller and three suitcases with ease seems so tempting. I can see myself driving with my family to Vancouver next year to visit our friends, no problem, or doing frequent summer itineraries across the Maritimes with no stress.

Any further suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as always. Thank you!

 

Michael M. Maslowski – What I am reading you saying tells me that you are “Over Thinking” the Prius Sedan v. Prius Wagon buying decision. It seems to me that you are “Over Anticipating” Too High Of MPG/Liters Per 100Km out of the Hatchback Sedan, and “Under Expecting” Too Low Of MPG/Liters Per 100Km out of the Prius v(vee) Wagon in making your buying decision, and also making the slight difference in fuel economy the main driver of your decision.

Both cars use the very same 1.8 Liter ICE and Hybrid Synergy Drive to power and propel them. The v(vee) is slightly larger with a slightly larger Aerodynamic Cd, while delivering a “Bonus” of added comfort and 50% more hauling volume with it. If you drive both cars “Hybrid $mart,” the hatchback will only beat the Per Tank-Full Fuel Economy Average of the similarly driven v(vee) by some 3-5 MPG, which nominally works out to a 30-50 mile difference Per Tank-Full, or about the cost of one gallon of gasoline. This is a small price to pay to drive the “Caddy In A Kimono” Prius v(vee) Wagon.

FYI: Some decades back, when CFB Shearwater, Halifax was RCN Base Shearwater, I spent some time there serving on United States Navy <:> Royal Canadian Navy Exchange Duty flying in the S-2 “Tracker” (CS2F/CP-121) Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Aircraft. If you have not done so already, I would encourage you to take your family to visit the Shearwater Aviation Museum [ Shearwater Aviation Museum ] as it is a great museum.

 

Go with the v. My wife owns the regular hatchback 2010, I own the v 2012. Mileage variance is minimal between the two. She might get 2~3 more mpg when she keeps her lead foot out of the gas! My v seems to sit up a little higher, rear seats recline and trunk space is greater. I would love to have the 7 passenger version however Toyota has yet to bring to the states.

 

Thank you for your replies, catgic and sURFNmADNESS. I am more inclined to purchase the Vee due to, mainly practical, considerations. Judging by your the provided info, it looks that the difference in MPG can seem almost marginal under regular conditions. My only concern is the drop in fuel economy due to relatively cold weather; The conditions remain unfavourable here for six months.

It is also worth noticing that in Halifax, NS the terrain is extremely favourable for the Prius, due variety of slopes and hills allowing a driver to implement the pulse & glide technique more frequently. When I test-drove the Liftback a few weeks back it returned a stunning 3.9L/100 km without any conscious eco-driving on my part. The route was a typical one that I would do on a weekly basis (groceries, a few venues totalling around 30 miles). On the highway, however it dropped to 5.3L/100 km.

On the other token, catgic, thanks for the recommendation on visiting a cool place. I am planning to visit next weekend.

Thank you kindly for all you valuable input.

 

Slopes and hills almost always ruin the pulse and glide technique. Pulse and glide works best on a straight gentle downhill but also works if the slope is level or slightly uphill with a predictable even slope.

The problem with hills is you are forced to pulse on the uphill even if that might have been a portion you wanted to glide on. Sure you can attempt to hypermile a route with hills but it very likely won't work as well as a route that has little to no elevation changes (all other factors being equal).

Where I live the only way I can truly pulse and glide is to drive in a parking lot or access road that has been graded to level. Any useful route around here involves noticeable to severe elevation changes.

 

I am guessing the picture depicts a model year 2014 in the final stage of test.
Then, I am predicting the 2014 will be quickly replaced in the spring with the much talked about 2015.

My rationale is, the 2014 will not be a great seller with so much discussion about the 2015, and all the predictions for improved mileage, new styling, AWD, improved battery chemistry and etc.

Ony a guess. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

 

I bet it makes it hot as hell!!