2015 Prius - "It’s the most intelligently-executed basic transportation since the Model T"

sporty styling might bring a few more buyers, but not enough to compromise any other part of the design.

 

I agree that many people appear to choose a car based largely on looks. It's difficult to reconcile such widespread irrational decision making otherwise.

From my perspective, "contemporary, attractive" is an oxymoron when applied to most current car design.

 

It is simple. Not enough "Jone's" live nearby who drive a Prius.
Lookie what happened in California. Once the "Stars" started to buy Prii they sold well there.
Now they are "tired" of the Prius, so another sporty vehicle comes to the fore. Maybe because it looks good and has 500 HP.

 

Sedans with trunks are easily the most popular non-truck, SUV and CUV vehicles in the US. I think it is because 1) trunks are easy to use 2) they provide secure, hidden storage.
Some people absolutely need to flexible cargo space of a liftback or hatchback or serious hauling with a truck.

Prius will continue to sell, likely somewhat more than the 3rd gen did. I suppose one of the most interesting thing about the 4th gen Prius is it's going to show where Toyota is heading with their hybrid drivetrain HSD.

 

I would prefer a trunk but bought the prius for other attributes. I believe this is probably true for many in the US.

For a prius with a trunk, we have the camry hybrid. Other companies (ford, hydundai/kia, honda, and soon chevy) have competing models, while no one really competes with the prius. Combined all these mid size 4 door sedans only outsell the prius a little.

I think if toyota or someone else builds a 4-door sedan hybrid from the ground up it will be popular in the US. In japan the aqua (prius c) is the most popular, with japanese liking small hatchbacks.

IMHO the improvements in the car will be more important than improvements in hsd. HSD is already good enough, but toyota sells a lot more camry's. A little better handling, acceleration, interior layout and materials, could go a long way.

 

sedans are a little quieter too.

 

absolutely, my work around is always have my stereo on, and to have it louder than my previous sedan.

The ford c-max hybrid is a lot quieter than the prius, but I think this added cost and weight. I'm sure some of those lexus engineers could do it better than ford. A sedan is naturally quieter though. I mainly miss my locking trunk. I do really like the hidden compartment under the hatch floor.

 

it would be interesting to know the difference between a quieter ride and mpg's. then i could decide whether to criticize toy or not. if it's one mpg, shame on them. two? now i'm starting to think about it.

 

It maybe added cost, but I don't see using the speakers to cancel noise on the C-max adding much weight. Doesn't the tech also get used on the Fusion?

 

The camback or good aero can be had with a trunk. Look at the civic trunk as camback, the tesla S shape is as aerodynamic as the prius. narrow back seat can make a car more aerodynamic (better mpg) but most won't compromise the space for the efficiency.

The trade off is not efficiency but cost. The added weight will probably not even cost 1 mpg in the city rating, but .. you want slightly more power from the drive for the same acceleration. noise deadening material, and active noise cancellation adds a little more to the price. My guess is toyota will add a little more sound deadening material, but not active noise cancellation. Total weight will be down, but sound deadening material will probably weigh more.

 

I thought it was a fair review.
And I don't say that about many reviews.

 

It helps that the reviewer didn't start out with his mind already made up.

 

yeah, for a gear head, he was all right.