2010 Prius Models and Option Packages

Welcome Drs543, I made myself feel better by convincing myself how expensive it would be to have to replace any abnormalites of this new technology that warranty would not cover.
They gave us a big enough hassle about the HIDs that I suppose I can live without them... and we never came to a conclusion as to how bright they are.

I'm noticing LED's on the road now.. and I'm not impressed with many... I don't know how these rate against those yet.
Although they are cool and the latest and greatest, I'm not sure if they have the bottom line brightness that the Halogens may have.

I guess sometimes you have to look at the bright side of things.. "a little pun"..... thats what I'm trying to do..
but I think I may have chosen them if I had the opportunity.

 

Am I reading this right in that you have to choose one of the options packages which means you have to get a navigational package?

 

You can choose the base model (1223) which doesn't have the navigation package. Looking at the remaining models I'm not 100% sure if you can order the 1225, 1227, or 1229 without any option package.

 

Thanks for the reply rcsting. That got me to thinking and I looked over the details again and Doug stated that:

"There are 10 possible ways to configure a 2010 Prius (excluding colors)"

Just typing it out long-hand, while we wait for delivery...

That would be:

1. 1223 (no options)
2. 1225 (no options)
3. 1227 (no options)
4. 1229 (no options)
5. 1225 (Navigation package)
6. 1225 (Solar package)
7. 1227 (Navigation package)
8. 1227 (Solar package)
9. 1229 (Navigation package)
10. 1229 (Advanced Technology package)

Did I get that right?

 

I did notice that a couple months ago and meant to comment.

Headlight washers? You've got to be kidding me, Toyota. Can someone please explain that one to me?

This isn't an off-road SUV that will get gobs of mud splashed all over. And if icing over is a concern, I would think an embedded defrosting wire would be more effective and last longer (no moving parts or cracking rubber blades to worry about).

 

It's an ECE requirement for any high-output lighting system. Wikipedia:

"Dirt buildup on headlamp lenses increases glare to other road users, even at levels too low to reduce seeing performance significantly for the driver. Therefore, headlamp lens cleaners are required by ECE Regulation 48 on vehicles equipped with low-beam headlamps using light sources that have a reference luminous flux of 2,000 lumens or more. This includes all HID headlamps and some high-power halogen units. Some cars have lens cleaners fitted as standard or available as optional equipment even where the headlamp specifications and/or prevailing technical regulations do not require them. North America, for example, does not use ECE regulations, and FMVSS 108 does not require lens cleaners on any headlamps, though they are permitted. Lens cleaning systems come in two main varieties: a small motor-driven wiper blade or brush conceptually similar to those used on the windshield of the car, or a fixed or pop-up high-pressure sprayer which cleans the lenses with a spray of windshield washer fluid."

The Prius is very nearly a world-standard car - the exact same model is sold all over the world with very minor modifications for the North America lighting requirements (different marker lamps are needed, and the door-mirror indicator repeaters on the EU and JDM models are not permitted).

 

Interesting...I learned something. However, as an engineer, I'm scratching my head as to HOW dirt buildup can INCREASE glare. But, I'll assume there's a good answer for that one.

But ... the headlamp cleaning system is still at the whim of the driver (I doubt it is automatic). So, how effective are regulations to have specific equipment that could go unused so easily?

I guess I'm a skeptic in need of a live demonstration.

 

In winter, I very regularly find that grime buildup on the headlights scrambles the careful beam shaping of the reflector and lens, scattering the light all over the place.

A clean (and properly aimed) lens focuses most of the light in a low even pattern on the road, below the eyes of oncoming drivers. When scattered by a dirty lens, more light is fired high into the face of other drivers, and into the sky, and less lands on the road where I need it. In some weather, typically when the DOT has had to do a lot of sanding, my light becomes so dim (to me) that I have to pull over to clean the lenses. Very few other drivers ever do this.

The grime on the windshield, outside the wiper pattern, is a strong indicator to the grime on the headlights.

 

Not to mention, wiring harness harness/computer feedback issues.

 

Initially.....key word....the Prius team had to makes some decisions in order to tell the plant what to build and how many of what to order. This had to be done last year and finalized over the last month or two. I was a direct supplier to the D3 for a long time and we had roughly a 6-month leadtime before the vehicle left the plant. We needed to know at least 6 months before shipment how much and what was going to be used.

This site and this thread are a good way to voice preferences. Obviously it's being monitored. But back to initially. Nothing is written in stone. To sell vehicles Toyota will adjust then readjust then rereadjust the packages and option combinations to fit the greatests number of buyers. The majority always wins. But the key point is that the packages have to reflect demand in order to sell the most units. After the initial arrivals if the current structure is moving well it will likely remain in place. If a demand is seen for Navi but no SRP like this year's package #6 then that'll be changed soon.

This was done with the current 4Runner back when it first debuted. Toyota made an oops based on an erroneous view that the US public wanted dark gray unpainted overfenders like the Jeeps. The US buyers hated the look and made it known. After 90 days of low sales and complaints every 4runner since then has had painted overfenders. It took nearly 9 months to move the initial 90 day supply of unpainted overfender 4Runners.

For certain next year the packages will change, then they will change again the following year.

 

Hey Toyota - we all want a model V, no packages. Got it?

 

This had left me wondering if I wanted to be a 2010 pioneer or not because I don't care for some of the upscale product mix.

Having been to the Georgetown KY plant three times, I remain amazed that Toyota lacks a web site that would allow me to custom order exactly the vehicle I want. I would be happy to take the listing to a local dealer with say non-refundable, 10-20% down; and wait 6-9 months later for the delivery and final payment.

In the end, I decided the bottom kit would work just fine as the parts I'm most interested in, the engine and drive train and basic controls are there.

Bob Wilson

 

I have to agree with Tideland Prius, that did seem a bit coarse. I'm assuming it was done in jest.

And by the way, we all don't want the model V, no packages. I want the model IV no packages.

 

10 different packages and everyone is crying? move to Australia where we will have 2 options, base and iTech. It gets a little tired after a while.

If the 2010 Prius was perfect what would people have to complain about?
Keep it up Toyota, the Prius has it all, a great car with stuff to whine about!

 

Nah, we're not whining. Just over-stimulated Prius fanatics anxiously awaiting pricing/availability details.