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Thread repository for ALL non-PriusChat 2016 Prius reviews

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by priusfan500, Nov 17, 2015.

  1. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

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    "Speaking up for motorists who need to wear reading glasses, this secondary screen was a blessing. It’s at arm’s length so was perfectly in focus for me, as opposed to being the blur that the satnav usually is."
    And it helps you keep your eyes where they need to be - on the road...!
     
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  2. Data Daedalus

    Data Daedalus Senior Member

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    Wooden brakes? Eerie steering? Skinny tyres? Whaaaa.....?!!

    Is that what the Prius is being described as? My Prius 2nd Gen can hardly be described in those terms. Admittedly, the braking sequence on the average Prius WILL differ from your average ICE driven automobile, but electromagnetic regenerative braking was always going to feel different from a car relying totally on servo assisted hydraulics and master cylinder technology (do standard cars still have master cylinders?).

    Eerie steering? My steering is precise enough and has not been found wanting. It's a hybrid powered commuter vehicle, not an F1 racing car .

    Skinny tires! Has anybody actually seen a Prius with skinny tyres? Skinny tyres evokes memories of the Citroen 2CV......

    Did that reviewer ever drive an old Prius? Really?


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  3. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Senior Member

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    Older Priuses really did have bad steering - slow ratio, vague feedback.

    I really would like to drive some other hybrids to see how they do the regenerative braking, though - the Gen 4's feels rather inconsistent, but I've gotten used to it.

    And, skinny tires... I actually prefer how skinny tires drive, but compared to what automotive reviewers are used to driving, a 195 is skinny - they're often given cars with 225, 235, 245, even 255s, for "normal" cars.
     
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yeah even 215s are skinny "Prius" tires.
     
  5. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Senior Member

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    And the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ got made fun of by the press for having "Prius tires". (Which is actually true - it did have the exact same model of tire as the Gen 3 Prius Five, IIRC.)

    As an aside, here's Chris Harris showing why the modern wide tire trend can be terrible for a fun car, by sticking 125 spacesaver spares on a 480 hp Mercedes C 63 AMG:



    They also deaden steering feel, and hurt some other handling characteristics (wide tires can make a car more ponderous) even if they add more mechanical grip.

    But, that's starting to get off topic...
     
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  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Only if you know what you're doing. Joe Public is going drive off the road with those tires.
     
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  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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  8. Data Daedalus

    Data Daedalus Senior Member

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    Thanks for that, Tideland Prius

    The review was well written, with informative facts, logic and a good dollop of humour to match. There's enough there to peak the interest of anyone after a modern and reliable new vehicle that will save money at the pumps without any real sacrifices. And yes, people will always stare - it's no super car, but it's as advanced as anything from the future should be! Go Prius Gen 4...!!!


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  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    It's my go-to site for Canadian automobile reviews. They're a good bunch.
     
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  10. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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  11. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    @jbkendrick the moonstone fabric gets vent accents and contrast stitching too! (see above NYT link)
     
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  12. jbkendrick

    jbkendrick Active Member

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    Thanks a Tideland. It appears that the vent treatments are a moonstone thing. Nice review, but that guy didn't understand accelerator control. J
     
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  13. jbkendrick

    jbkendrick Active Member

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  14. raspy

    raspy Senior Member

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    A brand new review from Australia
    2016 Toyota Prius hybrid review | Practical Motoring

    "The seat-of-the-pants impression is that the Prius rides like a larger car. There is little road noise and the handling, while far from being sports-car-like, is more than acceptable, both in the suburbs and on the highway. It’s almost counter-intuitive to say it, but for once, the Prius feels like it could handle more power. Unlike earlier models, the Prius can be driven quite enthusiastically into bends and it stays composed. The ride is noticeably stiffer than before, something we like but which may not appeal to all tastes."

    "Having just stepped out of the bonkers Lexus GS-F, the Prius was always going to look weedy by comparison, but it was far from a disappointment. About the only time it felt under-endowed was on long steep climbs when the engine had to work quite hard."
     
  15. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    I went to read the review to figure out where in Australia they have any "long steep climbs" and then found:

    In a nutshell: The Toyota Prius introduced the world to hybrid motoring. The fourth- generation is still leading the way. And for the first time, it’s rated to tow a small trailer or caravan.

    <GERRRRRRRR>

    Bob Wilson
     
  16. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    English subtitles available

     
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  17. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Senior Member

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  18. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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  19. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Toyota Prius 2016 – Elle a changé et elle est géniale! | Guide Auto

    Translation:

    The 2016 Toyota Prius is different - The classic and original, and not the plug-in, the c or the v. It has been redesigned, have you noticed? Longer, larger and lower, the 4th generation Toyota Prius lost its spaceship look, its lines are more refined and its interior radically improved. But that's not all. In terms of driving, the car has climbed up several rungs. In fact, it's great; one forgets they're driving a hybrid.

    After several hundred kilometres driving the 2016 Toyota Prius - in Quebec, in the urban jungle, travelling through construction zones on the highway and on the hilly roads of Charlevoix - and a full tank of $22, I found it difficult to hand the keys back to Toyota. And yet, at the start, the test vehicle didn't tempt me. I would've preferred the plug-in 2017 Prius Prime, coming this autumn with the expected fuel consumption of 1.97Le/100km.

    A redesigned vehicle

    It must be said that I didn't have excellent memories driving the previous generations of the classic Prius. But taking place in the vehicle, and seeing the constant improvements on aesthetics and ergonomics, on comfort and space, I was eager to see more.

    The 2016 Prius range comprises of 3 models - the base Prius, Prius Technology and Prius Touring. Toyota Canada provided the base model for this test drive, priced at $27,950 (before taxes) equipped with the Upgrade Package for $590. The manufacturers shows that you have everything you need in the base model. It's generously equipped and the Upgrade Package adds heated front seats, automatic headlights (Editor: It's actually standard, it's an article error), cruise control (Editor: DRCC, not cruise control), lane departure warning system and pre-collision system.

    Personally, I would be happy with heated seats but I would love to add some light to the interior with a moonroof. However, the latter is only offered in the Technology model ($30,585) and it would cost you $3,260 to get Blind Spot Monitoring which is included in the Advanced package. In short, the Prius cannot be purchased à la carte, but the base model offers good value.

    Generous standard equipment

    The smart key, backup camera, bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, a USB port in the front, foldable heated power mirrors, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, power windows, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, EcoDrive monitor, 6.1" display audio system w/ 6 loudspeakers and AUX input - all that! - is part of the standard equipment. About the Upgrade Package, it won't cost you anything because it's practically reimbursed to you by the $500 government rebate [for purchasing a hybrid in Quebec], directly taken off at the dealer.

    The Prius is started with a push button. The central console has small practical storage compartments for your smart key, your smartphone and other small items. The USB port allows you to connect your phone to charge. If you love gadgets, the Technology model also offers wireless [phone] charging.

    The cloth seats aren't the most comfortable that I know and if you have a sensitive back and needs more lumbar support, you will unfortunately have to choose the Technology model which has the option feature. However, we made the return trip from Quebec to La Malbaie without aches. It's perfectly fine for daily driving. Behind the rear seats, there is sufficient space for you to put grocery bags for a family of four. The rear seat folds down 60/40 to expand the cargo space if need be.

    The secret behind the improved drive

    Now we talk about the drive. The new Prius will surprise you. It's quick, agile, lively and offers a well-balanced behaviour. It's night and day compared to the old generations. The secret behind the new driving behaviour: The application of new TNGA global architecture, an integrated development program that, in this application, results in a lower centre of gravity, a new chassis and a new stiffer and high-strength body structure. Add to that a new rear suspension that contributes to a smoother ride than the previous model and brakes that provide a more natural and progressive feel.

    I found the response of the hybrid system acceptable. The 4th generation Prius again uses a 1.8 litre, 4 cylinder gas engine and a CVT transmission, but the two components received several upgrades to improve efficiency. The acceleration is more lively and passing manoeuvres are easier on the highway.

    Aside from the gasoline engine, the hybrid system combines two electric motors and NiMH battery pack. Note that a new lithium-ion battery pack is added to the list of options. Its compact dimensions is its main advantage. It frees up more space in the trunk.

    The Prius can operate in hybrid mode, that is, combining both the gasoline engine and the electric motors or operate in 100% electric mode under certain conditions. For example, if you can drive at low speed (under 40km/h) in city traffic, you will not spend a drop of fuel. Think of all the the money saved. In conclusion, if I had to choose a compact [car] with a budget between $25,000 and $30,000, I will seriously consider the Prius.
     
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  20. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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