2010 Features and Impressions

That's very cool! Is it the first in the industry?

 

It was introduced on the Japanese market only Toyota Crown last year.
Toyota Redesigns 'Crown'
"The Emergency Braking Signal system, standard on all models, warns vehicles behind when the brakes are suddenly depressed by flashing all of the brake lights."

Ken@Japan

 

Anyone have an idea if I could retrofit the lower model/package (meaning the #4 with Solar package) with the LED lights or if it it much more complicated than switching out the headlamps?

 

Wow, what a great thread! Makes me want to buy one of the 2010, and still hold unto my '05.

 

Or the other way around ... what would be the cost and effort to retrofit the solar package into the high end model with the technology package?

I hope Toyota eventually offers a model with both the technology package and the solar cooling package, and subtract the 17" wheels.

 

Me too. Then we would have the perfect Prius like other markets around the world. Let's hope Toyota hears our thoughts and reacts, especially in the automobile climate we live today.

 

My guess is that it is a supply limitation. They'll probably offer the total package just a soon as a sufficient supply of solar units is available.

I agree on the 17" wheels. They reduce the mileage, and increase the turning radius. No thanks.

 

So it will be the first Toyota to have it in the US. Does any of the Lexus has it?

 

I could not find any other Japanese Toyota/Lexus model's information about the "Emergency Braking Signal system".

Ken@Japan

 

Assuming the 2010 Prius Nav system is identical to that of the 2009 Venza, it would appear that there's no voice command available for selecting the AUX audio input. This is really disappointing, as I use that input all the time in my existing car (07 ES350) for my iPod, and have to take my eyes off the road to find the CD/AUX button whenever flipping back from the radio traffic report. I was hoping that in 3 model years' time, they'd have noticed this omission.

 

The drivers seat adjusts up and down! The steering wheel tilts and telescopes! No big deal to short people, I guess. But for us this was a deal-breaker in the earlier Prius. We would have bought one last year, if the wife (5-9 and long-legged) could have found a comfortable driving position.
Finally, the Toyota engineers have included tall people in their calculations!
And we have responded by buying a brand new 2010 the day after my wife drove one! The first one on the dealers' lot!
It's also heavier (feeling) bigger inside, rides better, steers better, and best of all, gets even better mileage than the 2009 we drove last summer!
If it turns out to be reliable, we will be thrilled with this, probably our last new car.

 

Are you sure it is the brake (red) lights and not the hazards? If I was following a car and their brake lights flashed on and off, I would assume they were pulsing their brakes lightly to match speed, not slamming them on. Drivers in many european countries (smartly) turn on their hazard lights when reducing speed dramatically on the highway.

 

I agree.
Some of the newer models have a small 3" back up camera in the rear view mirror, but it's really small! It's great for Tacoma trucks to take the doubt out of the "wonder if I can keep backing up" feeling... but a shame we lost it in Prius model screens. More the "bring it mainstream" direction, I guess?