Is Gen4 an Aztec of 2010s?

Several people and documents claim the rear view is better than previous versions.

The problem I have with the rear view on my G2 is that the lower window is totally useless. If it were solid it would make no difference. I suspect the total (upper + lower) view on the G4 is less but the upper alone is more than the upper on the previous versions. Since I consider the lower to be useless, I suspect as well that the G4 is better.

 

It depends on your priorities.
G4 proportions better for crosswinds, gusts, high G turns and carrying wider items.
G3 proportions better for narrow roads, narrow garages, doorway headroom when getting in and out of car and carrying long tall items.

 

The G4 roof is 55mm lower, but the floor is 110mm lower (I'm pulling these from memory, so I might be off a bit). The upshot is that it should be better for carrying taller items, not worse. The G4's turning radius is 10cm shorter than G3. Doorway headroom is better based on seat height, worse based on ground height.

 

I think that the main rear view improvement compared to the G3 will be at the C pillars.

I don't use the G3 lower window much while driving but its useful going over a crest and when backing up. I'd rather have it than not have it.

For long tall items, its clear height from the folded back seat to the top of the hatch opening that counts. That looks lower in the G4.

For older people, its clear height from the ground to the top of door opening that counts. Lowering the seat generally makes the access problem worse.

 

It's funny. I have elderly family members that love my Prius because of the low step height and low seats. And now I'm hearing several people complaining that lowering the step height and seats makes access worse, not better.

I was just shopping for a 6-7 seater. I wanted the 7-seat V but they never brought it to the US. So it came down to a Rav-4 with 3rd row or a Mazda 5. We ended up with the Mazda 5, in large part due to lower step height and lower seats for those elderly people.

 

the elderly like low seating, it's the youth that have a hard time with it.

 

Personally, I always go for function over form, yes all prii are butt ugly, but they are by far the best choice for daily transport.
The Aztec was a pos, not even worth thinking about, other than how it makes you laugh to look at one, just like duba

 

NO

 

What numbers are you using? The numbers I've seen are 1770 [from that dimensional diagram that's been posted] vs 1745 [from Toyota Canada's Gen 3 specs] for a 25 mm (1") difference.

While 25mm is not a lot, its enough to be noticeable where external clearances are tight as well as within the cabin.

 

Ok, but when you say 'function' it seems you are mainly referring to 2nd / 3rd gen practicality (liftback) , efficiency and storage cubbies. But, function can also be driveability and the 3rd gen is an 'ok' highway cruiser but not great IMO: Needs a more steady feel on highway. 4th gen should be better at that.

Hmmm, I can't think of any other cars that have the 'straight line sweepback' from the hood to the windshield as the Prius/c/v.
I think the gen 4 will look more like other sedans (Civic, etc ....) but still look like a Prius and be unique.

 

not likely, but it won't be because of styling. you're comparing apples and oranges, as usual.

of course, do you really believe there's no relationship between gas prices and alt fuel vehicles?
or even large and small vehicles?

 

Gen 6 was released in 2010 and sales almost immediately doubled.
* * *
I am pretty sure Hyundai made some mechanical changes too:


And there is the Sonata hybrid too.

Bob Wilson

 

Just looking at the 2009 vs 2015 Sonata pictures above, it seems like all the stylists have gone kinda nuts in the last few years.

My son-in-law is with Ford, had a new Escape (2016 I think), just to drive. I noticed on the front corners of the bumper, the ubiquitous black, faux-grill openings, about a foot square. Just pure black plastic, in a recess, they do nothing. These designers are brain-dead lemmings.

I better take my meds...

 

Where are you guys getting these comparisons you're posting, btw. Looks interesting.