(National Post) Preview: 2010 Toyota Prius

YOUNTVILLE, CALIF • Anybody who needs convincing there is money in the fruit of the vine need look no further than Northern California’s Napa Valley. The closer one gets to some of the most noted wineries in the Golden State, the fancier the cars on the road. A quick run up Highway 29 from Napa to St. Helena revealed at least one Ferrari and Maserati, Mercedes by the score, a gaggle of Porsches and BMWs, Lexuses and Infinitis too numerous to mention, Vettes and Mustangs old and new, plus a seriously trick Studebaker pickup — all in an hour.

Yet, it was equally obvious that Californians are embracing their inner green. Stepping outside San Francisco airport, one couldn’t help spot the copious Toyota Prius taxis and rentals (Ford Escape Hybrid cabs were also in ready supply). And the main highways and secondary routes heading north through Sonoma and Napa were liberally salted with the second-generation versions of Toyota’s halo hybrid vehicle. Far be it for me to suggest Toyota Canada had stacked the deck in preparation of the ride and drive of its new, third-generation model, but it had definitely picked friendly territory.

It’s not that the upcoming 2010 Prius needs much in the way of help. More than its first two predecessors, generation three is almost completely “normal†to drive, quite an achievement for such a high-tech car.

Preview: 2010 Toyota Prius - Posted Driving




The important bits:

That's 79.73mpg US or 95.59mpg Imp..

That's close to the 100mpg Imp. that Automobile Mag was quoting way way way back then.

Normal driving in SF (which we know isn't forgiving for mpg).

4.6L/100km = 51mpg.

3.9L/100km = 60mpg