Summary of proposed improvements for future versions of Prius

The Detroit manufacturers have traditionally offered options a la carte but they have been moving away from it. The reason is simple: $$$

 

How about a smarter GPS! Fords Navigation from Microsoft blows the Prius Navigation System

 

Maybe it is just me...but I would think that a complaint/suggestion like this would carry more weight (no pun intended) if you provided your height.

3PriusMike

 

1) A beep to remind me if I've left the lights on.
2) A temperature gauge, not an idiot light.
3) A lever next to the gas tank opener to allow me to pop the hatch back from inside the car.
4) No bladder in the gas tank (I was told the 2010 has one, hence on empty I can only put in 9.6 gallons.)
5) A sunshade for the back-up camera.

 

In the matter of seat heaters---button placement, and seat heater for cloth seats. I bought a III, but had the dealer install front seat heaters. (I really don't care for leather seats.) The buttons are located on the outer side of the seat. Voila---heated cloth seats, easy to find button!

 

How much for you heated seats?
In Ontario they are about $500 for the pair?
I wonder if you can get heated/cooled seats, would it work fast enough for the wife?

 

I'm 6'2" tall with long arms and legs.

 

Didn't know that about hatchbacks; this is my first.

I am puzzled about the gas tank. When I asked the dealer why all 3 times I've refilled when the last pip was flashing (and the display says under 10 miles to empty) I've only been able to put in only 9.6 gallons, he said it was a result of the bladder in the tank, and claimed that this model has one. Isn't the tank over 11 gallons? My previous car was a Civic Hybrid. When I got near empty, I could put in close to what the manual specified for tank capacity.

 

These are some of the improvements I would like to see in the next Prius:
A) easy to do
- a better acoustic insulation
- mirrors folding electrically
- better quality plastics inside, better quality paint outside
- a less imprecise speedometer (+ 8% speed indications here in Europe!)
- a less optimistic trip computer (- 10% fuel consumption indications)
B) just hopes
- an invertible ("heat pump") A/C system for the cold season
- a smaller (e.g. 1,4 L) but turbocharged engine with more torque (>250 Nm) at low regimes (<3500 rpm)
- Li-Ion traction battery
- a cheaper price
Regards
Igino

 

I actually use Power mode when I merge into traffic then switch it
off once I in the flow. For me, it would be helpful to have this on the
wheel.

Another idea would be to copy Honda's approach where you can
over-ride the CV transmission to "downshift" for extra acceleration.
Alternately, maybe "B" mode also worked to increase acceleration,
similar to downshifting a conventional transmission.

Other wishes:

1. I wish Toyota could eliminate squeaks and rattles. The car
is very quite and any noise seems to be amplified, plus, I
hate squeaks!

2. I would wish the SKS (?) key sense was included in all options
for the hatchback or if it was offered as a simple upgrade.

3. It would be great if you could upgrade your battery to a larger or
lithium-ion or if there was an option to add a 2nd battery and
give up cargo space.

4. It would be great to get a higher EV only max speed.

5. I also wish the car would include an algorithm which could detect
conditions where it would put itself into "EV coast" stealth mode
automatically without driver interaction.

6. I wish the resolution, contrast, brightness and colors used in the
GPS and dashboard display were much better. It seems odd that
portable gaming consoles (phones, cameras, ...) have better screens
than the Prius.

I keep hoping upgrades will become available for the 2010 gen III
and we don't have to wait for the next version.

Kevin.

 

I don't remember the exact figure, but I think it was $299 a seat. It warms up very rapidly, but does not have a seat cooler. I'm very glad I have them.

 

Just a little bit more steering wheel telescope action would be nice. It is pretty good as is, but for the wheel to pull some amount closer, perhaps 1 to 2", would be nice.

 

Add driver's seat mechanically adjustable lumbar support into the base model Prius' as well (II and III). Or power lumbar adjust if that's light enough and cost effective.

 

Cruise Control, when holding the lever to step in 5 kph steps give an audible clue at each step so you don't have to take your eyes of the road. Could even put up with the speed setting spoken

Dump the power lumbar support, I cranked it up to full on Day 1 and have not chsnged it. Rather have power or continuous backrest rake adjustment.

Better audio system.

The turn signal clicker is a bit quiet, would like the arrows showing in the HUD as I tend to look at it often but main cluster very seldom.

Get rid of the fuel economy guage, give me a temp gauge instead.

Give Aussies LKA (might get the government to improve lane markings on our roads if no other benefit).

Remote aircon keeps running until car started, not cutting out when door is unlocked.

Only needs about an extra inch or two of ground clearance to solve that problem with scraping kerbs.

David

 

Do not mind beeps when they are telling me something useful.

eg Moon roof open and I get out and close the door - beep reminds me roof is open good.
Get out and lock car. Lots of beeping and flashing of lights, eventually get back in to try to figure out what is going on and there on my display I am told key still in car. Duh, my key in pocket wifes key in handbag under the console.
Beep as I am in drive heading for garage, wife has unbuckled seatbelt. Annoying so I planted my foot and accelerated into the rear wall of the garage to teach her a lesson. Result lots more beeping.

(just kidding on the last one)

 

Make rearview mirror double jointed stalk longer and mount it higher to adjust mirror above driver's field of view.