Summary of proposed improvements for future versions of Prius

Can they get rid of the passanger air bag light

wife was driving last night , would a pain that light is

 

I know! How about someone who turned down the car of their dreams because of one deal breaker, an obstacle that could not be overcome? You aren't hearing much from us because we sadly walk away and nurture our broken hearts in another vehicle.

I just had another conversation with someone who can't sit for long in Toyotas because of their refusal to consider the basic laws of ergonomics. In his case it was a Sienna, but I've now encountered people rejecting pretty much every model for this reason. And in my opinion the Prius is the worst of all, with its forward jutting headrest and winged seats that push the shoulders forward out of a neutral position.

If the headrest could have been tilted a few degrees I would be a Prius owner now, even despite the shoulder mispositioning. One single small detail. I was told that the non-adjustability of the headrest was a safety feature, put there for my own good, and that I should appreciate Toyota's attention to my safety. As it turns out, that was true. The headrest completely protected me from the accelerator and brake issues by preventing me from buying the car.

I still pine for a Prius. That car just calls me.

Linda

 

A rain sensor for the sun roof could be incorporated into the electronics very simply. If I'm dumb enough to leave the roof open and it rains . Remove or replace some of the nonessential, annoying beepers and seatbelt lights--would probably save $$ and front seats.

 

As a matter of fact, the EU specs already have this feature as standard or optional equipment. As for Scandinavia specs, this is standard equipped.

Another issue..the Tonneau cover poorly retracts during cold temperature ( minus 5-10 Centigrades ). So far I`ve only seen this issue reported one time by Tideland Prius last year.
Having suffered a long and cold winter for almost two months in my part of the world, I would be surprised if no-one else has experienced this problem, as the low temperatures this winter not only affected the Scandinavian countries as far as I`ve been told...

 

Did you try raising the headrest? Because of the angle, raising it a bit allows more room for your head to move back (or the headrest not protruding into where your head normally is).

 

1. Near the fuel gauge pips display digital readout of actual fuel in tank.

2. Based on actual miles driven on last tank of gas give a more realistic estimate of miles when you fill the tank. In other words. If I got 380 miles on a tank of gas in stop and go city driving where I'm not doing good hypermiling it is 'insane' to display after filling the tank a range of 565 miles.

3. I like new gadgetry but I cannot afford to buy into it every few years. All car industries should start thinking about modifying cars more rather then selling replacement cars.

Examples:

1. If I wanted a driver's seat with lumbar support I'd like to trade in my current seat for a matching seat that has lumbar support. Currently Toyota is very happy to just laugh at the thought.

2. Say the 2011 model has fixed the very weak red colors used in the engine / fuel economy displays. I'd like that mod change in my 2010 with credit for the old display.

3. ?? The sky's the limit. I'll believe it when I see it. Why sell 'em a $1K mod when you can sell 'em a $26K car!

 

To see outside temperature in the HUD (Head Up Display in the windshield) and not in the radio operator screen (Prius III Luna without GPS)

 

Passenger air bag light lit all the time with passenger in seat. Once weight determined and airbag light reads either 'on' or 'off' and seat belt light is 'off' because passenger is buckled up; and after car drives off for one minute or so then the passenger air bag light should automatically dim to no light at all and stay that way until passenger shifts around to much and/or passenger leaves and re-enters car.

 

Green ECO Mode light indicator only distracting at night. Suggest it dims out one-minute after selection.

 

Center console cup holder big enough for 1 liter container. Or clever adapter to securely fit existing cup holder with larger holder for 1 liter container above it.

 

I like the upgrade idea. Of course it won't happen because they make money by selling new cars. Also, it is silly to think you should get a credit for returning an old display. What would Toyota do with the old one? If they did this, then they would just have to charge an extra 10-20% on every car from the start.

As for the ECO mode light going out after a minute...how would you know what mode you are in? It is sticky from the last time you shut it off and you could start the car, backup a ways and never see it.

3PriusMike

 

The remote for the outside mirrors should be on the door
I find I have lean forward to adjust the mirror where it located now, also need a light on the controls

 

I basically agree of course. Toyota and the car industry in general isn't going to give away something for nothing. But selling new cars all the time is a waste of resources too. Maybe another time on another planet.

As for the ECO mode light though, the Hybrid System Incicator (HSI) is where the type of mode could be fully displayed. Right now both ECO and Normal Modes light up the 'ECO' icon in the display. Brighten up the red when Power Mode is selected too. Make a distinction there between the modes and the green mode lights by the speedometer could go away all together.

 

i agree with airbalancer, we need light on the controls.

 

With driver's seat fully back and down, reach to the steering wheel is noticeably farther than in a Camry which offers even more legroom. Why is steering wheel farther on Prius? New airbag distance requirements, of someone didn't check measurements against a Camry?

Improve the shape of the steering wheel spokes - those silver plastic bars limit area to grab lower part of steering wheel, which is a more comfortable place to grab a far steering wheel, in mild traffic.