summer 2009

at the top banner, yes but the intro video still said Spring 2009. It might be summer since we get it later than the US (supposedly)

 

Hey Ken,

ohh?? Interesting. So the US launch should be fairly close to that date with the Canadian and European launch not too far behind.

 

The line off date of April 20th falls in line with info I got at the NYC event. But I was also told that the prius prioriy customers should see their cars first or 2nd week of May so dealer delivery orders shouldn't be far behind starting June 1st. Great find as always Ken!

 

Hey! How was it? Do you have any pics to share? What models did they have on display and how many?

2 weeks after, eh? That's fine. I thought it might be months after.

 

Hmm, probably flickr or picasa or some other online photo album site is the best way to load up the pictures.

Wow, they had a pre-production (or prototype?) on the floor? I'm curious as to how they're spec'd.

 

I doubt it, the new prius is coming out in May/June because it is the first year of a new generation. I bet the 2011's will be relatively unchanged and will probably come out the same timeframe as most vehicles. So the 2011's will be available, imo, sept/oct 2010.

 

Of course! haha. It's the most anticipated vehicle in the hybrid world. Given that Canada is very price sensitive and hybrids are popular in certain locations (Toronto and Vancouver/Victoria being the prime locations. Across the country, I'll be lucky if I even see 1 a day!). With the impending launch of the Insight, Toyota Canada has some tough decisions to make. The current hybrid leader in Canada is the Camry Hybrid and for good reason. It drives like a normal Camry, it's very quiet and decently luxurious for its class and a superb highway cruiser. You don't give up much in power (faster than a 4 cylinder) and good fuel economy (better than a Yaris). The icing on the cake is the price. Before the price drop, it was simply a better value than the Prius. With the price drop, it's still good value at $34,680 with nav, leather, power seats, power moonroof etc vs. the $33k Prius with backup camera has its advantage (in addition to the fantastic fuel economy).

I'm surprised the prototypes were even unlocked and that you were allowed to sit in it!! Guess they didn't want to reveal anything about the packages, if they're even finalized at all.

Still, I'm excited as I'll be bringing my friends along (as I have to other Toyota hybrid events) so I can brainwash, I mean, educate them further on hybrids.... yes

 

Indeed. Honda Canada is looking between $19,000 and $25,000 but that's all I've heard. There will be an LX and EX model with the LX expected to make up 70% of the sales because the EX has navigation, alloys, VSC, USB integration and some other things that I don't remember. It's unfortunate that the navigation system isn't a stand-alone option (again, don't take this as confirmed as Honda Canada hasn't said anything but this is what I've gathered from around the net).

The new Prius is expected to be around the current Prius' starting price says Stephen Beatty. Now does that mean $27,000ish or $28,000ish (i.e bumped down or bumped up from $27,710?) and with what equipment included as standard. I've already given my guesses in the other thread "Canadian Spec... ulation" so just like the sneak peek pictures, it'll be fun to see how wrong I was =P .

Again it'll be a tough job for Toyota Canada, no doubt.