Read the comments below to see the full discussion about the Toyota Prius. If your question isn’t answered here, please feel free to take a look at toyota.co.uk, or ask us in the comments below.
Please note that this blog post was first published in 2009, so some references to specification, equipment, fuel economy, emissions and other features may not reflect the latest version of Prius – you can find out up-to-date information here.
If you want to find out how to maximise the fuel economy of your Prius, take a look at this blog post.
Read our other blogs about Prius here.
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The following topics have already been discussed:
PRODUCT:
– Customisation: options, availability and costs (including audio; roof rack, cycle rack, towbar; leather)
– Difference between second-generation Prius and new third-generation Prius
– Wheel size
– Miles per gallon
– Satellite navigation
– Bluetooth and phone sync
TECHNOLOGY:
– How a full hybrid works
– Battery charging
– Battery lifespan and replacement
COMFORT:
– Heated seats
– Cold weather driving
MAINTENANCE:
– Servicing: frequency and costs
GENERAL:
– Delivery lead times
– Depreciation
– Warranty
– Road tax
– Insurance
Thanks for all the interest in the new Prius.
I own a 2004 Prius, I live in USA. I want to upgrade in 2010 to a
plug in Prius I’ve read about. How can I ? I love my Prius !!
Hi Jamas. We are indeed working towards a Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV), although this
vehicle is at test stage. There is no date fixed for its release. We
believe that it will take a number of years before PHV is ready to go to
market. I hope that’s helpful.
The new Prius looks great in any aspect. However, I’m troubled by
rumours that in the short future this model will be equipped with Li-Ion
batteries with an even better performance. I hate the idea of buying the
new model now just to find out that I’ve only chosen the second best
option. An honest answer to this question will be very much appreciated.
Your happy Toyota customer, Hans
Hi Hans,
Thank you for your question.
Toyota are indeed researching the potential use of Li-Ion batteries for
their cars. However, there are no immediate plans to replace the NiMh
batteries that are currently in use in the new Prius. I’m afraid that I
can’t give you a more accurate answer than this.
Are roof bars available?If not, will it take a rear mounted cycle
rack?Will it take a tow bar?
Hi Howard,
In answer to your query, unfortunately the new Prius is unable to tow due
to the complexities of its drivetrain. Furthermore, as our Toyota-supplied
rear mounted cycle racks are actually mounted on a tow bar this also
wouldn’t be feasible.
There may be other (non-Toyota) bike racks that fit – but I can’t recommend
or endorse any models. We are currently developing a rear-mounted rack and
details of this will be available in due course (I don’t have timings for
this).
A roof rack, however, is available to fit the new Prius as a Dealer fit
accessory (please be aware that this cannot be attached to the Prius which
also has the solar roof fitted as an additional option). We do supply a
bike rack to fit onto the roof rack.
Thanks for your query.
I have just ordered a new Prius and have had a test drive in one. It is excellent.
One query tho’, what is the ‘credit card’ slot for, just above the bonnet release?
Hi Peter,
We are not aware of any specific technical purpose that this serves. However, I will ask our technical team for a more detailed explanation and get back to you on this.
Hi again Peter,
It really is just a business card slot, it seems!
Hi once again Peter,
The mystery is solved: it turns out that the slot is intended to hold a parking ticket, or a credit card (if you pay for petrol with a specific card, for example).
Is it possible to fit an electro rear view mirrer to the new prius
as I understand this is not even an option
Hi Keith,
In answer to your query, we will shortly be adding an electro chromatic
rear view mirror option to New Prius.
In fact, thanks to customer feedback, we’ll be launching an LED technology
pack which will include:
– LED headlamps
– Headlights washers
– Dusk sensors
– Electro chromatic rear view mirror
– Water-repellent glass
Further details of this pack will be available shortly.
Can i get power folding mirrors on the prius i have ordered
thanks
Paul
What is the difference in performance between 15″ and 17″ wheels?
Hi John,
In answer to your query, there is no difference in performance (0-60mph)
between the 15″ and 17″ wheels. The only difference is to the CO2 emissions
and fuel consumption, as follows:
CO2
15″ = 89g/km
17″ = 92g/km
Fuel consumption
15″ = 72.4mpg
17″ = 70.6mpg
Please be aware that none of this affects the road tax which is still £0 on
all grades.
You seem to have dropped the 8 year warranty on the hybrid system
with the new Prius. Can you tell me: a What percentage of Prius cars need
Hybrid work between years 4 and 8 b The average cost of hybrid repairs
between years 4 and 8 at customer levels rather than Toyota costs. I am
concerned that I may get significant future costs to repair Hybrid parts.
If this is NOT the case, I am sure you will reveal this information, which
you must have.
Hi John,
Thank you for your question.
I can tell you Prius has the lowest warranty claim level of any Toyota
model currently on sale. Furthermore, the Prius has also won the JD Power
customer satisfaction survey in the UK twice – both in 2007 and 2008. This
is a genuine endorsement from customers that the Prius is a reliable and
enjoyable car to own.
I’m afraid we’re unwilling to release more exact warranty data – we
consider this commercially sensitive. However, I can tell you that the
reason we have moved from 8 to 5 years is that we feel the Prius is now
better understood; there’s no longer a need to overly ‘reassure’ customers
with a warranty period that is longer than other cars in our range.
I hope that’s helpful, but please let me know if you have further
questions