If there was a wish list for cars, one that would be right up there–at least for us at Automobile Journal – is a hybrid powered wagon.
Think about it.
Wagons are cool theses days, whether you’re talking about a new one or classic one built in the sixties. And hybrids? Also cool. And standing to get cooler by the second as gasoline prices head for new heights unseen by any of us in our worst nightmares. Can you believe $5 a gallon? Believe it. Ask any hapless Californian.
Given all of the above, Toyota may have outdone itself with its new 2012 Prius v, a wagon-like model that does it all: Haul, get darned good gas mileage, and it’s mighty comfortable to boot. And it’s one of the smoothest, silkiest hybrid systems in the market–much more pleasant to drive than some of the other hybrids we’ve piloted.
Base price for this car is $29,990, and for that, you get an awful lot of standard equipment.
It includes the SULEV (hybrid synergy drive system), alloy wheels, independent front suspension, the Toyota Star Safety system that includes traction control, stability control, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology, whiplash injury lessening seats, and electric power steering.
There’s also a full array of other power assisted equipment, Toyota’s fantastic Entune system (more about that later) navigation, 60/40 split sliding/reclining fold-down rear bench seat with armrest and adjustable headrests,and center console with armrest, storage and tray.
And there’s plenty more besides, including heated front seats and single dial climate controls.
But watch yourself with the ordering list. By the time an advanced technology package that included a wide array of highly desirable equipment like Navi with Entune, advanced parkingn guidance system, a cool panoramic moonroof and other items was added, the bottom line was a hefty $36,555.
That’s a lot of bread, although we will say that our experience with the car clearly showed it’s worth every penny–if you’ve got it.
Toyota says the new Prius v, with “v” expressing the vehicle’s versatility, will “meet the needs of growing families with active lifestyles while providing the same attributes traditionally found in the Prius DNA. It shares the current generation Prius’ platform and Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. Featuring a compact exterior yet spacious interior, the Prius v will feature over 50-percent more interior cargo space than the current Prius.”
The exterior styling has many of the same elements you’ll find in the sedan, including the roofline that is mostly an extended version of what you see on the sedan, traingular headlights, and a similar front end design.
Overall, Automobile Journal’s reaction to the styling is that it’s attractive, and not all that different from the sedan. It’s sort of like an elongated sedan, which isn’t a bad thing at all in our estimation.
Toyota’s definitely aiming the Prius v at families with economy and hybrid practicality in mind. Here’s what they are saying:
“Inside, the Prius v emphasizes overall proportion with spaciousness and flexibility for active families. Comfortable interior space and good visibility has been assisted by a high seating position, ample head room, and an impressive 38-inch couple distance, providing generous rear legroom. A low, wide-opening rear hatch reveals 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, making it the most spacious dedicated hybrid vehicle on the market and better than some compact SUVs.”
As we mentioned earlier, the Prius v has room for five, and the rear seat is particularly comfy for long trips.
The headrests hit you just right, and there’s plenty of stretchout room, too. And since the rear seat reclines up to 45 degrees and slides too, it’s especially cool for a nap for passengers en route to their destination.
The 60/40 split, folding rear seats present four different seat arrangements that provide excellent usability for passengers and luggage, while a fold-flat front-passenger seat allows for extremely long cargo.
Also available, and a Toyota-first, is a resin Panoramic View moonroof with power retractable sun shades that provides an open atmosphere in the cabin with a 40-percent reduction in weight as compared to conventional glass roofs of the same size, and heat insulation performance.
We had one on our tester, and it really made the car feel airy and sunny, with fantastic views of rare blue Pittsburgh skies for everyone aboard. We loved it!
Up front, instrument-panel controls, including a single-dial air-conditioning control and a center-mounted digital combination meter, provide an advanced look and user-friendly command.
It takes some getting used to the single control; you have to slide sometimes and turn other times, and it’s counter-intuitive. Definitely takes some getting used to.
The driving controls – including the Push Button Start, parking switch, electronic shift lever, and driving mode selection – are distinguished by silver trim.
The Prius v is rated at 44/40 miles per gallon, with an annual estiumated fuell cost of $1,321 based on 15,000 miles driven annually with gas priced at $3.70 a gallon.
Toyota promises that it will also emit 66-percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.
Four driving modes (Normal, Power, Eco and EV) satisfy a variety of road conditions and driver preferences. A Smart Key System with Push Button Start, an electronic shift lever, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and a back-up camera are standard.
Available options include energy-efficient LED headlamps, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with a Pre-Collision System (PCS), and Advanced Parking Guidance System.
For a high level of safety, there are seven airbags, a high-strength cabin and an energy-absorbing body structure with impact beams, cross members and leg absorption pads. New driver and front-passenger seat design helps lessen possible whiplash injury during a collision.
Now about Toyota’s Entune multimedia system. The system uses the mobile phone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated and wireless upgradeable navigation, entertainment and information services.
Using the system you can link into support for engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, news and sports.
We found the system to be pretty easy to use, and certainly way more usable than Ford’s confusing and complex MyTouch system.
In addition, Toyota says, “Entune brings the largest selection of music options available to a vehicle, including iheartradio’s 750+ stations, Pandora’s personalized music, the driver’s personal songs from portable media players and iPods (via USB or Bluetooth audio streaming), and more than 170 stations from XM satellite radio.”
The release adds, “Featuring a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay focused on the road, Toyota Entune eliminates the need to memorize thousands of voice commands and helps reduce driver distraction.”
Entune will also allow for audio read-back and replay capabilities for text messages, with the ability to respond by pre-set “Quick Reply Messages.”
Prius v will combine Entune with a standard Display Audio system which will include HD Radio with iTunes tagging for future purchase; XM radio, weather, sports, stocks and local fuel pricing; Bluetooth hands-free phone and wireless audio; and full iPod integration including music and video.
So how was the Prius v for everyday life?
Great. It’s got a nice, urban friendly size which was perfect for crowded Pittsburgh, and the hybrid system feels pretty sprightly. OIf coursek kthere’s the unusual shifting pattern and gar shift to contend with, but if you’ve driven Priuses before, you’ll be ready for it. The rest of us will take some time–expect a few false moves in shifting before you finally get accustomed to it.
The only thing that the Prius v can be said to lack is just a bit more of a sporting flavor to it. It’s pretty sedate as a rule. But who cares? We sure didn’t because it has so many other things about it that we found it pretty appealing.
It’s still a cool car to drive, and it sure is the right product–at the right time.
Courtesy of AutomobileJournal
