Progressive Toyota Prius

Augetto Graig

The immaculate 2016 Toyota Prius 1.8 Hybrid is simply a class above. The automobile embodies that wonderful feeling when you know a product is in a class of its own. Being a cut above and being in the know, are two aspects in the make-up of the average Prius driver, and for good reason.
From the approach, its distinct lines and aerodynamic curves promise something out of the ordinary. The Prius lives up to that promise in a most understated way, carrying its ample cabin space with the grace and poise of a prima ballerina, or maybe a masterful practitioner of some ancient and revered martial art. With its innate ability to make everything seem easier than it actually is, the Prius affords its owner the smug knowledge that there is a lot more to this masterpiece than meets the eye.
Once inside the futuristic and spacious cabin, comfortably seated on the exquisite heated leather seats and with the sure grip of the steering wheel underhand, the Prius driver comes into his or her own. At the touch of a button, the engine comes to life with a deceptively quiet start that belies the abundance of power it commands. This vehicle is so quiet, that those used to trusting their ears may be deceived about whether the engine is running or not.
The eyes are also treated to a kaleidoscope of information once the engine is engaged and anyone can see for themselves exactly what is in store for their driving experience.
The central dashboard display shows everything from the current time, engine status, gear display, air-conditioning settings, temperature, mode, average driving history, available fuel, current speed and trip information.
This is by no means the only source of information for the Prius driver who can access almost every detail of the car through a touch-screen mounted between the driver and the front passenger. To top it off, the heads-up display is activated at the push of the button to provide the driver with the most essential information without the need to ever take their eyes off the road.
The simplified gearshift lever is also stylish and continues the theme of technology to ease the stressful life of the modern driver. Just below the gearshift are a few big buttons with which the drive mode can be instantly shifted from eco-mode to “power.”
It is at the power setting that the Prius demolishes all preconceptions that hybrid vehicles lack the ability for the quick getaway. In fact, the Prius boast a very respectable time of 10.6 seconds from zero to one hundred kilometres an hour, although in practice it seems even faster.
Innovative, refined and uncluttered, the Prius interior with its leather and white toughened jacuzzi-like plastic finishings, inspires a feeling of sophistication and control. Confident and classy is how the driving experience is best described. Best of all is the incredible range the hybrid system offers with a single 42 litre tank of fuel – affording Prius drivers well over 1 000km non-stop driving pleasure. Fuel consump­tion is officially measured at only 3.7 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.
At a cost of around N$430 000 the 1.8 l 2016 model Prius is not only a long-term investment, particularly with fuel prices in Namibia being what they currently are, but also something that is almost ahead of its time. No doubt where the future is heading and how it’s going to get there. The future is a Prius and its going the get you there in style.