The 2016 New York International Auto Show has gone down this week and interest in Toyota has gone up. The reason being the unveiling of their new Prius Prime. The list of new features is both long and impressive so here are just a few of them to get you started.
1. NEW PRIUS HAS HIGHEST MPG OF ANY HYBRID
No one was exactly complaining about the mileage of Prius’s past, but Toyota has decided to step up their game anyway. The 2016 model boasts the highest MPGe (that’s miles per gallon equivalent) of a plug-in hybrid on the market. Running at a perceived 120 or more MPGe makes it 26 percent better than previous models.
2. TOYOTA PROMISES BETTER ELECTRIC RANGE
Just like the mileage, Toyota wasn’t pleased with the current electric range the Prius got. To fix this, they now promise the 2017 model to have twice the electric range of older versions. In addition, drivers can get up to 84 mph now with leaving EV mode.
3. IT’S SAFE AND SECURE
In terms of driver safety and security, the Toyota Prius Prime got an upgrade there as well. Using their Safety Sense technology, Toyota added features like pedestrian detection, a blind spot monitor, automatic braking, rear cross traffic alert and much more.
4. INSIDE WILL BE ROOMIER
Ther Prius is far from a Hummer in terms of cabin space, but drivers can expect a little more wiggle room with the 2017 Prime. The longer and wider exterior make for a roomy, comfortable ride. We’ll also see the size upgrade of the HD multimedia screen to 11.6 inches.
5. AUSSIES WILL GET SHUT OUT
For reasons unknown, there are no plans to bring the new Prime over to Australia. The Japanese based motor company has their focus on low-tech, non-plug-in hybrids in Australia. These models use a Nickel hydride battery and not a Lithium-ion one like the newest model. Australians will now have to turn their focus to the Hyundai plug-in hybrid that will be offered in their home country.
