Toyota Prius 2016 Focused More On Fuel Economy Than 'Fun-To-Drive' Branding; Price Hike Expected Next Year
The fourth generation Toyota Prius 2016 is here. Set against the glitzy backdrop at a special event in Las Vegas, Toyota revealed its new generation Toyota Prius for the US market. The car will go on sale early next year, reported, Detroit Free Press.
Toyota has not announced the price range so far but market experts expect it to be in the range of USD 25,000. This means the new Toyota Prius will be less expensive than Tesla or even the Mirai.
The new hybrid version is 10% more fuel efficient than the outgoing model which launched in 2009 in the peak of the recession, spurred by the housing credit crisis in 2008.
Amid falling fuel prices, auto-drivers are opting for hybrids and pick-ups in comparison to sedans and fuel efficient vehicles. However, Toyota expects fuel prices to spike in 2016 and the Toyota Prius is slated to match fuel efficiency regulations for next year.
Model Design
The car rides on a new global platform that includes a more rigid body and new rear suspension. It is the first vehicle on this platform that will share components with other vehicles to pare development costs.
Toyota is focusing more on design and technology waxing aerodynamic shapes for its cars, reported The Verge. The new Toyota Prius has dramatic creases along the side but flashes an extremely high-tech looking front-end. And it is complimented with flashy and trendy tail-lights in the rear. The new generation Prius boasts more passenger room since it is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower than the outgoing model, said USA Today.
According to CNN, the car is based more on fuel economy rather than "fun-to-drive" branding strategy. However, in order to make shoppers excited about automobiles, it has revamped its interiors along with a sleeker exterior design. Toyota is also addressing driving comfort with enhanced responsive suspension.
