Spy Shots: Toyota Prius facelift

[El Calor]

The next generation Toyota Prius had originally been expected to launch in 2008, but in recent months it's been reported to have been delayed until sometime in 2009. Toyota has apparently been having problems with battery development. Reports are that they intended to use lithium ion batteries in the new Prius but have now reverted to the current nickel metal hydride batteries.

While we wait patiently for an all-new Prius, Toyota is preparing a facelift for the current model. Interestingly, it appears to be taking on some of the styling cues of other current models like the Camry and Yaris. This is contrary to statements earlier this year that future dedicated hybrids at Toyota would take styling elements from the Hybrid-X concept.

[Source: Jalopnik]

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/13/s...rius-facelift/

[Gekko]

Many people do like the idea of hybrid vehicles. But here in Europe Toyota is rapidly losing ground to the Honda Civic Hybrid. This because the Honda looks more like a normal car and the Prius shape is something most people don't appeal to. Because we don't have the Camry Hybrid the Prius is the only Toyota Hybrid available. On the other hand, Lexus is selling more Hybrid models then conventional models in Europe.

So Toyota should stop with the Prius and offer Hybrid options on there regular cars (Corolla, Auris, Avensis, Verso). The Prius was fine for the first couple of years as a riding advertisement for Toyota Hybrid Technology. But it is past this function now an people want to have that technology in 'normal' shaped cars.

[zeorai]

It's interesting to hear that in Europe the "regular" looking hybrid is doing better. Because here in the states the regular hybrid is not doing well. The Prius accounts for about 1/2 of all hybrid sales in the US. One reason is exactly because the Prius looks like a spaceship. Americans can identify it with hybrid, plus they have nothing to compare it to, for example comparing a regular civic to a hybrid civic. The regular civic is something like $1500 USD cheaper. But I'm sure the fuel taxes in Europe make the hybrid model a much more attractive purchase.

Taking the hybrid only model further, Toyota's next plan is to introduce 2 additional "Prius" models. One will be bigger and will replace the hybrid camry and one will be smaller.

Regardless, interesting input.

[blacken]

While im all for the prius
I also wish i looked more like an actual car and not a bullet XD
i know its all in the design of the car to function more efficiently
but even the 4 door prius looks a little odd
Im glad they are adding more models , it will give people more choices.

[CharmCityES]

i like the look of the current prius
its much better than some toyota designs

like the xD.....i dunno what toyota was thinking with that one

[100$ GUY]

I wonder if finally the prius will look good.....with this facelift or maybe till the redesign

[MR2_Fan]

hopefully It will look a little nicer this time

[MR2_Fan]

Originally Posted by MR2_Fan

hopefully It will look a little nicer this time

i agree

[TVISMR2]

I hate Prius's. Everyone around here that owns one drives like a complete ass.

[GoCarGo]

I wouldn't consider the Honda Hy because of it's shape, can't haul crap. Forces people to own 2nd vehicle. The Civic is considerd small car while the Prius is rated mid-size. The electronic options of the Prius outweigh the Honda by 100%. I can haul twenty 8-foot long 2x4 boards inside my Prius with the hatch closed. It's rear doors offer great passenger access.

If more people would learn how to drive responsibly then their large cars would get 20% more MPG's.

I drive my Prius nearly as hard as I drive my Mercedes or sports car and still get mid-40's mpg's. I will SAVE $5000 this year driving my Prius at $3.50 gallon gasoline.

Every morning when I silently pull into my local (large) gas station to get coffee in my Prius, and then silently "start up" and drive silently off.. I receive very hateful stares from those filling up those supposed "economy" cars

[knj27]

I really wish toyota would stop coming up with such ugly designs for front ends (yaris, prius, matrix, etc.)

[Zandro]

Well they are especialy designed for you (americans) so Toyota seems to think that bar soap shaped cars with stumpy front ends with large headlights is to your liking. Toyota has a lot of cool cars but the never make it to your side of the ocean.

[knj27]

^

Wish some more sick cars could make it across the pond...

[dakmor]

Originally Posted by GoCarGo

I wouldn't consider the Honda Hy because of it's shape, can't haul crap. Forces people to own 2nd vehicle. The Civic is considerd small car while the Prius is rated mid-size. The electronic options of the Prius outweigh the Honda by 100%. I can haul twenty 8-foot long 2x4 boards inside my Prius with the hatch closed. It's rear doors offer great passenger access.

If more people would learn how to drive responsibly then their large cars would get 20% more MPG's.

I drive my Prius nearly as hard as I drive my Mercedes or sports car and still get mid-40's mpg's. I will SAVE $5000 this year driving my Prius at $3.50 gallon gasoline.

Every morning when I silently pull into my local (large) gas station to get coffee in my Prius, and then silently "start up" and drive silently off.. I receive very hateful stares from those filling up those supposed "economy" cars

[GoCarGo]

Originally Posted by dakmor

What is bs? The 20 2x4's? The Prius Electronics? The hateful stares? The $5000 savings?