World Premiere: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Steve]

With 700,000 Toyota Prius models currently on the road in the United States, Toyota today launched the third generation of the car that started it all.

The 2010 Prius will get better fuel economy and more power. Incredibly, Toyota has raised the mpg rating from 46 mpg in the current model to 50 mpg in this third generation vehicle. And that's not 50 mpg highway either, it is the combined figure for city and highway driving.

This was achieved due to several innovations and updates, including the use of a larger 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and smaller and lighter generator, motor and inverter.

The new engine makes 98hp and the electric addition of 36hp horsepower raises the total to 134hp. Gasoline torque is rated at 105 ft-lbs with 153 electric ft-lbs of torque. Not only does the larger, more powerful engine reduce highway fuel consumption by allowing the engine to rev lower but the added power also increases performance. The new Prius will best the 10.5 second 0-60 mph time of its predecessor with a 9.8 second time.

More: World Premiere: 2010 Toyota Prius on AutoGuide.com

[hevster1]

Toyota hasn't raised the rating, the EPA has. BTW the first rating on the Prius in 04 was 60/52. People averaged about 42-45. The EPA revised the ratings system on everything. The original Prius averaged about 46-48. Regardless, it is still a small car for 30k+. You are better off buying a Corolla, Yaris or older toyota and banking the rest.

[Tideland Prius]

This is under the new rating. The current one under the new rating is 46mpg (old rating was 55mpg). Maybe your people average 40 but the rest of us are in the 50s, even random owners I bump on the street that aren't hardcore enthusiasts are able to keep it between 50 and 55mpg.

Also where are you getting $30k+? That's a loaded model with Lexus features. You try getting radar cruise on a Corolla lol.