Mini 2012 PiP review

Here's a link to the 2013 Prius (not Plug-in). Photos and written specs show the LED DRLs.

http://www.toyota.com/prius/#!/Welcome

Plus, I've seen them myself on those cars while out and about. The DRLs look just like those on my PiPA.

 

This issue of the engine coming on under so many different circumstances is one of the main reasons I decided not to go with a PiP. Well, that and the limited range. The sad part is, my commute is just short enough that I could probably live with the range. What Toyota doesn't seem to get is that a lot of people like me are interested in the experience of driving EV mode, not so much the efficiency. They should follow Ford's example with the C-Max and give an EV mode that locks out the ICE for those who want it. I don't care if the car has less power than HV mode, or that it doesn't have heat.

 

Interesting that you say that. I also tend to see them turned off on a Prius and almost always on in a PiP. My sister always turns DRL's off in her Camry but always has the foglights on when she turns on her headlights. People are strange. I'm glad Toyota gives us the option.

 

Don't overlook the reality of capacity tradeoff. Toyota's effort to reach an extremely wide base of consumers by sticking to a size that is both affordable and doesn't intrude on storage is a very big deal.

Appealing to the mainstream is far more difficult than pleasing a niche. And with the price of gas is down to $3.39 per gallon, demand for EV isn't going to be very low.

There is of course the reality of battery life too. Taking advantage of the engine during times of high demand doesn't please the enthusiast, but it does ensure longevity.

 

Adric22,

Interesting that you first state that you didn't get the PIP because of its limited range, then you continue Your commute is within the range. As John said and Toyota determined, most people drive 7-15 miles to work.

I drive 14.6 miles to work and I can plugin there. I Love the PIP.

 

A~ha. This could explain the observation that DRLs are often off on regular Prii, but often on on PiPs: my PiPA has auto on/off headlights. But in addition to this feature, there is an "auto" setting on the light control stalk. Off is DRL off. People with regular ol' PiPs should chime in here regarding the configuration of their headlight controls.

But maybe the regular Prii don't have an "auto" position for their light controls, requiring them to switch on the DRLs each and every time they want to use them in daylight?

 

The base PIP light switch is off-drl-parking lights-headlamps.

 

Love the PIP, hate the Drake!

 

i guarantee you, the ice will never come on in texas unless you want it to.

 

hate the drake!

 

Since you picked up a Volt instead shows how far off even Ford is from meeting your expectations. Toyota has shown over and over again to choose fuel efficiency over all other factors from the terrible looking but aerodynamic wedged exterior shape to the low rent but light weight interior plastic trim. I'm sure Toyota wants business from people like you but they've got to take care of their other half million customers that bought a Prius in 2012 first. FWIW, Ford lost my sale despite sporting a longer EV range and better driving dynamics. I care more about fuel efficiency than a pure EV driving mode.

 

In defense of Adric, the main turn off for a lot of potential EV customers is the fact the PIP has to be somewhat babied to stay in EV Mode. Other Plug In options allow you to be more aggressive with the throttle and are thus more fun to drive in urban situations. I agree that the PIP is geared towards total cost and efficiency BUT with all of the subsidies for EV locomotion, Toyota ends up as a last place contender for many folks. I would have never purchased the PIP if it were not for my need for larger cargo capacity. Even so, I would have purchased the Volt had I realized at the time of purchase that I would only get $4000 back (tax and state) instead of $9000 back for a Volt which makes the Volt much less expensive.

So the point is. If you have a 15 mile commute you could try and wing it with a PIP and be forced to drive very conservatively, or you can pay the same price for a Volt/CMAX Energi and have a bit more fun without ICE anxiety. The only thing that Toyota wins with is more cargo-friendly options. Without the subsidies Toyota made the right choice but here in the U.S. I'm not sure they did. This is evidenced by their sales record for the PIP and how many PIP owners say they would not purchase the car again if they were given the chance.

 

Even in HV mode, the car pulls power from the EV side while running in stealth mode, so you really can't save the EV "battery". The car isn't an EV, it's a Super Hybrid.

 

re same price for the Volt - are you considering the recent incentives or comparing a Volt with a 32k base or an advanced PiP ? I paid just 28k for the 2013 base in the Boston area combined with 0% 60 months knocks the real cost to 26k and thats before the tax back. I haven't kept up on Volt pricing but my understanding was there was a wide difference in $$$

 

How is their approach different from the classic model?

How close are we to next generation rollout?

How many misconceptions are there still?

How well is the "competition" doing?

We're stuck having to wait before being able to identify a trend.

 

At least here in Cali the incentives for the Volt vary but average at $14,000 to $15,000 off. So the Volt can be had for $28,000 after taxes.

 

I am head out the door but I'll pull up the latest stats when I get home.

There is no confusion or misconception that the Volt and CMAX are much more fun to drive and that the ICE fires up much easier in the PIP. Those are facts.

Seems like the competition is doing fairly well.

 

thanks - CA is generous - what does that compare to on a base PiP there ?
MA is not so kind - no extras - just called and compared to Kelly Blue Book and the Volt is 37.9 - the Fed 7.5 = 30.4

base PiP can be had for a bit under 24k when you factor in Fed taxback plus the 0% 60 mo

The way I drive there's no way I'd pay an extra 6-7k but I could be swayed if my RT commute was say 30-40mi