4th generation coming 2015!

Had to look it up!

Mercedes-Benz CLA Drag Coefficient Allegedly Bested by Tesla Model S - Video

 

What? You don't blindly believe everything the marketing boys & girls spew out?

 

Tideland Prius and Paradox - You may (and probably) are correct. I know the c is different, but I thought the v was basically the same power, dimensions, interior and etc. as the standard hatchback. In my mind, it is just a "station wagon" (an old term) model of the hatchback, Alas, you two almost convince me.

 

Then look at this:
http://www.teslamotors.com/sites/default/files/blog_attachments/the-slipperiest-car-on-the-road.pdf

True it's Tesla PR and it's not EU spec CLA, but it gives us an idea that numbers are not so black and white. Also note that fuel consumption tests are done on a dyno and air drag is calculated, guess why some manufacturers are so keen on stretching the numbers...

 

The c won't get upgraded at the same time. It is a completely different model built upon the Yaris platform.

The v could because it is a wagon version of the Prius on the same platform. But it originally came out a 2 years later, and Toyota treats it like a separate model. They have already announced waiting a year before releasing the PPI. So I don't see it coming out at the same time.

 

Thanks for your feedback SteveVee.

I agree with your comments that Toyota is facing quite severe competition and hopefully, we will get to benefit from that at the end. I am also in favour of Toyota taking its time to do a proper G4 although I can understand that some here would like it sooner rather than later especially if they want to upgrade soon.

It is difficult to say whether battery production has affected delays - but that is an interesting thought. Toyota being a conservative company would hesitate to jump on new battery tech and quite rightly so but on the other hand, the recent BASF research which says NiMH batteries can be improved significantly might have given them some fresh ideas

 

Hello Prius fans,

We, in Hybrid Life (a french forum), interviewed at Geneva Motor Show, "Tony" senior manager at TMC Europe.
What he told what not really a scoop but :

- Prius mission is still to be the most advanced hybrid car for Toyota (in Europe, there are hybrids that are not only Prius, Auris HSD, Yaris HSD), that means all last hybrid development will be included in next Prius. Prius is still an iconic car for Toyota.

- We asked him if Toyota seems overwhelmed by German rivals in terms of autonomy PHEV hybrid. "Tony" answered that better battery range means less space in the trunk (like Golf GTE for example), it's heavier and more expansive. Toyota is able to release a car with 100 km EV range but it is not convenient for customers according to "Tony". Toyota wants to give a better solution in TCO, a more spacious interior and a very goog battery life. "Tony" reminded us that Prius is an older vehicle that the last rivals like Golf GTE or Passat.

- Many owners are disappointed by the overall finish of Prius 3 compared to Volkswagen's finish (Deutsche Qualität ) : "Tony" answered : we heard our european customers about overall finish and but criterias are not the same between american, japanese and european customers. Nevertheless, Auris and Avensis made important improvement about finish. (Avensis has a very good finish compared to last generetion) and Prius will follow these cars.

- Our readers think that noise insulation should be the most important improvement waited for next prius. "Tony" told us that it will be the biggest change in the Prius 4. This is where they concentrated the greatest effort. Furthermore, within 6 months, it is certain that Hybrid Life will have much more information about the Prius 4. We will also have at this time, the information about the new TNGA architecture, which will be inaugurated on Prius 4.

- TNGA ? If before, Toyota used platforms; the TNGA is completely different: we are here in a spirit of modules. This platform allows you to:
- Reduce the number of components
- Implement in the best components of the group
- Being modular, i.e. used more widely on many body types.

I hope it will help

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Good info, thanks parkerbol. And I agree that Toyota is more than capable of doing a Golf GTE rival but its probably not where they want to go.

 

I'll publish our informations about Mirai tomorrow. Stay tuned !

 

I like the noise insulation component! IMO a nice and quiet car adds a lot to the overall feel of comfort. Something about being seperated from all the sound/chaos that might be going on outside the car (people/engine/wind). I'd be happy if this turns out to be true.

 

I'm not sure what parkerbol means by 'overall finish' of the Prius vs. a Volkswagen. What I do know is I had a Volkswagen Jetta 2013 SE 2.5 rental last June for 2 days because our 05 Accord was having lots of routine service (and a tire was hard to locate). We really liked being in and driving around in that Jetta: The front seats were very comfortable, it felt very, very solid on the road and it was awfully quiet inside on highway for that class of car. It's such a shame VW has such a poor reputation for reliability.

As for the Prius, there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about my next move to try to make it more comfortable or I look ahead to later in the year to replace it. And I'm not trolling or looking for a BS forum reply or saying this to get a rise out of someone. It's very peculiar to me why so many people have apparently had such a wonderful experience owning a Prius (liftback) because for me the experience has been very non-satisfying except for obviously the good gas mileage and the reliability.

 

Prius needs some serious soundproofing.

 

I hope the sound insulation is better, but I'm a little worried if that's what they put the "most effort" into. Maybe just PR hyperbole?

 

cyclefrum - I'm glad you recognize that comfort fits everyone differently. I am 6' 2" tall, and find the Prius (lift back) drivers seat reasonably comfortable. I have driven across the country and back 5 times. But that said, I hope for an improvement in the G4.

As for noise, I have to agree with everyone there. The noise became tolerable only after I ditched the OEM tires for Michelin Energy Savers. The improvement was impressive.

I have no idea what the issues are in making mid-model changes and upgrades, but Toyota produced virtually the same Prius for 5 years, changing the tail-light and several color choices. I recently drove a 2015 Prius lift back. If felt, handled, and rode like my 2010. If there were upgrades, they were too subtle to detect from the drivers seat. Surely (or seemingly so) insulation could have been added amid the model run.

I suspect the culprit is weight. Toyota wanted to maintain that EPA average over 50 mpg. Thin, light weight materials, do not significantly reduce noise. Mass and density are required., and that adds weight.

 

That would be good. But it sure did not quiet the complaints.
As I indicated, I think it has more to do with the tires. Actually, I have very few complaints of my 2010, and noise is low on my list.
Now that warmer weather is here, my fuel efficiency is way up, and after all these many miles, the Prius continues to look and run great.