PriusChat's 2016 Toyota Prius First Drive Video Review

...I tentatively calculate about same volume in rear of liftback (approx Gen4=Gen3) except on Gen3 it was split with about 2 ft3 below the floor. Here I am calc'ing on "with spare tire basis".

I agree probably way better to not have the below floor sub-space.

I gotta assume EPA Cargo Space must involve reclining the 60/40 seat backs and then there probably are some rules about where the window line is.

 

I'm anxious to buy a Prius at some point - looks like nice improvements this year, but I'm going to hold out till an improved 0-60 and ideally, AWD.

My guess is that the electric motor is only engaged up to about 30 mph and not above that? I'm not sure about the cost or technical differences, but if it were to be available up to 60 mph, that might be a good bit of additional power for acceleration.

 

welcome! you have great patience my friend.

 

You will have to wait another 6 years, or buy your self a RAV4 hybrid.

 

of course it is. it's important to people who aren't going to buy a gen IV prius, and don't want anyone else to buy one either.

 

"The rear wheels are driven by an induction motor located in the middle of the right and left rear wheels. The maximum output and torque of the motor are 5.3kW and 55Nm, respectively. Power is supplied through an inverter located under the luggage space without boosting the battery voltage of the hybrid system (201V).

On the other hand, for the new Prius, the E-Four system is activated only at the time of starting moving, slipping on a low-friction road surface, etc. The maximum operating speed of the system is 70km/h."

4WD Prius Drives Rear Wheels With Induction Motor for Fuel Economy(Nov 24, 2015)

 

Rather astounding that 4WD is 20% of Japan market. Subaru's?

Wow that's like a big promotion, way to go Sergio!

 

You may be right - I'm probably not in the target market for the Prius. I mostly admire the Prius for all of the unique technologies and innovations that went into it to get such great energy efficiency and that's what makes me want it.

I do also know that this alone is not enough for me. I'm looking for something that also gives me a little bit more performance, because in my mind, having an engine in addition to electric motors should allow for that. I think electric motors are going to be capable of more performance than gasoline motors have been, but obviously the limitation is in battery technology. For short bursts of enjoyment, I think the electric components will enable that. They haven't yet.

I've driven the Prius, a family member has owned one, and I really do enjoy everything about it - except I would like a little more performance.

I know I'm not in the target market for Toyota and so it doesn't make sense for them to veer away from a focus purely on energy efficiency. I'm just saying that if they had a little more performance, possibly from the addition of an electric motor or two to power the rear wheels and also provide AWD at the same time, I would preorder a Prius. When I buy a car to keep for 15 years, I'm naturally a little picky.

 

That sounds like a great design - AWD isn't needed 90% of the time, but it is helpful when you get moving and if the front wheels are slipping at all.

 

The only time I have a problem in the winter is getting started moving on the ice covered roads. Snow is no real problem. I've gone down my driveway when the snow was so deep, it was going over the car. Of course it was real fluffy snow. Still Ice under the snow is my biggest problem, even with my Blizzsaks on the car. Maybe studs this year though.

My Gen 3 is getting a little long in the tooth and I was hoping the 2016 AWD would be an option. Heck, I couldn't talk the dealer into selling me a PIP. He said they are only for NY and CA buyers... Maybe he'll try harder with AWD..

 

you can buy one out of state.

 

Nice little discussion about horsepower, shaft power, torque, etc.
What is horsepower rating? | Forums | Tesla Motors

 

Toyota holds well over 40% of Japanese vehicle market and almost every model is available with AWD. Yaris, Corolla and many other smaller and larger cars and vans are available as AWD.

 

...why is that though?...is there that much snow?

 

That a great review. I am not buying the increase in Cargo Space, but I am not going to dwell on it unless someone else wants to talk about it. I agree the cargo space might be better but not much bigger.