2010 Prius Canadian Reveal - Toronto Auto Show Feb. 14th

link to photos taken at this event:
Picasa Web Albums - Gabe - 2010 Prius Ca...

The Canadian 2010 Prius reveal occurred at the Toronto Auto Show on Feb. 14th 2009. I was one of the few fortunate invitees to attend this event. According to Toyota we saw the gen3 two weeks before the Canadian Driving media will get behind the wheels. Thanks to Tideland Prius and Toyota Canada to be given this unique opportunity.

After registration (unlike the Detroit event no name badges issued at this event) the continental breakfast gave us all an opportunity to meet and share stories with other Prius enthusiasts. After continental breakfast the show started – see pictures.

Here are some tidbits that stuck with me from the presentation and conversations:

Introduction in Canada: I was told that it should be about two weeks after introduction in the US (late spring 2009). Asked a number of people about the 2009 and 2010 being sold at the same time. Either they were not aware of it or did not want to disclose this information.

PHEV: A lot of dancing around it / non-committal answers to its introduction. Most Toyota staff there would not even confirm the 500 PHEV WW (150 NA) introduction in 2009. Finally someone told me that it should be probably a couple of years after the fleet introduction this year before it is sold to Canadian consumers. He told me that it is still cold tested for Canadian climate. This makes sense to me in terms of timing of the gen3 and PHEV introduction being spread out somewhat. There were some questions about battery technology with Toyota again being very careful with their answers about lithium ion technology. Not surprising to me they are very cautious in not making any concrete commitments in terms of timing and specifics. They want to get 100% proven and not disappoint. When someone asked about diesel there was a more firm answer of that not being Toyota’s direction.

Marketing: Toyota does not like to make car to car comparisons, but rather rely on Prius enthusiast to spread the word. This is consistent with the modest Japanese culture.

Canadian Packages or pricing: they had no information about it. I tried to get some feel about how much above it will be the US prices which led to some interesting discussion about Canadian premium prices. Toyota or at least the person I was talking with was well aware of this issue. Interestingly enough he then talked about the need of getting the Prius in more Canadian driver’s hands. I told him premium prices are somewhat of a barrier – he nodded.

They are still doing some software modifications / optimizations therefore could not answer such questions as to the cars maximum speed capability to drive solely on battery or stealth mode.

In conclusion I was very impressed with the hospitality and mostly the technology of the 3rd gen Prius. We were all given a red Toyota stainless steel water bottle with a gift bag at the end of the presentation and a free ticket to attend the rest of the Auto Show.

Having seen the car and finding out about the features I now truly believe that it is a worthy upgrade to gen 2. Anyone in the market for a new car and/or seriously considering an upgrade won’t go wrong with considering the 2010 Prius.

 

Hi Radon,

Thanks for letting me know and sorry - it is my first time posting photos this way. I tested the link again and it works for me perhaps because it recognizes me / my computer.

Can you please try this link and let me know:
Picasa Web Albums - Gabe - 2010 Prius Ca...

If it works I'll update the original post. Thanks again,

 

some additional information that popped into my head:
Improved HWY mileage with lower RPM; improved first 5 minute mileage and cold weather mileage - WHOOPEE - with new exhaust heat recovery.
I can't wait until the Prius hypermiling experts get hold of gen3 and squeeze some high MPG out of it!

 

Thanks Pat

 

I had "AUTO" headlights on my previous car and I do miss it on my Prius

 

The only place I have auto headlights on this car is in the manual - LOL. Yes I did import mine from the US.

 

LOL Tideland - always! I love shopping Canadian:canada:, but don't mark it up too much!

 

Interesting. I love my backup camera on the MFD. Great for backing up or parking where there are those parking curbes. Highly recommended!!! I bought it as a safety device after seeing on the news kids being run over. I predict in 5 yrs it will be std on most cars.

Is there a thread / pictures of today's event? How many people attended that one?

 

How was the event? Toyota did a really nice job in Toronto