Summary of proposed improvements for future versions of Prius

Joe1347 - This may not be the "total answer" that you are looking for, but check out the Lexus CT200h.

Altough all of the specs are not yet available (0 -60, rated MPG, Cost, etc), these are some of the basics from the web-site:
*Atkinson Cycle 1.8 in-line 4 with VVT-i
*e-CVT tranny for improved efficiency and response.
*Efficiency is "touted" to be on par with the Prius (?) (except in "Sport" mode) as read on the forums.
*Battery Pack will be NiMH.
*4 Drive Modes (Normal, EV,Eco and SPORT <-- this reads to change the background color of the instrument cluster from blue to RED and replaces the Hybrid meter with a tach).
NOTE: The "Sport" mode seems to do more that just turn the gauge cluster color from blue to red. It is also supposed to modify the shift points, quicken the steering imputs and provide an overall improved driving experience (read=responsivness) while its touted to provide a level of fuel efficiency not readily found in this market segment.
*Front Whel Drive (unfortunately - for the real "sport car" drivers among us)
*5 door design (looks "Matrix-ish" IMHO).
*Price ..... ? (most "likely" under the HS250h when similarly equiped)

Time will tell if these "touts" become "realized" in the final product. It's due out at the end of the year.

 

Increase the steering wheel telescope range such that it adjusts about 1" closer (2.54mm) towards a driver.

This determined by measuring maximum brake pedal to steering wheel distance, fully telescoped and lowered. Prius is a little short.

2010 Prius : 25.5"
2010 civic hybrid : 26"
2010 CR-V : 26"
2010 Camry: 26.5"
2010 Accord: 26.5"

 

you cant because tomorrow as soon as she sees the polling on her last one, she will change her position

 

I noticed this reflection too. Get rid of the ugly silver plastic.

 

On a more practical note:

1. Ditch the flimsy rubber used for the "touch sensitive" Steering wheel controls. Looks ok right now, but it feels thin and looks like the paint will wear off it faster than plastic buttons (plastic buttons could still bring up the floating display). It feels like a tv remote control, and if anyone's had a tv remote for a while, they look terrible after the paint wears off the buttons. This car should be built to last longer than my tv remote.

2. Basic lumbar. My entry level 98 ford had it, why can't a prius?

 

1. Make sure that the 12 V battery can stand to sit around for a few weeks without being so drained that you can't start the car. (There are lots of folks who leave their cars undriven for a week or so at a time, and they/we shouldn't have to worry whether it will start up when we get back to the airport late at night.)

2. +1 on Deltron's "basic lumbar" support suggestion, for all levels of Prius.

 

THis is quite a complete list, unlike a few posters, I like the options packages. The Prius is the 1st "family" car that I have gotten without power seats. Would have liked that as an option without the leather seats...

 

Toyota,

Feel free to make the next generation Prius interior a lot like the current (2010) VW Jetta interior. I don't mean that as a slap in the face due to the TDI or anything, I've sat in the Jetta and it's really, really nice - the seats, the wheel, dash.

And I like the center console between the driver and passenger that has a short wall to rest a knee or shin on for support.

Even if there isn't a full power driver's seat, it's nice to have a power seatback adjustment.

 

when the moon roof option - a Pre-wired roof for those who want to change their regular mirror for a homelink one, or add a center console lamp when lid is opened *** No good place to put my garage door opener.

Better vision for the rear view.

How about the front view option for parking when you have the back up camera option (I know you need another camera...) .

Better clearance, (got a small box that got caught because of low clearance. I am looking forward to driving in the snow... :-(

 

My biggest gripe is lack of deicer capabilities into the lower right and left corners of the windshield. Ice builds up way too easily.

 

AUTO on climate control needs to be Heat/AC/and level of fan and not fan only.

Cruise control needs to be servo as on European cars so can adjust speed; or power setting; with or without radar version.

Get rid of the elliptical steering wheel. keep it ROUND. and not the ellipse as a cross section. does work for smaller hands.
make it full size.

Use leather that feels like leather and not plastic.

 

Already is, as it was also on previous models.

 

I believe dbldbl meant that you have to press the A/C button for it to be able to use A/C. Most home thermostats operate this way, although my programmable one has the ability completely automate this function so you don't have to choose between Heat and Cool.

 

Increase 4th Gen Prius steering wheel telescope about 1 more inch towards driver.

A current quote from www.edmunds.com

2010 Toyota Prius Review and Specs

"... As for the front seats, the addition of driver height adjustment is a benefit for both short and tall drivers. Sadly, the latter still have to contend with a steering wheel that's placed too far away -- there's a telescoping column now, but it doesn't come out nearly far enough."

 

We get that you do not like the 2010 , time to let it go

Apple laptops have shape edges and no number pad, guess what, I did not buy one. E

Get over it

 

It is completely automated on the Prius. Activating the A/C button simply let the system know if you want it to use or not the A/C compressor, when needed. It does not mean the A/C compressor will always be on... it will only be used when necessary (and at a variable speed also, something almost unknown on car A/C compressors).

 

I understand how it works and was offering a possible explanation as to how someone else was looking at it.

You mentioned something I have wondered about. Does anyone know if any other cars, hybrids or non-hybrids, use a variable speed A/C compressor?

 

If he is uncomfortable reaching a 2010 Prius steering wheel, he must have devil of a time scratching his rear end.

 

:drum: