Could be. This is my fifth new 2G Prius since the '04MY. I've used the same cleaning and protectant materials and methods on all five.
I must have been too busy looking at the charcoal upholstery when I saw the 06 at the car show cause the dash did not strike me as being offensive. Looks a little lizardy...maybe you don't like reptiles?!?!
I love reptiles. But all the reptiles that I touched feel silky actually, despite of their appearance.
The 2006, that I'm buying, is the first Prius that I've actually been inside of. And I must say, that textured interior gave me a start. Never seen anything like it actually. So far not a fan, but then I've only had to live with it for 10 minutes of my test drive so far. Time will tell... Regardless, I'm glad I'm getting an 06 seeing as how that's pretty much my only opton.