4th generation coming 2015!

The sketch looks a bit like a Porsche 911 or the old Honda CR-X from the side but much worse execution.

 

Actually, we have seen the sketch before. Sadly, it has not gotten any more attractive with age over time.

I just have more confidence in Toyota's design team that they would ever produce a vehicle that looks that clumsy and ill conceived.

 

Result of a Veloster/CR-V mashup...

 

Stage 10 hoping next Prius will become a tuner's hybrid.

 

Agreed, the original CRX ought never to have left, ought to come back....

 

Gen4 Prius minus 2 doors according to Stage 10 ...

 

One negative about speedometer in Accord below, in my best driving position, top part of speedo blocked by top of steering wheel. Pic below for display only. Blocks the 60 to 100 MPH zone. End up with more freeway tickets?

Fusion uses a smaller speedo, doesn't get blocked.

 

^ You can play around with seat height and steering wheel tilt.

 

I might be able to raise up a bit. But, don't want to point wheel up towards face or have hands up high. Hands better slightly below shoulders holding 9 and 3.

Honda makes the speedo large because they display quite a bit of info within it: Drive gear, tripmeter, avg FE and more.

I like this interior: split level works through the wheel and above. Sat in it, scrutinized and it works -



Driver's seating is fab for me in this. Even back seat room is decent.

 

New Prius C? This design is a bit more believable. Though, now that looks like an insight also!?

 

Honda CR-Z been out for a while.

 

I think Honda has done a great job with that layout in the Civic. I had a 2008 Civic for a period of time, and that speedo pod on top of the tach was perfect.

 

Clearly, and without apology, my thoughts expressed herein are intended to create interest and comment on this thread.

I have written previously, that I predict the model year 2014 Prius will be a "place holder" and the next Prius generation, the much talked about IV, will be introduced as a 2015 model in early calendar year 2014.

That said, I feeling that if Toyota has any desire to remain a leader in the hybrid market, they will need to do something rather spectacular ...... soon. New paint colors, or tail lights, are not going to draw buyers into the showrooms.

The latest edition of Consumer Reports test the PIP, and also has an interesting article on CR vs EPA hybrid testing.

First, the PIP test. While the PIP received a "CR Recommendation" they report it falls short of expectations. They site very limited electric only range, poor acceleration, elevated purchase price, lack-luster handling, poor fit and finish, and poor interior ergonomics. We each have our own circumstances, but I would not give the Prius PIP any consideration at all. If the Volt's niche is too narrow, the Prius PIP is significantly below the Volt. (BTW, CR recommended the Volt over the PIP). True, Toyota marketed a Lithium battery vehicle, but at what cost? Did the PIP enhance the Prius brand-name reputation? Is the PIP a better vehicle than the standard Prius? Those are questions buyers will decide, but I have made up my mind.

Then there is an interesting article about CR's testing procedures verses the EPA's. They explain why the difference in results. My question is: is CR's testing methodology superior, or more accurate than the EPA? Obviously CR think it is, but, my actual results are much closer (if not better) to the EPA findings than CR's. My 2010 was rated by the EPA at 50 mpg overall. CR rated it at 44 mpg. My overall average over 71,500 miles, is 52.4 mpg (calculated). As I read your comments on this and other threads, many of you post your overall average, that far exceeds the CR value.

If CR's test results are that inconsistent with (reporting PriusChat) Prius owners real-world experience, then wouldn't it be logical that the same would be true for the Lincoln, the Ford, and the other's manufacturers that CR faults for overly optimized milage claims?

 

I'd be interested to know what your opinion is.

Personally I don't think it's a fair question. In a way (although much more severe) it is the same as asking is the Tesla S a better vehicle than the Leaf.

 

I think the next gen Prius really needs to make a big leap. The Prius has more quality competition then ever before. There needs to be refinements in materials quality, amenities, and most importantly, MPG.

I fully expect the next gen Prius hybrid system to leapfrog the other manufacturers who have caught up at this point.

 

It looks like a Mazda 3 somewhat not sure I want the first one I'll wait to 2016..............get the bugs out

 

I thought I read somewhere that Toyota actually plans to exceed expectations. That they reached for some great, and it's going to better. I also heard speculation that 60 mpg would not be hard to get. So if that's the case, if the Prius 3rd gen is rated for 50 mpg, I'm guessing Toyota will somehow achieve 65 mpg regular version and 100 mpge with battery powered with 20 mile range?

Multiple articles state lighter materials, lighter more powerful engine, around the same interior size of the current vehicle (unfortunately or fortunately) and they're definitely pouring into the plugin market. However, they're sticking with a 20ish mile range. I'm excited to see what they come up with. The world will be watching now that the competition has heated up with BMW, Ford, GM etc all in the market with some interesting offerings. Though the overly stated mpg is real concerning!

 

Thanks for your comment. I'll share my opinion, but understand, I have not driven a PIP. My thoughts are based on Consumer Report's, Aug 2013 issue findings.

First, in my opinion, a Tesla is to a Leaf like a F-18 is to a Cessna ...... but that's only an opinion.

He is what I think was "fair" about my comment...... again, only an opinion.

The regular Prius cost somewhere in the "mid 20's" (Page 59, CR Aug 13 issue) and will travel several miles below 12-16 mph (as I recall). Great for stop and go traffic, and not much else. Here comes the Prius PIP with a price tag of $40,510 (CR, same page). It will only travel 12 miles on electric power before it reverts to a regular Prius. That difference is not worth the additional cost to me and my financial rationale. Additionally, when the PIP reverts to a "regular" Prius, it's fuel efficiency is also lower.

CR states that some of the regular Prius shortcomings (acceleration, handling, ride, driving position, fit and finish) are understandable in a $20,500 vehicle, but in a $40,000 vehicle, they become "unbecoming."

It is almost as if Toyota's Advertising Department said "we need a plug-in" and the engineers rushed one out the door. From what I have read, Tesla did it correctly. They started with four wheels and a "clean sheet of paper" and designed a hell of an electric vehicle. (The cost, however, put is way out of my range regardless of how wonderful it may be).

In closing, let me just add that I have honestly enjoyed my 2010. It has exceeded my every expectation in terms of economy, comfort, quietness and convenience. I also like the "flying bridge," as well as the battery chemistry. It has proven these 71,500 miles to be dependable, quick to recharge, no heat issues, and problem free to the point I forget all about the battery being below the rear seat. I hope Toyota will, in the next generation Prius update the exterior, do what they will with the dash layout, take some weight out, improve fuel efficiency and the Hybrid System by utilizing the newest technology possible, but don't tamper with the reliability.

 

Whoa, whoa, that's where you are way off. All said and done I paid about 25k for my PiP.

 

I wonder if they'll have more incentives. I believe your price was...$32-$4 incentives - $2.5 gov incentive = 24.5? Or about that?

Need to make that 4k incentive permanent. It's gone now