4th generation coming 2015!

I stated my source up front. The price CR quoted was "as tested." Maybe that included a lot of extra's. ????

Please don't take offense at what I wrote. You ask my opinion and I responded. If it works for you, then I am grateful...... and that is all that matters.

Here in the mountain west, 12 mile electric range would be absolutely worthless to me. Even the Volt's 35 mile range is no incentive to spend that much money, but I do like the ability to use electric only power in stop and go traffic, as I recently did after the 4th Fireworks show..

What did you think about my comments regarding Consumer Reports milage findings and the EPA's?

 

Ya, roughly.

And really? You can't get an incentive on the PiP anywhere right now?

There is a whole thread over in the PiP forum about said CR review. They had a few good points but no one could figure out how they got the mileage they got.

The PiP is widely know to get slightly better MPG in regular hybrid mode. It's about 1-3 mpg better.

That said. No, the PiP is not worth it at a $10,000 premium with the current range it has. $4-6k is probably a gray area but it really depends on your particular driving. $2k or less difference and you are looking at a very smart choice, IMO.

 

If PriusChat is any indicator, I would suggest that Toyota should be a little concerned.

I just scanned the group of threads dealing with future Prius vehicles. Not much interest is being shown. The most recent input on one thread dates back to 8 May, and there are a scattering of comments on the other threads during May and June. The most recent interest seems to be related to the NS4. I am afraid that some will be disappointed when the next generation Prius does not look like a NS4.

With falling Prius sales in the US, and an apparent lack of interest even on PriusChat, that would not seem to bode well for Toyota. Perceptions are all important. Last night, we were with friends and they commented on how much better American cars were doing in sales plus improved quality. That is what the media is 'trumpeting.'

PS - This afternoon I heard a report about the law-suit against Toyota for "accelerating Prius." The report was the suit totaled a Billion dollars - Those reports are not going to help either.

 

Yes, go to Mexico and see what they drive its not American cars Toyota and diesels and Mercedes those go and go and go, it's too hard to get parts when something breaks down down there, let alone a quality mechanic you can trust

Alan.. Sent with Galaxy S4

 

I don't think Toyota will worry with these numbers, and we are also looking at higher gas prices that will help all hybrids and plug-ins. Last year, top spot with 9.75 million Toyotas sold worldwide.

For the first half of the year 2013, TMS reported sales of 1,108,791 units.
For the first half of the year 2012, TMS reported sales of 1,046,096 units.
http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota june 2013 sales preview.htm

I expect Gen IV HSD improvements for all these patents. Toyota issued 1,491 patents in 2012 to take automaker top spot

 

If you want a tall person car, drive a Chrysler Concorde sometime, the first generation model. I own one, I'm almost 6 feet tall, and that car is super comfortable to sit in and very easy to see out of. Gas mileage? About 23 MPG combined. No MFD, backup camera, SKS, or folding rear seats, so I barely drive it. All of the "different" things about the Prius' interior make it less mundane to drive for me and more of an experience for new passengers. If I want to drive an antique with dated interior design methods, I'll just walk out to my Chrysler.

 

I like the flying bridge in the 3rd gen Prius. Being the geek that I am, I like the futuristic spaceship interior...lol! All the other cars look the same inside, and I wanted something unique. I also like the small storage under the flying bridge as it is a perfect space for my wife's small purse as well.

SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 ? 2

 

This is how I feel about my Gen II. I've been kind of sick of driving a vast array of cars that still dwell on decades-old interior design.

 

Oh, the Prius has futuristic interior design concepts, that's for sure. ....

Too bad the floating bridge console is a train wreck and doesn't work for me. All it does is prompt me to stuff my right knee on it ..... because I have to raise my driver's seat higher than ideal and I lose leg support .... because the steering wheel hardly tilts down or telescopes towards me.

Told Toyota recently, geez, can't they make Prius sit a tall driver as well as the new Honda Civic? Roof height is even lower in that car and Honda works it out.

So, this 'floating bridge console' is supposed to be 'To Go Before'. You watch, that design will not be copied or catch on with anyone other manufacturer, so there's no 'To Go Before' in it...

Watch, the floating bridge console will be gone in the 4th Gen Prius and never return. That's how 'good' it is.

 

I spent hours building a clip-on board so my knee doesn't lay on floating bridge console (happens w/o leg support from seat due raising seat up over halfway to reach the 'barely adjustable' steering wheel). That's a 1/2" neoprene foam over 1/4" lightweight wood, Poplar.




At least there is a low console wall in 3rd gen to clip on to. In the 'odd' 2nd gen Prius console, there's no panel, no console in the knee , calf area. Supposed I could have built a whole console for that area in the 2009, but had enough, sold it down the river.

 

but nice! handy!!

from al the above with centre consoe i only really like the fusion design

 

Toyota's knew they needed to stoke the fire with 0% financing this year.

They've been resting on their hybrid laurels. The next gen better push the envelope with improved appearance, more refinement, and better handling. That spy photo didn't look much different than the status quo.

 

I think you are correct. There are those that disagree with me, and that is OK, but I am predicting the model year 2014 Prius will have a very short run, and the model year 2015 will be introduced in early calendar year 2014.
Maybe more than a "prediction," it would be a "hope," because I do not think new paint colors and a redesigned tail light will be sufficient to fend off the competition.

 

I didn't know there was any other vehicle close in real world gas mileage to the Prius.

 

I like it alot too! Very futuristic! Dashboards look the same in so many cars...kinda like being stuck in 2004. This is why I like the flying bridge in 3rd gen Prius....its modern and different then the rest of the cars.

SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 ? 2

 

Doesn't seem the futuristic look is all the rage with many since Prius liftback doesn't make top ten in sales despite high gas prices, steep discounts, 0% financing and frequent commercials.

 

This makes A LOT of sense and its what I expect too

 

There is a ton of Hybrid competition now, no one said they were equal or surpassing the Prius in MPGs but that doesn't mean they are putting a dent in Toyotas Hybrid sales.

 

More hybrids in general are being sold and Toyota has new hybrid models competing with itself and others, choice! a good thing imo.

Toyota & Lexus Hybrids (total)
- UP 18.96% - Jun-13/Jun-12 - 30,663/25,776

- 6 Month UP 4.37% - YTD2013/YTD2012 - 176,506/169,113

June green-car sales jump 35% over 2012 numbers

 

If mileage is the sole and only consideration ..... then you are correct.

But I submit that while a major consideration, most buyers are considering other important factors as well. Handling and performance are most often mentioned. There are other brands that have "closed" (not equalled) the mileage gap that offer good looks, good handling and better performance. ........ and some of these are receiving very high ratings in Consumer Reports for quality, and value.

Another factor is if the Prius is your only vehicle. I need AWD here in the mountain west. Fortunately, my Prius is my sunny day, paved road, used daily-run-around vehicle, and it does a wonderful job of fulfilling that need. In that situation, mileage is all important. But it is too low to the ground to be used in snow, or on gravel roads, or in the back country that we like to visit occasionally.

My other car is a Acura RDX: Luxury, comfort, quiet, terrific performance, AWD, great handling, good road clearance, acceptable highway mileage .......... but terrible city mileage.

I'm suggesting if someone is only going to own one vehicle, there may be additional factors to consider other than mileage alone.