Do you feel like Gen4 was designed by committee? 2016 Toyota Prius: Few Details At Global Launch Of 55-MPG Hybrid (Photos)
it looks like one of those futuristic show car designs that you hope will come to market, but never does. would that make it by committee?
Is it just me or anyone else think it would look much better with the c-pillars painted? Is there anyone here who think a floating roof is better? To me the floating roof just highlights the back too much. Tideland Prius says there are accessories for the c-pillars but maybe a paintjob might do just as well.
I think the main issue with C pillars is that they tried too hard to make it look like sedan. So to diminish bubble effect they lifted waist line to the back, and when it turned out ugly tried to spice it up with tail lights lifted off 50s jet cars. The main theme it is really same Prius, but let's try to disguise to look like something else. Where Gen3 had clean lines Gen4 looks like Frankenstein creation, stitched together from assortment of parts. And judging by 2015 makeover, I'll bet it looks even uglier in life then in pictures.
There's a 2016 prius video posted, where there's improbable edges in the landscape. Scene after scene: computer generated "edges". Looking at the front corner, you can almost hear junior designers being coerced: "more edges, gimme edgy!": Other jarring elements for me: the tail light fangs, the grey plastic "zone" at bottom of rear bumper, the front-to-rear climbing beltline (with more edges), and the black/white look of the rims. There seems to be no unity to the design, and I picture a beleaguered, very young team, being pushed too hard. Side note: watched an interesting documentary: "Happy". Per the title, what makes us happy, who's happiest, all around the world. There's one segment about an overworked Toyota executive, who basically collapsed and died, on the job.
I think that there is another factor. The Prius remains a big seller in Japan. The Gen 4 was designed in Japan. I am guessing that the new design will appeal to Japanese tastes even if many Americans (especially us "purists") see it a gimmicky and over the top. Another factor: there is a trend to more creases (and big grilles). Examples are the Lexus NX and new RX and the Nissan Murano and Maxima updates. All of them rather ugly to me but they "stand out". At least the Prius doesn't get the big grille. Our other vehicle is a Murano. We owned the first gen and now the second. The first gen was rather elegant, the second just OK. Another feature of the 3rd gen that i don't like: the flying roof with the blacked out rear pillar, just like the new Prius. 3rd gen, however, is selling well.
They tried bigger grill on 2015 model, and the overall response was "busai". Agree with ML it really looks like 11 o'clock hour effort to to " edge up" design. "More caw bells" please!
I have shown the pictures to more than a dozen people so far, and not even one of them thought it was ugly. It looks just fine to me. Certainly better than gen 3 or gen 2. The tail lights and fog light areas are weird, but the overall car is decent looking. I don't buy cars for looks anyway. If I did, I wouldn't buy any new car. Go to classic and custom car shows to see attractive cars.
Well, I didn't like the Photoshop's posted with them covered up, so yes, I think I like it like it is. Of course, I haven't seen one in person.
i think the people who don't like it were expecting another prius. change the headlights, the taillights, a few other small thing and bingo, gen IV. same people will buy it, not many new comers.
I think it looks good from the outside: The overall shape is great: looks lower, stretched out a bit and a bit aggresive. I'm not sure what the point of the black plastic insert is, but things like that don't bother me. The fang lights, extra crease at back don't offend me. The front end is ace, good looking to me. The interior looks ok, but I would like to see one without that white plastic which is off putting. It's good to hear that the seats go down a good bit more than the 3rd gen: I have my seat all the way lowered in the 3rd gen and I'm still up higher than I would like to be: There's not so much headroom left over, my shoulder is above the door sill level and my knee is just about as high as the floating bridge. Gosh it's a long wait for this 4th gen car to arrive.
