Put 240 miles on it on back roads around here. I took the loooong way home. Observations..... 1. Compared to my 2013 Prius C, wow, much quieter and comfortable ride. 2. When the motor is working hard the noise is comparable to my parent's 1997 LE Camry v6. The ride is as quiet too, but maybe a bit firmer than the 97 Camry. Much of the time the motor is not audible (note, I do use hearing aids) 3. I got up 73mph on a downhill grade with the green EV icon lit up, and the power flow display showing no ICE activity either. Due to sun in the face, curves in the road, and having to look away from the road to see the display, I could not go faster. I'd love to see what they have done with the hybrid drive to allow this. Other Prii have to spin the motor after about mid 40 MPH. The ol' 13 C would spin the ICE above 46 mph. 4. The car runs on battery at highway speeds and ICE off a lot, and the MPG counter climbs fast when that is happening. It even powers up gentle grades at 60 mph solely on battery. Wow! 5. Model 2 eco tires . . . . Mine has the Toyo Nanoenergy A29. They have tread wear UTOG of 300, yikes, I bet they wear out fast! 6. 250 miles today, 56.2mpg according to the display, dang good considering cool to cold weather and a net elevation change (gain) of +3820 from the AAA place where I bought it , to here at home (9100 ft elevation). There was a strong headwind for about 25 miles. The low and high points on the route were 5,280 and 11,315 feet elevation. So, again 56.2? Wow. Pretty sure the ol' 13 C would not have done as well. Summertime mileage will be interesting. I got overall 55 mpg out of the C, I am betting on 60 with the 2 eco.
Quite a bit of interest in the eco it seems it is not a unicorn (rare car) after all. That's interesting re: tires.
I am interested in the ECO but have to wait until May to buy due to work schedule. I also would like to get some feed back on how the ECO is without the rear wiper if it really a noticeable difference to visibility when it rains or snow.
...so one question would be do the "non-eco" models show the same highway performance, as far as going into battery mode
Congrats, but I don't remember your initiation ceremony. Who let you in without the ceremony? This is a very private and exclusive club; we have to maintain certain restrictions. I'm sure you understand. Once you drink the blood of a two-headed goat and dance naked before the full moon, send the video and we'll consider you for entry into the Prius Club. I'm sure you understand that it's only fair since the rest of us had to. Right? Guys?
