I should go test drive one of the Tourings. I last drove a Prius back in 2004. At the time I thought the handling as quite an improvement over the Gen 1, but that wasn't much of a hurdle to clear. On tires, I'm skeptical of one tire for all seasons now that I've started alternating winter tires and summer tires on my Mazda.
I was disappointed that the Touring edition was not more driver-centric. As I understand, the major mods are HID and fog lights, firmer suspension and a larger spoiler. I expected better seats (Toyota puts some really excellent sport seats in other models), and (gosh!) maybe even a tach and some gauges. I expected that the crisper handling from the 16-inch wheels could be duplicated by over-inflating the standard model’s 15s. Or, at worst, replacing the tires. Are there any other upgrades in the suspension? I don’t understand the larger spoiler. If it produced a lower coefficient of drag and thus better gas mileage, surely it would be installed on the entire line (the mileage estimates are identical). Maybe it adds downforce at higher speeds. But, the drivetrains are identical and the speed limiters are (probably) also. The HID appears to be the only real addition in the Touring. For the extra money, I guess that’s really not a bad price for HID. I bought the standard model and I am happy so far. Marv
The larger spoiler is all about looks, setting the touring apart from the standard Prius. I wonder if the touring model has the european suspension settings? I'd like the 16 inch wheels and larger spoiler to be available here. We get 2 models and 1 wheel option, 15 inches!
The "touring model" (US only label) is mostly equipped like the European car (except it has the thermos and doesn't have rear disk brakes). I suspect the larger spoiler is from the European model, where an effective rear spoiler is mandated after the Audi fiasco (sports model's rear wheels were lifting off the ground on the autobauns). Now wouldn't THAT be fun!!! The HID lights are not "part of" the touring model, they are an option on both models, which is just included now on the touring packages.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Oct 12 2007, 11:03 AM) [snapback]524664[/snapback]</div> Well, the touring may have better tires than non-touring but I think even the tires on the touring are HORRIBLE for handling. I can't stomach the idea of replacing almost new tires but as soon as they are worn I will toss them right out for some better ones! I drive hwy 17 b/t Santa cruz and san Jose. Its pretty windy and LOTS of traffic. I scared myself in our touring the first time I drove it over. the stiffness and roll were fine but the traction was BAD.
