i have been reading from different online auto news outlets that there will be a Package I coming at the end of the summer. does anyone know when exactly it's coming. comparing it to the package II what features will be missing? how much will it cost?
I too am curious as to what features will be eliminated from the Prius I. I'm thinking cruise control, the heated mirrors and maybe the SKS.
Will the Prius I even be available to the general public or will it be a fleet sales vehicle only? That is still to be seen as well...
Prius I will be $21,000, and available later this year, as announced by Toyota. It's been discussed before, so a search will provide more info for those interested.
The Prius I was intended as a model to compete with the Insight on the low end. But since the Insight has not been nearly as successful as expected (more due to bad timing in the market than it's deficiencies), Toyota may not feel the need to release a low cost model. Only time will tell.
Maybe getting rid of the SKS is a good idea. I know people that aren't thrilled with that feature, and would actually prefer a Key as it feels more secure.
By the end of the year, you can get a Prius II for $1000 less than what it has been selling since May. No need for the Prius I with features removed.
The model I could be called here the 'Comfort Edition'. It is 3000 euros cheaper than the next model, called 'Aspiration'. It misses the following features: - rain sensor - auto lights - keyless entry on passenger door and hatch - cruise control - bluetooth carkit - 17" rims - leather steering wheel - solar roof option - most colours (only white, pearl white, grey, black) I had the cruise control and bluetooth carkit built in by the dealer for 500 euros and am all happy now. I think the other stuff wasn't worth the 2500 euros and definitely didn't want the 17" rims due to their impact on consumption. Price of this model without taxes is 21000 euros. (4250 more than the base model Insight)
Have they actually tried it? You'd be hard-pressed to find someone preferring a key after experiencing the convenience of not needing to remove the FOB from your pocket or purse. Or are they confusing it with the non-wireless version... which is actually what you'd get as a downgrade, rather than a traditional key? .
We could call the new Insight the Prius Zero. lol (Just kidding) I don't think it was bad timing, I think it was deficiencies. At least for me. This is my list of them, and I was seriously considering buying one. 1. 44 or 45 mile per gallon tops. 2. You sit about 6 inches lower, really bad at drive throughs, I feel like I am in a Cozy Coup when I have to hand the money up over my head feeling like I should be saying here mommy take the money. 3. The voice recognition in the NAV system just did not understand me. No problems with the Prius. 4. New Lithium Battery was just an unknown to me, while it may turn out to be a good battery, the Prius batteries have been proven. 5. Typical Honda ride, feel every bump and stone on the road, which for some who like that sports car feel may be a plus. 6. I didn't like the grill as compared to the sporty new Prius. 7. Honda is primarily a Gas always with electric assit which is why it gets only 44-45 mpg...guess number 7 should be part of number 1. Honda made the original Insight that got up around 70 mpg...not sure why they can't get back there? If the car still got 70 mpg it might out sell the Prius, well it would be close for me, but I really like a lot of the cool techy features my Prius 3 with NAV has.
People were paying 50% over KBB for 15 year old Geo Metros at this time last year! When gas prices are high, there is room for everyone to sell a high MPG car. But when gas is cheap and the economy stinks, it is a hard sell. Even the new Prius isn't flying off the lots like they once did. But as soon as gas prices shoot up, both Prius and Insight will be in high demand.
