2010 - no plug-in = big disappointment

Fun is like the old VW bugs with the stirrups (oops, I mean loop handles) in the back seat.

Tom

 

Why mess with a good thing? Its still the best, most reliable, comfortable and economical car on the road. I see at least 10 Prius for every other "newer" hybrid from all other manufacturers combined on the LA freeways. What's not to like?

 

You're being naughty again, aren't you, Tom?

 

Who, me? I haven't stopped since we got to Detroit.

Tom

 

OMG! How about the moon roof?!? Now that would work!

Tom

 

Because tomorrow "good" will not be good enough. Why make a better computer than today's? Why make better TVs all the time? Better cameras? If we don't push for better, then we're stuck with what we've got. That's why we mess with a good thing.

 

Are you implying that you only STARTED when you got to Detroit? That might work on some folks, but I've got your number.

 

I was a complete angel prior to being corrupted by the evil influence of HTMLspinnr.

Tom

 

No Zack, I love the car!
Please feel free to name the car company that made you happy by announcing they will be releasing a plug-in hybrid in the 2010 model year into your market. We would all love to hear which company is ahead of Toyota in the environmentally least harmful mid size vehicle market with a usable touring range which is in mass production.
We don't want the auto execs dream, just what is reality.

Tom, is your nose growing?



Wasn't it Darell who corrupted everyone, but HTMLSpinnr was a surprise wasn't he?

 

Now that makes perfect sense.

 

The extra "head" room in the back? Ah, I get it...

 

BMW's EfficientDynamics isn't a drivetrain. It's a collection of various fuel-saving technologies. At least some of them are installed on every model in BMW's European range (although in some cases it's simply "lightweight engineering" which is a bit of a cop-out).

The Prius has every one of them already, bar Active Aerodynamics: thermostatically-controlled grille louvres.

The others are: auto start-stop, regen braking, electric power steering, optimum shift indicator (well, OK, we don't have that, but it's not needed), lightweight engineering, reduced (tyre) resistance, and low-friction fluid. BMW's regen only charges the 12V battery - there's no large HV battery as on the Prius.

The higher engine sizes generally have fewer of the features, so since North America only gets the guzzlers, you probably don't get them either. (e.g. the 135i Coupé loses electric power steering compared to the base 116i hatchback).

 

Of course I'm mad! As a form of protest, I'm running out right now to buy a Chevy Volt!

 

Personally I would love a plug-in. Enough so that I'm starting to amass parts to convert my own. However, I also acknowledge that I am a market anomaly. In the near term, we can reduce our overall fuel consumption far more by making a 50mpg car that appeals to a greater cross-section of people rather than making a plug-in that many don't yet know they want, and most can't afford.

I hope the current state of gas prices and the economy doesn't screw things up though. Toyota was smart enough to stick with the Prius through the W years, and consequently are way ahead of the game. Hopefully they are smart enough to treat this next lull in demand as a little extra time to perfect their PHEV while others maybe canceling or slow rolling their high FE designs. Its pretty clearly their race to lose at this point.

Rob

 

I still think the Prius is the best gasoline car on the road.

However, it is not the most comfortable car. My sister's Lexus really is more comfortable and I was in a taxi that was more comfortable. As for economical, a recent-model used Civic or Corolla will be more economical over the life of the car than a new Prius. Probably even more economical than a new Prius, considering how well Priuses hold their value, and how seldom they are available used.

"Best" is a value judgement, and I give that label to Prius because I place a very high value on reducing pollution and minimizing gas consumption. But I acknowledge that there are more comfortable as well as cheaper cars.

 

Good point. I hadn't thought about it but now that you mention it the changes Toyota made don't seem to qualify as a gen III. Back to the drawing board Toyota if you want to claim gen III in terms of significant changes.

To me most of what Toyota did on the 2010 is window dressing. The basic car is quite good so I can't expect much more at this time. I'm sure some will appreciate some of the changes like the adjustable drivers seat but I'm happy with the 2008 seat as is. None of the new features are enough to entice me to switch, some are actually deterrents. I'll hold final comments about the new dashboard and gauges, center console, and gear shift (huh?), until I can sit in one but for now they are deterrents to me.

Most of the rest of the changes are tweaks to me even though I can understand how some might drool over them. I want a PHEV and will wait for one. My checkbook won't come out until a PHEV is offered, all other things being equal. It won't matter if it is a Toyota or some other company that makes reliable cars.

It seems to me Toyota aimed changes at new buyers rather than the existing owners. Yes there was a cry for an adjustable drivers seat. But who asked for a traditional shift lever? Where was the outcry to get rid of the LCD synergy display? Who asked for the big change to the center console? These things make the car more like the run of the mill car and that seems to be Toyota reaching out to the new buyer.

 

No question that the Gen III is aimed at conventional buyers. Toyota already captured the early adopters with the Gen I and Gen II, now it is time to make the Prius the family sedan. Many of the new features make the Prius more comfortable and familiar to owners of normal cars, which in turn will help Toyota push the Prius into the normal market.

Tom