4th generation coming 2015!

That goal would be on the CAFE scale. Prius has exceeded 70 MPG CAFE since Model Year 2010.

 

No it was EPA Highway mpg of 70. No family vehicle has ever reached that goal (except VW Lupo 3L and the various american-built prototypes). Certainly not Toyota

ASIDE:
Why is this forum so dang slow? Jeez. I've upgraded my computer, my java console to the latest version, and chrome browser, but it's still a broken interface. If it doesn't work, fix it. (Plain HTML would be better.)

 

You starting the LUPO nonsense again?

Even VW itself tries to avoid that trainwreck topic.

 

Not only was the Lupo 3L not a trainwreck, but VW is still selling the 3-cylinder engine today (in a Polo body). BTW I am amused by people who act as if corporations are sports teams (rah-rah-rah for one corporation, and "boo" for all the rest).

I sent a private email to this Salesperson (Dianne) asking her to explain what "rocking incentives" were available for the Prius G3. She asked which package and I said "the G3 cheapest package". She refused to answer the question, instead trying to sell me a C. (I clearly stated G3.) Oh well. I used to work in sales, and I'd bend over backwards to help a customer, providing them with tons of information to help them make a decision.

 

John said Toyota "passed" (as in "went beyond") Detroit, not that they had met the goals of PNGV. And they did.

 

You seem like a nice guy.

 

Since the criteria of PNGV was to deliver a 5-passenger family car, including tiny vehicles like Insight & Lupo misses the point.

 

I thought the real test was availability to the general public and still made profit.

 

This is a point, USBseawolf.

 

think again

that not a block or trap but just more stuff to keep it clean in the testing cycle.
ones every few 100km or so they emit even smaller more unhealthy particals in the air.

its wishfull thinking but i hope in 10 years time to see NO diesels on the road anymore
maybe even less petrol and more EV

 

Lupo holds 5 people. So too does its 75 mpg successor Polo.
In California, the most strict emissions zone, all diesel sedans were banned from 2006-2008, because they didn't pass the minimum LEV-II standards. However with the addition of a soot trap, the number of diesels has *increased* in California. Before 2006 there was only the VW diesel, but now Californians can buy VW or Ford or Chevy or Mazda diesel sedans/hatchbacks.

The manufacturers recognize diesels are more energy efficient..... even the environmentalist group ACEEE lists the Jetta diesel as the cleanest midsize sedan you can buy (greenercars.org)

And yes EVs are nice but I'm not buying something that only takes me 70 miles.

 

How about we get back to the subject of this thread.

Not long ago, I posted a statement, then the thread drifted down a side topic. I will repeat, in part, what I said, and I'd like to know y'alls thoughts:

"Perhaps, Toyota would be wise to introduce the long awaited G4 model, with the current hybrid system (if it is not ready) in model year 2015, and upgrade the hybrid system when it becomes ready."

Heretofore I have liked the distinctive Prius shape and appearance, bur it is becoming dated. The competors are all selling tremendously attractive vehicles.

I'm suggesting the current 51 EPA MPG hybrid packaged in new G4 sheet metal might be a smart corporate move, especially if the new technology will no be ready for 2015 or later..

 

I'd buy this. I doubt the final version will be this pretty, but I like the direction with "normal" looking headlights instead of the long triangular things in most modern cars. I'm not sure why the grill has such huge holes though..... seems like that would add more wind resistance.


http://www.priusfreunde.de/portal/images/fbfiles/images/Prius_4-20131025.JPG

 

I read on CleanMPG of the possibility of battery chemistry choices in the Gen IV. Wonder how far-fetched that idea is? As the PIP already uses Li-Ion batteries, maybe they'll be extended to the regular Prius as an option.

 

A better technique is to turn-off the cruise control, and then apply just enough throttle to stay in the Eco range on the meter. The car may lose some speed as it climbs, but that's okay. It is better to keep the engine in a low RPM range so it doesn't eat much gasoline. (And you will regain the lost speed when you get to the mountain or hill's peak, and go down the other side.)

Waaaay less than that. My tiny insight makes that climb with RPM just above 3000, which would generate ~30 horsepower.

Waaaay less than that. My tiny insight makes that climb with RPM just above 3000, which would generate ~30 horsepower.

 

What are the tremendously attractive alternatives?

C-Max? Hardly
Fusion Hybrid? ok, if you want a pretty small trunk
Accord Hybrid? Too new and the real world MPGs are not proven out on fuelly.com
Nissan hybrid? Nothing
GM? Volt? Huh?
Sonata / Optima hybrids? ok, if you want 36 mpg
-------------------------

We will wait and wait, and Toyota will develop and release the 4th Gen Prius liftback when they are ready. They are still selling quite a few 3rd Gen Prius cars. They won't be rushed to put out the 4th Gen. They'll be done when they are done.

 

When I used the word "attractive" I meant in the visual sense, not dismissing one model due to a small trunk or another for low mileage. To my eye, one of the Hyundai's could almost be a descendant of the NS4.

But I find the Prius, in my opinion, does everything reasonably well. Some rail against it's handling, others it's performance, other's the flying bridge, but all in all, I think the G3 is a well designed, well thought-out vehicle. Reasonably attractive, comfortable, roomy, that delivers outstanding mileage, and often overlooked, is maintenance free. Those attributes are hard to dismiss.

It's all personal: My 2010 has a lot of miles on it and I want to replace it. But I am not going to buy another Prius until I can get the newer design. I would visit the dealer today if I could purchase the red vehicle (pictured several post back) even with the identical ICE and hybrid system that the 2010 has.

 

Ford Focus Hatchback [16,900]. With manual trans so it's fun to drive

I doubt we'll see Lithium for the Prius G4 battery, since Toyota already stated the NiMH is better suited to fast charging (via the brake).

 

It's somewhat inconsequential but on aspect that peaks my curiosity is whether the next Gen Prius will continue on with the floating buttress dash design.

My gamble is Toyota abandons it.

 

Can you please state your source for this (other than Toyota stated)?