Exclusive: 2012 MY Prius - Changes and Additions

The lower trims lack the round radar sensors at the corner of front bumper and possibly another component to perform full revolutions of the steering wheel (rather than nudging it in the case of LKA), so no, it doesn't already come with all the hardware.

I think it's a cost-saving measure because they want to add HUD (which, like IPA, requires its own set of components) and keep the same price point.

 

I've only had my car for a few months and now it is soooo outdated

I wish they had put in the LCD screen to begin with

 

The problem is that parallel parking is usually a 'pressure' situation, where you are holding up traffic on the street. It makes people nervous. While it might actually be faster to follow the actual IPA steps and park in one maneuver, most people would rather get out of the lane as fast as possible and then do final adjustments. They aren't thinking about pressing buttons and looking at screens.

 

They polled their dealers and found out that:
a. Not many people bought the AT package on a V to begin with.
b. Of those who did buy the AT package, most people weren't buying for the IPA
c. The lack of IPA on the lower models was not losing any sales.

It was a nice gimmick to advertise a new generation, but in reality the small number of people who actually have it don't use it. I tried it once for fun when I got my V and it didn't work right. Haven't had time to try it again in 2 years. I bought AT for the DRCC and I use that every time I get on the freeway!

 

True. I don't think anybody uses it on a regular basis, not even me. Nobody will really miss it, hence why they're ditching it in favor of HUD so they can maintain the same price point for AT package. A win-win for Toyota and customers alike. It's the perfect feature to show off and blow people away, but not really that useful in practice.

 

The II looks nicely enough equipped for 2012 except not having Smart Key. It is hard to not have it for at least the driver's door when you've used it before.
Everything else looks better since now you have bluetooth streaming, USB and backup camera on the II with no need for getting nav.
You have to get a III with now standard mandatory nav just to get the Smart Key.
"Power seat" mentioned, but it easily could just be a power height adjuster instead of a normal 6-way power seat.

 

DRLs? Does that mean it will or will not have fully automatic headlights in the US that turn on and off with light sensors?

 

The DRLs are dedicated, not in the headlights. I didn't see any mention about it having AUTO ON.

 

Will the Entune service on the nav system have any onging monthly or yearly fees in addition to the fees you pay for your smartphone data service and map updates?
Fees for Bing search? Does it require the premium Pandora service for Pandora to integrate with the navigation system etc.?

 

I thought this was interesting, a designer explains why they did what they did to the front of the 2012 Prius.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHm-28RhzZ0"]Video of 'Dezi' Nagaya explaining new Prius design @ 2011 Frankfurt MS - YouTube[/ame]

 

Have there been any confirmation about the packages and new and improved details other than exterior? I am anxiously waiting for an on-sale date for 2012s as well. Only details I was able to see were, "improved materials" inside and supposed increase in mileage. Anyone see or hear anything different than what has already been posted in this thread?

 

Take a look at what Danny posted about 3 weeks ago. It maybe the information you are looking for.

Exclusive: 2012 MY Prius - Changes and Additions | PriusChat

 

1:38 in the clip below shows the new cool-looking taillights with two LED bars that resemble the LED bars found in taillights by Valenti, K2 Motor, Crystal Eye, etc. but they're still not full LED.

 

Found article at Car Scoop
Facelifted 2012 Toyota Prius Quietly Makes World Premiere in Frankfurt - Carscoop

 

Tail light design is on wander
Interior has some changed

 

It looks slightly sportier, but "organic" and "emotional" is going too far.

 

Hummmmm its more the black grill in the botton of the bumper thats now look bigger because its no more located far behind in the lower part of the bumper! Good looking on white but other color, im not so convinced about it!