Gone - no more PRIUS in Australia

The primes front end seems driven by (very strange) styling, not aerodynamics, at least to my eye. The fake “intake scoops” on the corners for example. They certainly look absurd, there’s that.

 

It seems Toyota was charging a lot more for the Prius over their other hybrids.
@Skylis A posted this in the now closed thread,
Yaris: 3.3L/100km ($32,771)
Corolla hatch: 4.2L/100km ($31,039)
Corolla sedan: 3.6L/100km ($31,039)
Camry: 4.7L/100km ($37,485)
Prius: 3.4L/100km ($42,339) <- found your problem.

I just wonder why. In the EU, import tariffs push up the Prius price tag, but aren't all cars imported to Australia now?

The main one is the Corolla, as Toyota does make it in a hatchback and wagon version for other markets. You might even be able to get it with a 2L engine. A new Aqua(Prius c) came out in Japan that is using a greatly improved NiMH format.

There are also more hybrid options from other makes. Our relatively cheap fuel makes bringing them to market unattractive though.

Wagons became unstylish to the public as it gained the 'family car' stigma, that would later bring down minivan sales. Perhaps it is time for them to make a come back. The luxury European brands never stopped offering some as an option. The real hurdle would be that SUVs, including crossovers, are better for the manufacturers account books.

The Prius Prime is being held back by the HSD. In general, PHEVs do worse than BEVs in terms of efficiency. The Rav4 Prime doesn't reach 100mpge for instance.

With Hyundai starting an Ioniq BEV line, this isn't surprising.

The Ioniq ended up with a slow roll out here as there seemed to be supply issues. Production probably went to markets where it was more profitable.

 

I have no doubt if I ever got one I probably could also, given the current and possibly permanent auto market that seems less likely every day

Before my Volt got wrecked with no parts to repair and no one to do said repairs I was doing this biweekly which is “145wh/mile”
(Actually 166wh/mile measured off the wall)

 

Outside of Japan, the Corolla sedan and wagon have a longer wheelbase. Don't know where the Cross falls. The rumor is the US will get the hybrid version. It looks more like a Rav4 than a Corolla though.

 

No kidding.

 

I was expecting something like a Focus Active.

I think the Matrix looked more like a Corolla.

 

Ausi auto glory days .... come & gone



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Has Toyota given up on the C-HR?
Fired the guy that came up with model names?

They once released a Corolla wagon without Corolla in the name. What if there were no Escape or HR-V, but a Focus SUV and Civic SUV being sold instead? Shouldn't the Rav4 be named the Camry Cross, or is that the Venza?

 

It would be a mercy killing. Was looking at one this morning (while walking the dog); one of the most bizarre/pretentious styling exercises. I really hope they change course.

 

I was OK with the CH-R's styling. I test drove it and a Prius from the same dealership. I was shocked that the Prius had the better acceleration - which solidified the Prius over it.