If I was Lead Designer for the Prius, I would.....

1. Distance to Empty indicator
2. 8-way adjustable power/memory bucket seats
3. power telescoping/tilt steering
4. embedded antenna wire in rear window
5. factory ev-switch
6. 16-inch wheels standard (for US version)
9. factory option for extra battery

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bruceha_2000 @ May 31 2006, 04:39 PM) [snapback]263587[/snapback]</div>

Engine economy. Driving in the rpm range of the engine's best efficiency makes a 10 -20% difference in individual fuel consumption.

 

I just read my post on the previous page and realized how negative it was, I didn't mention the good stuff I wouldn't change:

1. Keep the styling unique, it doesn't need to look the same year after year but it should look different than other cars and still look good, the way it does now.

2. Keep the gear selector as is, I drove my friends Camry Hybrid and I like mine better. The TCH has a selector just like any other car with an automatic.

3. Make sure it remains a hatchback with small exterior and large interior dimensions. Like the TARDIS.

4. It alway needs to get just as good or better milage than it does now. Don't give us more power unless you can do it without sacrificing milage.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tumbleweed @ May 31 2006, 07:21 PM) [snapback]263673[/snapback]</div>

And exterminate all the damn bugs and glitches. I'd expect the TARDIS's controls (steering column) to fly apart in flight, not the Prius's.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ May 25 2006, 12:10 PM) [snapback]260994[/snapback]</div>

There's no reason to crawl into the trunk to get at the 12-volt battery if it is dead and you are attempting to "jumpstart" it. You just need to use the 12-volt battery connections provided in the engine compartment (the positive terminal is in the main fuse box, and the negative terminal is any unpainted engine part, though they do provide a specific place to clamp on to, however, it's poorly marked in my opinion). That should be suffcient enough to either start the HV system (and thus boot up the car completely) or at least pop the trunk if you really need to get at the 12-volt battery.

But I agree, a manual cable release accessible from the driver's seat would be helpful. However, I think the lack of a manual release is maybe why they put the 12-volt battery terminals in the engine compartment in the first place...

 

I LOVE MY CAR!!!!!!!

------BUT--------

1. Telescoping steering wheel. I have long legs and I'm not blessed with gorilla-length arms to go along with it.

2. PLEASE make the rear seat go back a little more--we've got lots and lots of tall people over here in the U.S.

3. Either analog controls for the A/C (so you don't have to look at the screen) or a way to turn off the compressor from the steering wheel. I use mostly the vent since I am comfortable with a wide temperature range and I don't like to see my mileage go down!

4. Electrical outlet for my laptop (or my cassette or minidisc since there's no AUX plug on my '04).

5. PLUG-IN CAPABILITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6. Extenders for the sun visors (both down and to the side would be GREAT, although I don't know how that would fit in with the lighted mirrors).

7. Lumbar support would be nice, but I have managed to do some very long-distance driving without *too* much discomfort.

DID I SAY I LOVE THIS CAR?!?!?!?!?!?!?

 

Things I would NOT change:

1) The unique look.
2) The mix of a practical every day car with super high efficency.
3) Planetary gear based CVT. Very smooth. Efficient. Rugged.
4) Horse power vs fuel economy trade off is just right.
5) Hatchback. Very handy for hauling stuff.
6) Battery management system that optimizes battery life cycle. Very good engineering in there.

I've had the car for two weeks now and I love it.