The designer of the 2016 Prius speaks out on his decision of the final design

I have to admit that I hated the Gen 4 based on pictures and my first test drive was tainted by those negative feelings.
I was ready to buy a 2016 Honda Civic, but I decided to do one last closer look to completely rule it out. That was when I saw a Prius with most of the white interior features blacked out. Then I started to really like it and test drove it. The car's handling, tech and fuel economy were the real hooks for me too.

ATHiker, thanks for mentioning this! I have a 2010 and 2016 parked side-by-side at home. I always prefer driving the 2016 and love the fact that it is not very common right now. The Gen 3 Prius is almost as widespread as the Camry. I see them everywhere.

It's nice to hear that people without any previous Prius experience are liking it. I cringed a little at first. I still think the rear-end is a little odd, but it is becoming more acceptable to me. I've had several people tell me how much they like the car overall based on its looks.

PriUncut, I think what you're saying is right. The Gen 4 Prius is unusual and that's a good thing. Car companies get into ruts either by churning out the same bland designs or just copying everyone else. There is so much copying between car companies, any uniqueness quickly becomes commonplace. Also, once a model becomes widespread the newness wears off. I remember a few years ago doing a double-take on some of the curvy, swoopy styling on the new Fords and Hyundai's. Now you see it so often that it doesn't seem odd or unusual.

 

It will have had two facelifts by then.

 

Sorry but a solid color overall and better headlight and taillight design are needed. The Designer FAILED AESTHETICS 101 and in business that mans he should be fired. Cars aren't art till 40 years old!

 

Are there actual concept drawings of Kodama's original G4 design?

It is funny reading through the original threads on this forum and how much the opinion on the look has changed from 2015 to now.

I never had an opinion on Lady Gaga until American Horror Story. She was amazing in that. And then the Star Spangled Banner performance was one of the greatest ever. I still haven't listened to any of her music but I mean to get to it.

 

I finally saw a HyperSonic Red Gen 4 Prius zooming past me on the highway, and immediately got jealous I didn't hold out for one... Really got to see the new Prii in person to appreciate them, once more Gen 4's shows up on the road, more people would likely want to buy them. The moment a Nautical Blue Gen 4 Prius rolls up on me, like the one on your profile, is the moment I'll feel like my lowly Gen 3 is a tired old dog waiting to die

 

saw a black one on the highway today, very sharp.

 

In my first week of driving, I was walking back to my car in a public lot during dusk, and the way the back looked in that lighting, I though for a few seconds that someone had hit me.

The shape really moves depending on the light and viewing angle. I've washed and waxed for 4 weekends now and use a detail spray every few days to touch up, just to tactilely learn the car and I'm still finding surprises every time.

 

gorgeous, from what i've seen.

 

I liked my former c very much with one exception. They gave it not just a firm ride, but a rock hard harsh ride. This in stark contrast with my 2000 Corolla which weighs the same but has a far softer more comfortable ride. Toyota could have made the c ride more comfortably, but chose not to, much to my puzzlement. Can't resist adding that I am going 6 more miles on a gallon with my Two Eco's over all average than the c.

 

HA I seem to think the PriusC has perfect ride, its not hard at all.....I guess you won't be installing any aftermarket springs or coilovers

 

It is not the c's fault, it is Colorado's fault for ranking near the bottom for road quality.

 

I saw a black one while driving home from Boston two nights ago. The tail lights looked very cool in the dark.

Mine is black and I have no regrets getting that color.

PS, Boston Children's Hospital is an amazing place.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

agreed, they do a great job in there, and get a lot of support from the community, and all over the country.

 

Interesting thread with a lot of good comments.

Personally, I do not like the design ... others do, and that is fine.

One of several things I do not like it moving the roof high point forward. The designer said that was to improve aerodynamics.

Question: at what speed does aerodynamics become a measurable factor. Oh sure .... I suppose technically it begins to have a minute effect at anything above zero .... but at what point does lower drag begin to impact fuel efficiency. My guess (I am no an engineer) is there is no noticeable impact until 60? 70? or 80 mph. The G3 has a coefficient of .25 (as I recall). The G4 is .24. My guess is the .01 is not going to be detectable in fuel efficiency at any legal speed?

Do not "toast" me ... this a legitimate question. I'd really like to know, and I'm sure some of you engineers will know the answer.

 

Wait for it, wait for it.......!

 

When I first got my white Touring 4, I was in a Safeway parking lot and a guy in a big old F250 Diesel 4x4 stopped me, asked me if this was one of the 2016 Prius and said it was a really good looking car. I was surprised, but then, I was still surprised I'd actually bought one...

 

Isn't roof peak moved forward bring windshield more upright, like other sedans. improves view (visibility?). Gen3 A pillar on the right took some looking around it to see out.

 

great news! what about out the back, and right rear passenger window?