Toyota Prius enhanced for 2021
The 2021 Toyota Prius gets notable enhancements.
Toyota South Africa is enhancing its fourth-generation Prius with the addition of notable enhancements for the 2021 model year.
For 2021, the enhanced Prius lurks Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) that features Pre-Crash System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) plus Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Lane Trace Assist (LTA).
The Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitor functions can be reached quickly via dedicated steering switches – allowing the driver to activate/de-activate and adjust sensitivity levels.
The obligatory ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and VSC functions are included too.
On the interior front, the touchscreen infotainment system has been updated to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while also benefitting from a higher-resolution display.
The core USB, Aux and Bluetooth functionality remains – while playing through a high-quality six-speaker setup. Toyota Connect is fitted as standard – offering in-car Wi-Fi connectivity with a complimentary 15Gb of data – and telematics interface with the MyToyota app.
As before, eight exterior colours are on offer, while Pearl White has been replaced by the new Platinum White Pearl. A black leather interior provides a sense of luxury and practicality.
The Prius offers buyers a comprehensive spec level such as; Heads-Up Display (HUD), Reverse Camera, high-definition Multi-Information Display, seat heaters with electric lumbar support and wireless (cellphone) charging.
Dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror ramp up the convenience quotient.
While Smart Entry and auto-retractable exterior mirrors are joined by LED head-, fog- and DRL-lamps on the outside.
Under the bonnet lies a 1.8-litre four-cylinder Hybrid powertrain with 90 kW. A dedicated EV mode enables the vehicle to operate under full-electric power. The Prius is classified as a Full Hybrid (FHEV) and uses a self-charging powertrain to provide electric energy.
During deceleration or braking, regenerative energy is captured and stored in the battery. As such, the Prius can operate solely on either the petrol engine, the electric motor, or a combination of the two – if so required.
The petrol engine in turn is capable of directly charging the battery pack in the absence of regenerative braking (in standstill traffic for example).
Power is transmitted to the front wheels via an integrated CVT transmission.
Prius 1.8 – R 566 400
Source: Toyota SA
