Toyota Prius test drive since 2009 hatchback
Review of the hybrid universal Toyota Prius Alfa
Total length: 4615 mm; General width: 1775 mm; Total height: 1600 mm; Wheel base: 2780 mm;
Equipped mass: 1500 kg;
Type of drive: front; 1.8-liter horizontal engine 4DOHC 16 valves (power: 99 hp at 5200 q.min 、 Maximum torque: 14.5 kg-m at 4000 q. Min) + electric motor (82 hp, 21.1 kg -m);
Cost in Japan: 3,305,000 yen (about $ 43,490);
The cost of the tested car: 4 007 450 yen (about $ 52,730)
Now the seven -seater!
If you try to express my overall impression of Prius Alpha with two words, then this is the same Prius, only enlarged by the size of J is unlikely to Alphas capable of attracting the attention of people who initially did not have much sympathy for the Prius series. But the PRIUS fans, dissatisfied with the size of the basic model, the appearance of an grown Alpha on the market will surely please.
Prius Alpha is 155 mm longer, 30 mm wider and 80 mm above Prius. The model received an enlarged rear overhang, and an extended wheelbase of 80 mm. The car has acquired many elements of the external finish - it may seem that this is a completely different model. In front of the car resembles Vitz, on the side it is somewhat similar to Wish: in the exterior of Alpha, some of the last designer finds Toyota are guessed, while the features that are characteristic only for Prius are preserved.
Significant transformations are noticeable in the interior. The seats are located slightly higher than in Prius, which positively affected the review from the driver's seat. The quality of interior decoration is at the highest level, which, however, is traditionally for Toyota cars. Conveniently located switches and an indicator panel. Thanks to the elongated wheelbase, the legs space between the first and second rows of seats significantly increased.
Prius Alpha is offered in two trim levels: 5 and 7-minute. The third row of seats in a 7-minute configuration is quite convenient and comfortable. According to the lot, I had to sit in the back row Prius Alpha, and throughout the long trip I did not feel absolutely no unpleasant sensations. The third row seats are a little more here than in my Citron C4 Picasso (I doubt it, however, many of the readers have an idea of \u200b\u200bthe size of the third row of seats in Picasso ...)
By the way, I wonder why the Prius interior is always made in business gray tones? I do not argue, this model is very popular and the number of people who want to purchase it is calculated tens of thousands, but it has not yet reached a business class car. I would rather recommend Lexus CT200H to business people.
Advantages and disadvantages
Alpha is very similar to Prius. He has absolutely the same internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a hybrid power plant. A silent start at the expense of the electric motor, connecting an internal combustion engine for acceleration, the interaction of both power plants under load, the engine is turned off and recuperative braking - we have already passed in Prius.
As in Prius, in the Alpha, the internal combustion engine practically does not gain speed during acceleration, the speed is carried out mainly due to the hybrid power plant. At the same time, the engine noise creates the most favorable impression of the trip. Cars of this level must be provided with proper sound insulation. It is not clear why Toyota has not yet solved this simple problem: maybe this is associated with unjustified costs, and maybe no one has yet indicated this flaw.
Alpha’s body is really large: the car is 80-100 kg heavier than its classmates. Due to the optimization of the final lowering attitude, the model can develop high speed faster than Prius. However, an increase in the mass of the machine negatively affected the fuel consumption. In the 10-15 mode, ALPHA passes 31.0 km on one liter of gasoline, while Prius is 35.5-38.0 km.
For reference: during a comparative test of Alpha and Honda Fit Shuttle on a high -speed highway, fuel consumption indicators for Alpha and Fit Shuttle were 18.6 kml and 18.2 kml, respectively.
Alpha and Prius have the same transmissions, however, the 7-minute modification is equipped with special batteries. In the 5-seater version, as in Prius, a nickel-hydrogen battery is installed under the floor. The presence of a third row of seats in a 7-minute model did not allow it to equip it with such a battery, so it was equipped with a compact, but energy-intensive lithium-ion battery installed in the central console. Both modifications have absolutely the same fuel consumption and a margin, their difference lies only in the number of places and the capacity of the manual luggage compartment in the central console: in the 5-month model 100 CDs will fit there, in a 7-minute-a little less. And yet, there is one detail in Alpha, which Prius cannot boast. We are talking about the system of active compensation for fluctuations in the pressed masses, capable of reducing or increasing the torque regardless of the driver. For example, if during braking the car begins to slightly go forward, the system will automatically increase the torque in order to align the car and hold it in a horizontal position. However, given the fact that due to the increase in the wheelbase, the longitudinal buildup of the body was almost minimized, I do not fully understand the whole meaning of such an innovation.
What is the secret of popularity?
This time I conducted a test drive modification G Touring Selection Skylight Package. The configuration includes a system for reducing risk in the event of an accident (PCS) and a navigation system. The cost of this configuration is 4.007.450 yen (about $ 52.730). Without an optional navigation system (including and audio system), the car costs 3.305,000 yen (about $ 43.490). The price, of course, is serious, and nevertheless, more and more people give their preference in favor of a green hybrid.
However, it is not worth forgetting about such new products of the Japanese auto industry as Mazda Demio 13-Skyactiv, with fuel consumption 30.0 kml in 10-15 mode, as well as the new Kari Kar from Daihatsu, capable of traveling 30 km on one liter of fuel in another More rigid mode JC08. Of course, in this indicator, as well as in general staffing, Prius exceeds both of these models. On the other hand, in comparison with them, Prius is really very expensive, and his fuel consumption is still too large for this difference in price to pay off a couple of years after the purchase of the car. In other words, neither Prius nor Prius Alpha do not fall under the category of economical models.
I have repeatedly been driving cars from the Prius series. This is undoubtedly a solid and high -quality car, but I still can’t understand why it has gained such popularity. The Prius sales level was unusually high at one time, and already for Alpha lined up such a long line of those who wish that even if you order a car today, they will deliver it no earlier than April next year. Sometimes it seems to me that the world is crazy. Is it really that I see nothing super -mowing in this model? ..
A source: webcg.net
