Toyota Prius test drive since 2009 hatchback

Toyota Prius test drive is 100,000 km long, or the whole truth about the reliability of the hybrid

The degree of reliability of a complex device of hybrid cars in everyday life and how much gasoline can be saved thanks to this device, he told the second generation Prius, which since December 2004 participated in the test of overcoming a distance of 100,000 kilometers.
Marketers of the Japanese manufacturer completely lost sight of one of the arguments in favor of Toyota Prius with its unique hybrid drive: Prius is an ideal car for music lovers, for example, for Armin Kaiser from the city of Gerlingen. For four years now, Armin has been a fan of his Prius, because on traffic lights and with slow movement the hybrid system turns off the motor, and then extraneous noise does not interfere with enjoying music.
According to statistics, Prius takes second place in terms of reliability
However, advertising focuses only on technical characteristics and efficiency. So, in a test for the reliability of a hybrid car, PRIUS participated in the EXECTIVE color Silver metallic, the cost of which was 28,200 euros.
A long test showed amazing results: in terms of reliability, Prius exceeds all competitors in the compact vehicle segment up to VW Golf. Moreover, its rivals are equipped with the most ordinary equipment, and after all it is believed that such machines should break less often. However, some details should be criticized, which, however, are not directly related to the chassis. In short, the car has practically no shortcomings, but receives completely opposite reviews addressed to it because of some oddities, which, first of all, relate to management. So, from Prius's drivers you can hear a variety of comments, from the description of the car modern and elegant to a blasphemy of it ugly and shapeless.
In any case, some features are striking. The disadvantages noticed during the tests can be easily listed: a defective oxygen sensor, a dangling sun visor, a battered upholstery of a folding armrest in the middle part of the seat and poor contact in the circuit of the stopping switch circuit. Meanwhile, no flaws were found in the hybrid drive system. Nevertheless, there is a ten -year experience of Toyota to create hybrid cars. After all, the first generation of Prius'a in the form of the only serial hybrid model at that time appeared in Japan already in 1997, in 2000 it came to Europe.
Incredible level of technical complexity
1.5-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 78 hp and a 50-kilowatt (68-horsepower) Prius electric motor work either together or separately, depending on which option will be the most effective in certain conditions.
The components of the hybrid drive, which include the generator, are connected with each other and the drive wheels through the planetary gearbox. This makes it possible for the unavailable gear shift. That is, in principle, Prius is a model with an automatic transmission. But in general, this is not true, as evidenced even by the start procedure, to which many editorial staff had to get used to at first. The fact is that when the engine starts the engine is pressed, only the system is driven, and the motor is started only after you move out. The first meters car passes exclusively due to the electric drive, and therefore almost silently.
The head of the Motor Klassik Malta, Jurgens, suggested that pedestrians are afraid to death when Prius is approaching from behind without warning. Only at a certain speed or when a completely pressed gas pedal requires immediate acceleration, the generator almost imperceptibly using the planetary gearbox triggers a 4-cylinder engine.
In addition, by pressing the button, you can switch Prius into mode in which only electric drive will be used then short distances will be possible to pass at speeds up to 40 km/h, without creating exhaust gases and noise. This mode is convenient to turn on when driving in parking lots or in residential quarters. However, Prius can behave quite loudly. Comments on the noise created by the internal combustion engine, first of all, with a sharp acceleration, are held in the on -board cards with red lines. This is not surprising, because it should be pressed properly by the gas pedal, as the gasoline engine responds with a roar, while maintaining almost the highest turns. Meanwhile, such strange behavior helps to increase the environmental friendliness of the car.
Plus for resale: guarantee eight years ... including batteries
 
Many refuse to use the entire speed potential of the machine. The editor -in -chief Bernd Stegemann expressed his opinion after a trip to the Ruky region: who will decide to do this, can go freely and quickly. Having been in South Styria, the editor Bruno Hile called Prius a pleasant car for travel, although the suspension often did not provide sufficient shock absorption, while small bumps of road surface created a feeling of driving.
The gasoline engine of the model is not able to convey the power comparable to the dynamics of the cubic diesel. In particular, this does not happen when an electric motor comes out of the game due to the insufficient battery charge. However, this circumstance did not cause any difficulties for the entire test. But even if there were any problems with the effectiveness of the battery, then this is not scary, because the eight-year guarantee applies to all components of the hybrid drive, including the battery. So if someone decides to purchase one of the two hundred used specimens of Prius'a, exhibited at auctions on the Internet, in this regard does not risk anything.
Completed to save
After staying in countries that have a speed limit on autobahns, fuel consumption is stabilized at a mark below 6 liters per 100 kilometers. The reporter of the Auto Motor und Sport, Thomas Fisher, during a trip to the Geneva car dealership, even managed to reduce the consumption to 5.4 liters per 100 km. Similar indications correspond to the level of an economical diesel engine. Thus, the range also increases significantly.
Having the opportunity to drive 800 kilometers, Fisher could overcome the distance from Stuttgart far beyond the limits of Lyon. The fact that the average fuel consumption for the entire time of the test is 6.8 l / 100 km, numerous working trips at high speeds through autobahns are guilty. But in such conditions, Prius consumed from eight to nine liters per hundred, which is quite acceptable for a gasoline engine. Not only hybrid drive, but also special aerodynamics, as well as an improved gasoline engine, contributes to a decrease in fuel consumption. The minimum consumption (from four to five liters per hundred) is recorded mainly in the city where the Prius hybrid system can fully demonstrate its virtues, because it is here that the car has to constantly stop and move again.
At the same time, the assistant is the display, displaying energy costs and fuel consumption and stimulating gasoline. Among the ambitious drivers of Prius, even a competition arises, during which it turns out who will be able to achieve the smallest consumption and collect more small green cars on the screen. They show how much energy was saved while driving and braking almost like points in a computer game.
Almost the same reality detached from reality, as when playing a computer, many drivers felt when braking. In the on -board cards, such characteristics as an artificial sense of pedal, poor dosing, a sharp reaction are noted. This is due to the fact that the pedal only transmits an electronic impulse, brake pressure is created by a pump with a accumulator. Due to this, brake wear was small. For all the time, the discs and pads had to be changed only once.
Moderate price worthy of spaciousness
Although Toyota did not sin with many flaws, she was still a frequent guest in the workshop. The intervals between inspections and oil replacement procedures are 15,000 kilometers, which today is by no means the most attractive option. In connection with frequent visits to the workshop, the costs of maintenance turned out to be only average, despite the profitable tax rate, low fuel consumption and a small wear of tires. As for the weight, Prius, even with its hybrid drive and battery, demonstrates not a bad indicator in its class. Having a weight of 1,337 kg, it is much lighter than 1 455-kilogram VW Golf 2.0 TDI, who also took part in such a test.
At the cost of Toyota, of course, it is not so easy to rise, but the price of 28,200 euros for a car with a DVD navigation, a JBL acoustic system, an automatic gearbox, metallic coloring, electronic key and climate control allows the Prius to remain in the natural price category its class. In addition, he practically went beyond his segment, receiving a length of 4.45 meters.
So, as a result of trips to southern Italy, Austria, Czech Republic and Switzerland, as well as throughout Germany Prius, sedans with an inclined back of the body were recognized as cars with excellent spaciousness, primarily in the back of the salon. Nevertheless, there are complaints, and not only from drivers tall above 1.80 meters: the front seats are quite small and the driver sits too high, but the steering wheel is located too low, despite the possibility of adjustment in height.
Amazingly, but the luggage compartment in which the battery is placed, holds more than 400 liters. Under the flat surface of the bottom there is still a place for a large box. The backs of the rear seat fold, forming an even luggage platform. Practical and wide opening door.
Total: Good work, Toyota
The disadvantages of the special shape of the body include a bad review in front. In addition, strong distortions of the extremely inclined rear window make it difficult to observe the car that is happening behind. The narrow second window under the imitation of the spoiler also does not help, since it, as well as the side glasses, quickly gets dirty in bad weather.
No matter how Toyota wants to become an engine of progress in the creation of hybrid cars, in terms of ergonomics to the Japanese manufacturer to this goal is still far away. All devices, up to the switch of light and wipers, begin to make riddles already in daylight, and in the dark the driver can easily be confused. Some switches are not illuminated at all, and many buttons on the steering wheel glow so weakly that the characters are barely distinguishable. The green light from the digital tachometer display is annoying on the windshield.
They leave the best and only mediocre saturated qualities on the snowy coating, which was convinced by the editor Jens Katemann, who was preparing material about the trip around the winter city of Shladming. So for winter vacation in the Prius mountains is not the best option, even with its good heating and winter tires with increased clutch. But it is perfect for someone who is looking for an economical and environmentally friendly car, equipped with the most modern and at the same time reliable equipment and has an imprint of extravagance. So, congratulations, Toyota, not only on a ten -year anniversary in work on hybrids, but also with the successful prius's test.
Damage and repair
Checking the level of exhaust gas emissions: clean, as on the first day.
Mandatory exhaust gas surge in the testing stand in the south of Bubling after 100,000 kilometers of Prius tested was exemplary. He demonstrated the indicators below all set borders. It should also be noted that its gasoline engine, unlike the diesel engine, practically does not throw carbon monoxide and solid particles into the atmosphere.
In terms of reliability, the hybrid model Toyota Prius leaves all the other competitors from the class of compact cars behind, with the exception of the VW Golf standard. Fuel consumption corresponds to the level of diesel cars of this class. The price, costs of maintenance and loss of the cost of technical exotic also do not go beyond the accepted class frames.
Damage and repair
Mileage (km) Cost (euro)
26 019 The engine check light caught fire, but after a few kilometers it went out.
27 447 The engine check bulb caught fire again.
27,473 Fault storage is interviewed and cleaned, an oxygen sensor is replaced. (202,32)
57 322 The fastening of the sun visor was shaken.
61 020 fastening is recorded.
75 304 Front brake discs and pads are replaced. 291.7
87 345 The upholstery of the average armrest was broken.
The wiper brushes are polluted.
90 980 The average armrest is replaced. (246,45)
The front wipers are replaced. 33.41
The rear brake discs and pads are replaced. 268.44
100 833 Various control lights on the dashboard periodically light up.
101 550 The fault of malfunctions is interviewed and cleaned (various defects in the brake signal switches).

Reviews of drivers
 
Since December 2004, we have been traveling to Toyota Prius Executive, which has a mileage of 17,000 kilometers behind the shoulders. Until now, there have been no unscheduled visits to the workshop, not counting the update of the software and the prudent seal of the passage of the gearbox. Prius rides very calmly, only with a sharp acceleration, the internal combustion engine grins a little. The low fuel consumption of 4.9 l / 100 km is impressive. This is an environmentally friendly and convenient car, very spacious and magnificent in terms of design. Toyota tried to glory. It is a pity that the German auto industry overslept again.
Roland BShorr, Mittelshterate
Since March 2006, we have been managing Toyota Prius. To date, we drove 19,000 kilometers and are very pleased with the car. The main motive for the purchase of this car was its outstanding environmental friendliness and the well -known reliability of Toyota models. Our expectations were fully justified. Fuel consumption when driving at short distances is about 5.4 l / 100 km. Outside the city, you can reduce the consumption to 4-4.5 liters per hundred, if you go not fast. Our Prius obediently fulfills its duty. Along with an uninformative wheel, the car has two small flaws: a bad radio with frequent interference and noise in the trunk. Due to reduced maintenance costs, low fuel consumption and good configuration, the price of a car, too often criticized, is absolutely reasonable.
Jurgen Knels, Bournhaim
In the park of our company there are already two Prius'a, they are still expected to enter. So far, there were no serious problems. In my opinion, the car already has a cult status. Its charm is also explained by the running characteristics. I don't know the best machine gun. I have not experienced such a feeling of calm and confidence, especially with frequent stops in the city movement.
From the online forum of Auto-motor-und-sport.de
User name: WGA
The fuel consumption of my Prius'a ranges from 4.5 to 5 liters per hundred. The machine captivates with its smooth passage and convenient running characteristics. The engine likes the absence of any shocks. The interior is spacious and pleasantly designed, and the control panel visually and technically suits this car. For racers and lovers of full gas, this is definitely the wrong machine. Having bought this car, I contributed to the environmental movement and reduced the cost of maintaining to the level of a diesel car, while I do not interfere with the rest of the exhaust engine exhausts.
Michael-Carl Wilhelm, Wuoppert
Having rolled on Passat'e for 15 years, I thought about purchasing a new car. At first I did not think about Toyota Prius. But after the first message about Prius'e, my interest in him increased. Since May 2005, my family of five has been traveling to Prius'e. Three boys are very conveniently located behind. And the son’s cello is easy to transport. Fuel consumption is 4.8-5.5 l / 100 km. The hybrid system works fine. You go quietly, but it seems as if you are in a car with a 6-cylinder engine. Sometimes I can’t resist, so that when starting at a traffic light, not showing stop-signals to drivers of sports vehicles.
Tilmar Hafner, Kempen
Outwardly, Prius was a success, only the visibility of the body is too bad. Posterly thick front racks are even dangerous: crowds of pedestrians and cyclists are hiding behind them. Acceleration in the lower and middle speed range is very good, only satisfactory in the upper range. Overall should be carefully thought out, since the car's resources are more likely weak. The Prius autoban accelerates quite slowly. If you slow down, then you have to gain speed for a long time. The main criterion when buying Prius and its fuel consumption. In the city and at short distances, the consumption, as a rule, is 5.5-6.2 l / 100 km. The smallest consumption that I reached was 4.4 liters per hundred when driving around the city at a speed of 80-90 km/h. Although the tank accommodates only 45 liters of gasoline, the stroke reserve depending on fuel consumption reaches 900 kilometers. Not everything in this car as I would like, but you can live.
Matthias Bacher, Hilterfingen
 

Source: auto Motor und Sport