Toyota has finally unveiled its fourth generation 2016 Prius in a glitzy presentation, showing off the vehicle's new sleeker lines and an additional 10 percent fuel efficiency.
The hybrid car has been revealed at the Linq Hotel in Las Vegas, with a band and flashing lights. According to The Independent, the 2016 Prius should remain as a gas-mileage champ with the boost in its fuel economy rating, with an average of about 55 miles per gallon. The 2015 Prius is rated at 50mpg.
Toyota 2016 Prius comes with lighter hybrid components and a higher energy density battery. While the current car is aimed to be economically friendly and gas efficient, Toyota said it plans to create an "Eco" version of it.
The new Prius has "a high-tech looking front end, dramatic creases running along the sides and new, dramatically vertical taillights in the rear," said The Independent. It also has more room for passenger being 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower than the outgoing model. Its lower center of gravity and new rear double wishbone suspension will give the hybrid driving dynamics, Forbes said.
"It's now a real car," said Forbes, and not just a sensible, fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle. Customers usually buy the vehicle not because of its looks, but because of its fuel economy stats. Now that the company has completely redesigned the Prius, it is hoped to satisfy customers who want a fuel economy car AND a stylish one that would be fun to drive.
Bill Fay, general manager of the Toyota Division, said, "Prius set the global benchmark for hybrids, but now is breaking its own boundaries with more engaging style and fun-to-drive dynamics."
Prius has been around for eight years now and has seen sales increase along with the rise in gas prices. Now that the fuel cost is lower, it may not be an ideal time for Toyota to launch the new Prius. But Eric Lyman, vice president of auto buying site TrueCar said, "gas prices are cyclical in nature, so should fuel prices rise again, Prius can quickly regain favor."
A photo posted by toyotausa (@toyotausa) on Sep 8, 2015 at 10:11pm PDT
