The Prius has come a long way in every respect since its launch in 1997, and the fifth generation takes the legacy to a new level whilst building on a philosophy of pioneering technology and Toyota’s commitment to a brighter future.
The original Prius started the ball rolling on electrification as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle, fittingly launched with the tagline “Just in time for the 21st Century” and it initially caught the eye thanks to its quirky sedan styling.
On closer inspection the new hybrid technology was the real standout. A specially designed VVT-i 1.5l petrol engine and compact, high-torque electric motor provided driving performance comparable to that of existing similar-sized cars, but with double the fuel efficiency and half the CO2 emissions.
Those figures helped Prius become Japanese Car of the Year honour in 1997-98 before it hit the world stage when exports began in 2000, quickly creating a close bond with environmentally-conscious consumers in Europe and the United States.
A completely new, second-generation Prius was introduced in 2003 and brought with it new aerodynamic standards, with an ultra-low 0.26 drag coefficient, and the iconic wedge shape, achieved as a result of the move to five-door hatchback format. This generation was also awarded the Car of the Year title for Europe in 2005.
Hybrid technology was evolving fast and the new Toyota Hybrid System II in the second-generation Prius achieved 15 per cent greater efficiency, and 50 per cent more power from the electric motor, now utilised to enhance performance as well as efficiency. An improved battery pack, with reduced weight but increased output, enabled the Prius to drive on electric power alone for the first time.
True to its original mission as an inspiration for a new style of motoring, the second-generation Prius drove Toyota’s hybrid sales beyond the 1 million mark, making a meaningful impact on emissions reduction worldwide.
Toyota’s hybrid leadership was further strengthened in 2009 via the third generation Prius, which arrived as the world’s most technically advanced mainstream car, increasing fuel efficiency by another 10 per cent and reducing CO2 emissions by 14 per cent thanks to an even lower drag coefficient, a larger 1.8l engine and redesigned electric motor.
Customers could now enjoy smooth, stress-free hybrid driving in new Prius family members as well, courtesy of more powerful lithium-ion battery packs. The Prius Plug-in, introduced in 2012 as one of the very first plug-ins in Europe, could also be charged from an external power source, allowing drivers to enjoy the benefits of all-electric motoring with the reassurance and reliability of hybrid. With its 25 kilometres of EV range and class-leading efficiency, the first Prius Plug-in Hybrid set a new benchmark in terms of mobility.
Prius continued its role as Toyota’s path-finder, for hybrid technology and beyond, with the fourth generation, which was launched in 2015 as the very first vehicle to utilise Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).
TNGA contributes to making Prius, and many subsequent models, more fun to drive by achieving a low centre of gravity for a more engaging driving position, and less body roll. More responsive handling came also from the use of high-strength steel which made the fourth generation Prius bodyshell 60 per cent more rigid than its predecessor.
Another engineering milestone was reached on the fourth generation Prius. Its new engine delivered an unprecedented maximum thermal efficiency of 40 per cent, the highest figure yet achieved for a mass-market petrol engine. A new plug-in hybrid version was also introduced, with an EV range of 45 kilometres and a CO2 per kilometre-value of only 28 grams according to the WLTP driving cycle.
Such technical breakthroughs are integral to the model’s position as the inspiration for Toyota’s leadership in electrification. Over the 25 years since Prius first blazed its hybrid trail, the majority of Toyota vehicles sold in Europe are now hybrids, while cumulative sales of electrified Toyota vehicles worldwide have exceeded 21 million. The Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions of Prius alone have sold more than 5.05 million units.
The next chapter in that unique Prius story will begin when the fifth-generation, Plug-in Prius is introduced to Europe in mid-2023.
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