2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid Review
The third-generation midsize 2010 Prius offers better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the "2010 Prius" is 90% newly developed, with significant improvements over previous models. I tested a nicely loaded Prius IV.
The heart of the new Prius is, of course, its Hybrid Synergy Drive system, first introduced in 2004 on the second-generation Prius. The system is 90% new and was developed by Toyota engineers increasing both power and fuel mileage. The engine is hooked up to a front-wheel-drive, electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission that is quiet and smooth. to the rear maintaining the wedge shape and increasing rear headroom and improving aerodynamics. Enhancing braking power and controls are ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist.
The new Prius rides on standard 5-spoke, 15X6in. wheels, wrapped with 195/55R15in. Touch Tracer is the first display system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to display in the instrument panel. Rear seat legroom is enhanced by a new space-saving contoured front seat design.
The new Prius also offers a remote air conditioning system. Additionally, an exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, for improved performance. Standard safety systems aboard include driver/front passenger 3-point safety belts with load limiters/pretensioners, 3-3-point seats belts in the rear, driver/front passenger front airbags/side airbags, front/rear side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, steel beams in each door, front and rear crumple zones, active headrest up front, child protector rear door locks, adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors, engine immobilizer, and the LATCH system for child seats.
The 2010 Toyota Prius has been fully redesigned. Key improvements for this third-generation model include more power, better fuel economy, enhanced steering feel, more conventional interior controls and sleeker styling.
The last Toyota Prius flipped the automotive world on its head, changing the purchasing priorities of American car buyers seemingly overnight. Now there is the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius. Toyota has also addressed other previous Prius faults.
The 2010 Toyota Prius is available in four trim levels that should appeal to an ancient Roman's sensibilities: Prius II, Prius III, Prius IV and Prius V. Standard equipment on Prius II includes 15-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, keyless ignition/entry, auto on/off headlights, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-telescoping steering column, a hybrid system display and a six-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Prius IV has this equipment plus additional exterior locking buttons for keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver lumbar adjustment and an auto-dimming mirror. The Advanced Technology package when added to the Navigation package includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision alert system, a lane departure warning system and automated self parking.
The 2010 Toyota Prius is powered by Toyota's advanced gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. The EPA estimates the 2010 Prius will return 51 mpg city/48 highway and 50 mpg combined. Every" 2010 Toyota Prius" comes standard with antilock disc brakes (the old car had rear drums), stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. Optional equipment includes a pre-collision warning system and a lane-departure warning system. In brake testing, the Prius stopped from 60 mph in a short 118 feet, with less fade than the previous rear-drum-equipped car.
