Toyota introduces Prius Plug-in hybrid upgrades
Toyota has added to the technology-rich specification of Prius Plug-in with new features that add extra dimensions to its safety and on-board connectivity performance.
Lane Trace Assist
The latest upgrades include the addition of Lane Trace Assist to the Toyota Safety Sense package of active safety and driver assistance systems, fitted as standard to all the models.
Lane Trace Assist operates with the full-range, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, helping the driver keep the car centred in its traffic lane. Using the forward-facing camera and millimetre-wave radar, it monitors lane markings on the road surface. If it detects any unintended deviations, it will provides gentle steering inputs to keep the car to its correct course, both on straight roads and through curves. If the markings are faded or obscured, it will follow the path of the vehicle ahead. The system makes for safer driving and reduces the burden on the driver, particularly in busy traffic.
The new function is provided together with Prius Plug-in’s established Toyota Safety Sense features: Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection; Lane Departure Alert with steering control, full-range Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist and Adaptive High-beam System. All Prius Plug-in models also come with a Blind Spot Monitor Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and reversing camera, while the Excel version also provides the part-automated SIPA parking assist system.
Smartphone connectivity
Prius Plug-in now comes with Toyota’s latest multimedia package, which includes simple smartphone connection to the system, using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
This gives users easy access to their favourite social media, information, navigation and entertainment apps, personal calendar and contacts via the car’s central eight-inch multimedia control screen.
MyT app
With addition of a data collection module, Prius Plug-in gains access additional MyT app functions, plus eCall to provide an automatic alert to the emergency services in the event of a serious impact.
Useful connected services can also be reached using the app, via the Toyota web portal. Features include useful information about Toyota, service alerts, “find my car” vehicle location, journey planning and coaching on how to achieve the best eco-driving performance.
MyT also logs driving data, so information about mileage, speed and performance from previous journeys can be accessed and analysed.
Plug-in hybrid technology
The Toyota Plug-in Hybrid’s powertrain has an EV all-electric capability that allows up to around 34 miles of emission-free driving (subject to battery charge, driving style and road conditions). The car can also be driven at speeds up to 84mph in EV mode. This performance is made possible by the higher capacity of the car’s lithium-ion battery and its use of Dual Motor Drive, in which power is boosted by the hybrid system generator also operating as a second electric motor.
The higher battery power also allows for faster recharging – in around two hours connected to a fast-charging supply, or around three hours 10 minutes when connected to a standard domestic supply.
The full hybrid powertrain has a total power output of 120bhp/90kW and can achieve nought to 62mph acceleration in 11.1 seconds. Top speed is 101mph. Combined cycle fuel consumption (WLTP data) is 188.32 – 235.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 28 – 34g/km.
The updated Toyota Prius Plug-in is on sale now. On-the-road prices are £32,645 for the Business Edition and £34,745 for the Excel model.