Before his presentation December 10, 1997, Toyota Prius was announced as a concept car of the same name at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, equipped with an innovative hybrid engine, which made it possible to halve the fuel consumption and polluting emissions of a similar model with an internal combustion engine.

The first Prius was sold in Japan, and then exported to other countries around the world. It was sold in 25 years more than 5.05 million copiescontributing to the democratization of hybrid engines and the success of Toyota’s electrified models, which have sold more than 21 million units.

Toyota Prius: a real success

The first generation Toyota Prius was recognized as the “Car of the Year” in Japan in 1997-98, and since 2000 it has been produced in other countries of the world, in particular in Europe and North America.

The The second generation Prius was released in 2003, with improved aerodynamics allowing it to display a Cd of 0.26 thanks to its new 5-door hatchback silhouette. She wins a prize for Car of the year 2005 in Europe, and its new, lighter and more efficient battery allowed it to travel in 100% electric mode for the first time.

The Prius celebrates its 25th birthday this year. An anniversary that Toyota celebrates with a more modern, more powerful and visually less discordant fifth generation than previous… https://t.co/dAJd9Q6YzJ

— AutoPlus (@AutoPlusMag) November 16, 2022

Toyota Prius: constant development

The The third generation Prius was released in 2009, and also improved its energy efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions by 14%: aerodynamics were further improved, and its engine was redesigned and combined with more powerful lithium-ion batteries. The first plug-in hybrid version appeared in 2012 with Toyota Prius Plug-inwhich had a range of 25 km in 100% electric mode.

The The fourth generation Prius was released in 2015, and opens the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform for the first time. This makes it possible to offer a lower center of gravity and a better driving position, which allows for a more dynamic behavior on the road. A new plug-in hybrid version has appeared, which has increased the range of the 100% electric car to 45 km, and CO2 emissions are 28 g/km according to the WLTP cycle.

Toyota Prius: completely updated fifth generation

Toyota has just introduced Fifth generation Priuswho will on the market in 2023. It features the latest version of Toyota’s hybrid system, which has a larger battery capacity and boasts CO2 emissions of just 19g/km based on the WLTP combined cycle.

Its engine combines a more powerful electric motor and a 2.0-liter gasoline unit, which provides a total power of 223 horsepower. Thanks to its electric range, this new Prius hybrid allows you to drive in 100% electric mode every day, while maintaining the versatility of a hybrid car for the longest journeys.

The first hybrid car to hit the European market, the Toyota Prius can easily be found used for less than €10,000. https://t.co/nfxoy3B4HK

— AutoPlus (@AutoPlusMag) March 30, 2021