There Toyota Prius has been skillfully ruling the hybrid car market for over 25 years! It was in 1997, Toyota broke the codes of the automotive industry with this new model. For the first time in a long series, the car is combined with a gasoline and electric engine ! At that time, electrical technologies in general had not yet become very widespread in cars. In very limited production, we found a few niche models that combined these two energies. Hell of a technical challenge, but also a certain nerve, that paid off. Since then, the Prius has been available in four generations, the fifth and current one was launched a few months ago. Although its design has always been quite controversial, Toyota has done a much better job with this new creation…

More modern and luxurious

This new Prius retains its iconic silhouette, but with very different proportions. It is, of course, shorter and lower than the fourth generation (2016), but now wider. Its design acquires a lot of modernity and dynamismwith a front fascia and headlights inspired by the latest Toyota models, in particular Crown and bZ4X cladding. The rear panel and door handles built into the body make it even more attractive.

Under the hood, it is equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that develops 148 horsepower, combined with an electric motor for 160 horsepower. The combined power now reaches 223 horsepower. Compared to the previous generation’s 122 horsepower. Also big news: it will only be available in France as a plug-in hybrid. Therefore, Toyota is saying goodbye to the full hybrid which characterized his venerable Prius for 25 years. Its battery, relatively large for a PHEV (13.6 kWh), allows 86 kilometers on electricity.

Prius under the Lexus brand

Imagine what she will be soon to be transformed into a more luxurious, more premium Lexus-badged variant ! So, these will be minor changes, as per the latest LBX (Yaris Cross) and TX (Highlander), or deeper conversions? The answer is B, most likely. Because even if this model will share the compact sedan position with the Prius, it should be very different. The first specifics: this Lexus Prius will be 100% electric, while the Toyota Prius is only available in a hybrid version. She will come support RZ crossoverand must have a large capacity battery: potentially up to 800 kilometers of autonomy. The head of Lexus also confirmed that this will be the case offered in 4X4 all-wheel drive. Assigned to the Japan Mobility Show from October 26 to November 5, 2023 see it from all sides!

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