The fourth generation Toyota Prius has been launched in India at Rs 38.96 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It gets a revised design, new underpinnings and was unveiled for the Indian marker at the 2016 Auto Expo. It has been brought in via the CBU route and is available in top-of-the-line Z8 variant.
It is underpinned by the TNGA (Toyota new generation Architecture) which will underpin a variety of new models in the future. Vehicles underpinned by this platform benefit from a low-stance design, resulting in better suspension, stability and handling.
Exterior design highlights include a new face, wheels and completely revised rear-end bringing but has the same silhouette that has defined the Prius range since it was launched in 1997. The cabin is standard Toyota fare and is offered leather seats, climate control, touchscreen infotainment system and a centrally mounted digital dashboard with a colour display for the trip computer.
Powering this new Prius is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and Toyota’s latest hybrid drive system which work together to give the Prius a fuel efficiency of 26.27kmpl. Driving tech with this new car include Drive mode and EV mode and regenerative braking. It is high on safety and has been fitted seven airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control and a stability programme. The Prius is a niche vehicle in Indian market and has no major competition in the Indian market.
Commenting on the launch of the new Toyota Prius, Akitoshi Takemura, senior vice president, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said “ The Prius was the first hybrid model to be launched by Toyota in India and ever since then we have come a long way. The New Prius is an improvement keeping in mind the Prius DNA along with the FIRST ever introduction of TNGA in any Toyota Motor Corporation model. This together is the result obtained in the 4th Generation Prius. This continues to keep the Prius DNA intact which is “Always ahead of its times”. The new Prius is a glimpse of the future expected in Toyota Models.”
