The Toyota Prius gets an update for its 20th anniversary

When we talk about hybrid technology, it seems like something very close to us, as if the whole boom in hybrid models had started only recently. But if we look back, one of the pioneers of this technology was presented in 1997, so the Toyota Prius will turn no less than 20 years old in the already imminent 2017. To celebrate it, Toyota has decided to subject it to small aesthetic updates.

Over these 20 years the Toyota Prius has already reached its fourth generation, which was presented in May of this same year and which we were able to test at Highmotor to tell you all its details. For this update its exterior styling remains the same as the one we showed you, the changes focus on the cabin and on the infotainment system it features.

Until now, the base of the centre console was white regardless of the upholstery colour chosen, whereas with this update it becomes Piano Black, and the gear selector area and the decorative inserts on the steering wheel are left white, regardless of whether the chosen upholstery is leather or black fabric. On the other hand, if we opt for light grey leather upholstery, the white colour is kept as before.

Another novelty concerns the introduction of the latest version, called MM16, of the Toyota Touch 2 & GO multimedia system with a 7-inch touchscreen. This navigation system includes three years of free map and app updates. In addition, the installation of the new software will make it easier and more intuitive to operate, with customisable menus and shortcuts, self-navigation and voice recognition via Siri.

The standard equipment remains very complete, among which the 6- or 10-speaker JBL sound system, the IPA Advanced Parking Assist System or the two-zone climate control with occupant sensor stand out. In addition to various driver assistance and safety systems such as the Head-Up Display, the Pre-Collision Safety System with pedestrian recognition or the Blind Spot Detector, among many others.

Mechanically it still retains the same powertrain: the Full Hybrid system, made up of the 1,800 cc VVT-i petrol engine with Atkinson cycle that delivers 98 CV, working together with an electric motor that converts the surplus power of the petrol engine into electricity and another 53 kW electric motor that provides electric traction. The total power of the Full Hybrid system is 122 CV.

This new update of the Toyota Prius is already available at the Spanish dealerships of the Japanese brand, at a base price of 29,990 euros.

Source | Toyota