Toyota Prius (XW30)
Encyclopedia
The Toyota Prius is a mid-size hatchback that has been produced by Toyota. Toyota debuted the third generation Prius (2010 US model year) at the January 2009 North American International Auto Show
, and sales began in Japan on May 18, 2009. Replacing the XW20
series, the XW30 represents the third generation of the Toyota Prius
. Its new body design is more aerodynamic, with the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.25 Cd. An underbody rear fin helps stabilize the vehicle at higher speeds. Since its launch in 2009, the third-generation model has sold more than 1 million units worldwide by September 2011.
model, although the engine displacement was increased to 1.8 litres among other changes. Disc brake
s replaced the North American model's rear drum brakes.
For the Prius, Toyota used a new range of plant-derived ecological bioplastics made from the cellulose in wood or grass instead of petroleum. The two principal crops are kenaf (a member of the hibiscus family and related to cotton and okra) and ramie, commonly known as China grass and one of the strongest natural fibres, similar to flax in absorbency and density. Toyota says this is a particularly timely breakthrough for plant-based eco-plastics because 2009 is the United Nations’ International Year of Natural Fibres, which covers kenaf and ramie.
Many motoring reviewers praised the 3rd generation for its improved handling in corners and more supple ride over the previous generation.
In August 2010, Toyota began sales of an onboard device designed to automatically emit a synthesized sound of an electric motor when the Prius is operating as an electric vehicle at speeds up to approximately 25 kilometres per hour (15.5 mph). The device will be available in Japan for retrofitting on the third-generation Prius at a price of (~) including the consumption tax. The alert
rises and falls in pitch according to the vehicle's speed, thus helping indicate the vehicle's proximity and movement to nearby pedestrians. The device meets the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued in January 2010 for hybrid and other near-silent vehicles.
, Toyota revealed the 2012 model year Prius v
, an extended hatchback wagon, which features over 50 percent more interior cargo space than the original Prius design. Toyota also unveiled the Prius c concept, which in production form is expected to be cheaper and smaller than the current Prius hatchback. Toyota expects the Prius v to go on sale in mid- to late 2011, and a car based on the Prius c concept to enter production in the first half of 2012.
), which increases fuel economy at highway speeds. With an electric water pump, the Prius engine is the first production engine that requires no accessory belts, which also further improves fuel economy. The electric motors and other components of the hybrid powertrain are also smaller and more efficient. Toyota estimates the new inverter, motor and transaxle are 20 percent lighter.
It has a 1.4 kWh battery.
, the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the 2009 LA Auto Show
. Toyota produced a limited number of Prius Plug-in Hybrids for a global demonstration program. The plug-in demonstration version is based on a third generation Toyota Prius outfitted with 5.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries, with an all-electric range
of 13 mi (21 km). The global demonstration program involving 600 pre-production test cars
began in late 2009 and is taking place in Japan, Europe, Canada, China, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
The production version of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Modifications from the demonstration vehicle to improve efficiency allow the production plug-in to achieve an all-electric range
of 14.3 mi (23 km) with a smaller 4.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. Sales are scheduled to begin in Japan, the United States and Europe by early 2012. Deliveries in the U.S. are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2012 and the plug-in will be initially offered only in 14 states, with the national rollout planned for 2013.
rated the 2010 Prius as Good in every crash category except for side-impact "structure/safety cage", which was rated Acceptable. In EuroNCAP testing the Prius is given an overall rating of five out of five stars, and rated 88 percent for adult occupant protection, 82 percent for child occupant, 68 percent for pedestrian, and 86 percent for safety assist.
or not repeatable.
, Thailand
plant . At the launch of the XW30, Toyota stated its goal of selling about 400,000 Prius units annually worldwide, and 180,000 units in the U.S. by 2010. As a result, in May 2009 production was increased to 50,000 units per month or 600,000 annual units to help meet higher than projected demand.
In early 2010, Toyota considered adding a monthly production of 6,000 at the Motomachi factory, in central Japan, the plant that built the first-generation Prius in 1997. However, as customers' wait time in Japan shortened from eight months at launch to three months, and sales in the United States dropped 40 percent in February 2010 from October 2009 following concerns about Toyota vehicles' safety, Toyota had to reduce the monthly production by 10 percent to 45,000 units a month in March 2010.
In China, Toyota originally planned to start producing the third generation Prius in 2010 (through its joint venture FAW-Toyota). However, due to lack of government incentives and worries about losing tech secrets, this plan was abandoned.
The XW30 Prius was awarded the 2009 Japan Car of the Year.
, rates the Prius as: 72.4 mpgimp combined. Nineteen other car models match or exceed that figure as of February 2011.
According to the UK Department for Transport in February 2011, the third-generation Prius launched in the UK in August 2009 emits 89 g/km CO2, the same as the Škoda Fabia
(Hatch and Estate), the Volkswagen Polo
and the Toyota Auris Hybrid, and less than all other cars except the Smart fortwo
which emits 86 g/km.
, 6-speaker audio, Toyota's keyless entry/ignition Smart Key System and a unique Touch Tracer Display designed to help the driver's eyes stay on the road when using the steering-wheel-mounted climate and audio controls. The US Prius offers several optional packages:
Other options include Safety Connect
, while LED headlamps come standard on the Prius V trim.
In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) tested the XW30 based on the revised 2007 testing procedures, resulting in the following scores: 51 miles per US gallon city driving, 48 miles per US gallon highway driving, 50 miles per US gallon combined. Until the introduction of the Chevrolet Volt
, the Prius XW30 was the most efficient car powered by liquid fuel available in the U.S., based on the official rating. Only the first-generation Honda Insight
equipped with a manual transmission
attained higher fuel efficiency, however, that vehicle is not made any more, making the Prius the most efficient car on sale in 2010.
In the United States the EPA
measures a vehicle's air-borne pollution
based on hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide
, particulate matter and formaldehyde
before assigning them a score. In most states the XW30 Prius is rated Tier II Bin 3.
In 2009, Toyota Prius experienced two consecutive year over year sales decrease to 139,682 units in the U.S., from 181,221 units in 2007.
), the third-generation Prius Liftback receives modest style and equipment changes. The exterior changes include updated headlamps, revised tail lamps, plus a distinctive front fascia and bumper. The Prius can be equipped with an updated infotainment
system featuring the optional Toyota Entune
suite of connectivity features. Other updates include a 6.1-inch touch-screen, AM/FM CD player unit, a USB port for iPod
connectivity, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth
hands-free phone capability and streaming audio.
For the U.S. market only the Prius Two, Three, Four and Five will be offered. The Prius Two gains new 15-inch wheel covers and standard LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The Prius Three adds a standard three-door Smart Key entry system, and the Prius Four features standard auto on/off headlamps. The Prius Four also provides enhanced comfort with new SofTex-trimmed seats and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat. The premium Prius Five model's Advanced Technology Package includes the Premium HDD Navigation System, plus the Head-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System and Lane Keep Assist. The Pre-Collision System retracts the front seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when it determines that a crash is unavoidable. Lane Keep Assist can help the driver stay within the lane.
The U.S. 2012 model year includes Toyota's Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS), which is designed to alert pedestrians, the blind, and others of the vehicle's presence due to significant noise reduction typical of a hybrid vehicle traveling at low speeds in all-electric mode. This type of warning device is mandated by the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010. The warning sound is generated by externally mounted speakers and it activates automatically only at speeds below about 15 mph (6.7 m/s).
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
, and sales began in Japan on May 18, 2009. Replacing the XW20
Toyota Prius (XW20)
The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid electric mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The second generation Prius had been completely redesigned as a midsize hatchback. The XW20 series represented the second generation of the Toyota Prius, replacing its XW10 predecessor...
series, the XW30 represents the third generation of the Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid electric mid-size hatchback, formerly a compact sedan developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation...
. Its new body design is more aerodynamic, with the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.25 Cd. An underbody rear fin helps stabilize the vehicle at higher speeds. Since its launch in 2009, the third-generation model has sold more than 1 million units worldwide by September 2011.
Development
Toyota states that it filed 1000 patents during the development of the XW30 Prius. The concept of the powertrain largely carried over from the previous XW20Toyota Prius (XW20)
The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid electric mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The second generation Prius had been completely redesigned as a midsize hatchback. The XW20 series represented the second generation of the Toyota Prius, replacing its XW10 predecessor...
model, although the engine displacement was increased to 1.8 litres among other changes. Disc brake
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
s replaced the North American model's rear drum brakes.
Many motoring reviewers praised the 3rd generation for its improved handling in corners and more supple ride over the previous generation.
In August 2010, Toyota began sales of an onboard device designed to automatically emit a synthesized sound of an electric motor when the Prius is operating as an electric vehicle at speeds up to approximately 25 kilometres per hour (15.5 mph). The device will be available in Japan for retrofitting on the third-generation Prius at a price of (~) including the consumption tax. The alert
Electric vehicle warning sounds
Electric vehicle warning sounds are a series of sounds designed to alert pedestrians to the presence of electric drive vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles , plug-in hybrid electric vehicles , and all-electric vehicles travelling at low speeds...
rises and falls in pitch according to the vehicle's speed, thus helping indicate the vehicle's proximity and movement to nearby pedestrians. The device meets the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued in January 2010 for hybrid and other near-silent vehicles.
Toyota Prius v
At the January 2011 North American International Auto ShowNorth American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
, Toyota revealed the 2012 model year Prius v
Toyota Prius v
The Toyota Prius v, also named Prius α in Japan, and Prius + in Europe, is a full hybrid gasoline-electric compact MPV/station wagon produced by Toyota Motor Corporation introduced in Japan in May 2011 and in the U.S. in October 2011. It is scheduled to be released in the European market by mid 2012...
, an extended hatchback wagon, which features over 50 percent more interior cargo space than the original Prius design. Toyota also unveiled the Prius c concept, which in production form is expected to be cheaper and smaller than the current Prius hatchback. Toyota expects the Prius v to go on sale in mid- to late 2011, and a car based on the Prius c concept to enter production in the first half of 2012.
ZVW30
The 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (previously 1.5 liters) generates 98 hp, and with the added power of the electric motor, total horsepower is 134 hp (previously 110 hp). The larger engine displacement allows for increased torque, reducing engine speeds (RPMRevolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis...
), which increases fuel economy at highway speeds. With an electric water pump, the Prius engine is the first production engine that requires no accessory belts, which also further improves fuel economy. The electric motors and other components of the hybrid powertrain are also smaller and more efficient. Toyota estimates the new inverter, motor and transaxle are 20 percent lighter.
It has a 1.4 kWh battery.
ZVW35: plug-in version
The Prius Plug-In Concept was shown at the October 2009 Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo Motor Show
The is a biennial auto show held in October-November at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association , it is a recognized international show by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs...
, the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the 2009 LA Auto Show
LA Auto Show
The LA Auto Show is an annual auto show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in late November/early December. The LA Auto Show is an OICA sanctioned international exhibition and also endorsed by the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association...
. Toyota produced a limited number of Prius Plug-in Hybrids for a global demonstration program. The plug-in demonstration version is based on a third generation Toyota Prius outfitted with 5.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries, with an all-electric range
All-electric range
All-electric range is the driving range of a vehicle using only power from its electric battery pack to traverse a given driving cycle. In the case of a battery electric vehicle, it means the total range per charge. For a plug-in hybrid , it means the range of the vehicle in charge-depleting mode...
of 13 mi (21 km). The global demonstration program involving 600 pre-production test cars
Pre-production car
Pre-production cars are vehicles that allow the automaker to find problems before a new model goes on sale to the public. Pre-production cars come after prototypes, or development mules which themselves are preceded by concept cars...
began in late 2009 and is taking place in Japan, Europe, Canada, China, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
The production version of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Modifications from the demonstration vehicle to improve efficiency allow the production plug-in to achieve an all-electric range
All-electric range
All-electric range is the driving range of a vehicle using only power from its electric battery pack to traverse a given driving cycle. In the case of a battery electric vehicle, it means the total range per charge. For a plug-in hybrid , it means the range of the vehicle in charge-depleting mode...
of 14.3 mi (23 km) with a smaller 4.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. Sales are scheduled to begin in Japan, the United States and Europe by early 2012. Deliveries in the U.S. are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2012 and the plug-in will be initially offered only in 14 states, with the national rollout planned for 2013.
Safety
The IIHSInsurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
rated the 2010 Prius as Good in every crash category except for side-impact "structure/safety cage", which was rated Acceptable. In EuroNCAP testing the Prius is given an overall rating of five out of five stars, and rated 88 percent for adult occupant protection, 82 percent for child occupant, 68 percent for pedestrian, and 86 percent for safety assist.
Recall
On February 9, 2010, Toyota announced a voluntary global recall of third generation 2010 Prius models manufactured from the current model's introduction through late January. Affected models, including 133,000 Prius vehicles in the U.S. and 52,000 in Europe, are to receive an anti-lock brake software update to fix brake response over rough roads, following reports of delayed braking response on certain surface conditions. Apple co-founder and Prius collector Steve Wozniak was also quoted by media outlets regarding a possible cruise control issue on one of his several Priuses, where the steps for "upping the speed" using the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system allegedly caused unintended acceleration. Wozniak later maintained that he was misquoted, but did have an individual vehicle and customer service issue, while auto journalists and other Prius drivers suggested user error. On March 8, 2010, a publicized incident of alleged Prius acceleration in San Diego was later suspected to be a hoaxHoax
A hoax is a deliberately fabricated falsehood made to masquerade as truth. It is distinguishable from errors in observation or judgment, or rumors, urban legends, pseudosciences or April Fools' Day events that are passed along in good faith by believers or as jokes.-Definition:The British...
or not repeatable.
Market and production
The Toyota Prius XW30 is built at their Tsutsumi, Japan plant, as well as the ChachoengsaoChachoengsao
Chachoengsao ) is a town in central Thailand, capital of the Chachoengsao Province. It is located on the bank of the Bang Pakong River. It occupies the tambon Na Mueang and parts of Ban Mai, Bang Tin Pet, Wang Takhian and Sothon of Mueang Chachoengsao district...
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
plant . At the launch of the XW30, Toyota stated its goal of selling about 400,000 Prius units annually worldwide, and 180,000 units in the U.S. by 2010. As a result, in May 2009 production was increased to 50,000 units per month or 600,000 annual units to help meet higher than projected demand.
In early 2010, Toyota considered adding a monthly production of 6,000 at the Motomachi factory, in central Japan, the plant that built the first-generation Prius in 1997. However, as customers' wait time in Japan shortened from eight months at launch to three months, and sales in the United States dropped 40 percent in February 2010 from October 2009 following concerns about Toyota vehicles' safety, Toyota had to reduce the monthly production by 10 percent to 45,000 units a month in March 2010.
In China, Toyota originally planned to start producing the third generation Prius in 2010 (through its joint venture FAW-Toyota). However, due to lack of government incentives and worries about losing tech secrets, this plan was abandoned.
Asia
In Japan, it is reported that Toyota cut the price of the Prius from to to compete with the Honda Insight.The XW30 Prius was awarded the 2009 Japan Car of the Year.
Europe
The official UK fuel consumption data, provided by the Department for TransportDepartment for Transport
In the United Kingdom, the Department for Transport is the government department responsible for the English transport network and a limited number of transport matters in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland which are not devolved...
, rates the Prius as: 72.4 mpgimp combined. Nineteen other car models match or exceed that figure as of February 2011.
According to the UK Department for Transport in February 2011, the third-generation Prius launched in the UK in August 2009 emits 89 g/km CO2, the same as the Škoda Fabia
Škoda Fabia
The Škoda Fabia is a supermini produced by Czech manufacturer Škoda Auto since 1999. It was the successor to the Škoda Felicia, which was discontinued in 2001...
(Hatch and Estate), the Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo is a supermini car manufactured by Volkswagen. It is sold in Europe and other markets worldwide in hatchback, saloon, coupé and estate variants....
and the Toyota Auris Hybrid, and less than all other cars except the Smart fortwo
Smart Fortwo
The Smart Fortwo is a rear-engined two-seater city car manufactured by Smart GmbH, introduced at the 1998 Paris Motor Show as the Smart City Coupé, and currently in its second generation...
which emits 86 g/km.
North America
In the US the Prius comes standard with 15-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Stability Control and interior amenities including cruise controlCruise control
Cruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver.-History:...
, 6-speaker audio, Toyota's keyless entry/ignition Smart Key System and a unique Touch Tracer Display designed to help the driver's eyes stay on the road when using the steering-wheel-mounted climate and audio controls. The US Prius offers several optional packages:
- Navigation Package: that includes a voice-activated touch-screen DVDDVDA DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
-based navigation system and an 8-speaker JBLJBLJBL is an American audio electronics company currently owned by Harman International. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing. Their primary products are loudspeakers and associated electronics. There are two independent divisions within the company — JBL Consumer and JBL Professional...
audio system with XM satellite radioXM Satellite RadioXM Satellite Radio is one of two satellite radio services in the United States and Canada, operated by Sirius XM Radio. It provides pay-for-service radio, analogous to cable television. Its service includes 73 different music channels, 39 news, sports, talk and entertainment channels, 21 regional...
, MP3MP3MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
/WMAWindows Media AudioWindows Media Audio is an audio data compression technology developed by Microsoft. The name can be used to refer to its audio file format or its audio codecs. It is a proprietary technology that forms part of the Windows Media framework. WMA consists of four distinct codecs...
playback capability, BluetoothBluetoothBluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
and backup cameraBackup cameraA backup camera is a special type of video camera that is produced specifically for the purpose of being attached to the rear of a vehicle to aid in backing up. Backup cameras are alternatively known as 'reversing cameras' or 'rear view cameras'....
. The Prius in Japan is equipped with G-BookG-BookG-Book is a telematics subscription service currently provided by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan for its Toyota- and Lexus-branded vehicles. G-Book allows users to link with cellphones , personal digital assistants 's, personal computers and G-Book equipped cars across Japan...
as of May 18, 2009. - Solar Roof Package: includes the Navigation Package and adds a power tilt/slide moonroof along with a solar powerSolar powerSolar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun, has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation, along with secondary solar-powered resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for most of the available...
ed ventilation system that uses an electric fan to help keep the vehicle cooler when parked under the sun by venting the interior's heated air with the outdoors. The solar roof was originally intended to assist in charging the vehicle's battery, but the system was configured to only power ventilation when it was found that the battery-charging configuration created electromagnetic interferenceElectromagnetic interferenceElectromagnetic interference is disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to either electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic radiation emitted from an external source. The disturbance may interrupt, obstruct, or otherwise degrade or limit the effective performance of the circuit...
that affected the radio. A new remote air-conditioning feature allows the driver to activate the air conditioner prior to entering the vehicle. - Advanced Technology Package: includes the Navigation Package while adding a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Intelligent Parking Assist.
- Plus Performance Package: announced in June 2011. This package includes a seven-piece body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, special badging, and rear anti-sway bar. The car was also lowered by 1.1 inch at the front and 1.3 inch at the rear.
Other options include Safety Connect
Safety Connect
Safety Connect is a subscription-based telematics system introduced by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2009 for its Toyota-branded and Lexus models. The system provides communications, roadside assistance, car safety, remote diagnostics, and other services...
, while LED headlamps come standard on the Prius V trim.
In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
(EPA) tested the XW30 based on the revised 2007 testing procedures, resulting in the following scores: 51 miles per US gallon city driving, 48 miles per US gallon highway driving, 50 miles per US gallon combined. Until the introduction of the Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet Volt
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by General Motors. The Volt has been on sale in the U.S. market since mid-December 2010, and is the most fuel-efficient compact car sold in the United States, as rated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency...
, the Prius XW30 was the most efficient car powered by liquid fuel available in the U.S., based on the official rating. Only the first-generation Honda Insight
Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by Honda and the first production vehicle to feature Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. The first-generation Insight was produced from 1999 to 2006 as a three-door hatchback...
equipped with a manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
attained higher fuel efficiency, however, that vehicle is not made any more, making the Prius the most efficient car on sale in 2010.
In the United States the EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
measures a vehicle's air-borne pollution
Motor vehicle emissions
Motor vehicle emissions are composed of the by-products that comes out of the exhaust systems or other emissions such as gasoline evaporation...
based on hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide , also called carbonous oxide, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly lighter than air. It is highly toxic to humans and animals in higher quantities, although it is also produced in normal animal metabolism in low quantities, and is thought to have some normal...
, particulate matter and formaldehyde
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is an organic compound with the formula CH2O. It is the simplest aldehyde, hence its systematic name methanal.Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a characteristic pungent odor. It is an important precursor to many other chemical compounds, especially for polymers...
before assigning them a score. In most states the XW30 Prius is rated Tier II Bin 3.
In 2009, Toyota Prius experienced two consecutive year over year sales decrease to 139,682 units in the U.S., from 181,221 units in 2007.
2011 facelift
In 2011 (for the 2012 model yearModel year
The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
), the third-generation Prius Liftback receives modest style and equipment changes. The exterior changes include updated headlamps, revised tail lamps, plus a distinctive front fascia and bumper. The Prius can be equipped with an updated infotainment
Infotainment
Infotainment is "information-based media content or programming that also includes entertainment content in an effort to enhance popularity with audiences and consumers." It is a neologistic portmanteau of information and entertainment, referring to a type of media which provides a combination of...
system featuring the optional Toyota Entune
Toyota Entune
Toyota Entune is a fully integrated multimedia navigation system using a connected mobile phone to gather information such as traffic updates and information updates. The system utilises mobile apps to provide the driver with information from Bing , OpenTable and movietickets.com, along with...
suite of connectivity features. Other updates include a 6.1-inch touch-screen, AM/FM CD player unit, a USB port for iPod
IPod
iPod is a line of portable media players created and marketed by Apple Inc. The product line-up currently consists of the hard drive-based iPod Classic, the touchscreen iPod Touch, the compact iPod Nano, and the ultra-compact iPod Shuffle...
connectivity, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
hands-free phone capability and streaming audio.
For the U.S. market only the Prius Two, Three, Four and Five will be offered. The Prius Two gains new 15-inch wheel covers and standard LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The Prius Three adds a standard three-door Smart Key entry system, and the Prius Four features standard auto on/off headlamps. The Prius Four also provides enhanced comfort with new SofTex-trimmed seats and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat. The premium Prius Five model's Advanced Technology Package includes the Premium HDD Navigation System, plus the Head-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System and Lane Keep Assist. The Pre-Collision System retracts the front seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when it determines that a crash is unavoidable. Lane Keep Assist can help the driver stay within the lane.
The U.S. 2012 model year includes Toyota's Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS), which is designed to alert pedestrians, the blind, and others of the vehicle's presence due to significant noise reduction typical of a hybrid vehicle traveling at low speeds in all-electric mode. This type of warning device is mandated by the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010. The warning sound is generated by externally mounted speakers and it activates automatically only at speeds below about 15 mph (6.7 m/s).