Toyota Prius is a car from a popular brand in the world, featuring a hybrid engine, reliability and an increased level of comfort. Transport is going to largest factories China and Japan.

The Prius is economical, almost does not pollute the atmosphere (corresponds to the Euro-5 class), reliable and comfortable. In addition, he does not have idle move which distinguishes the model from its competitors.

Models of Toyota Prius

The release of Toyota Prius started in 1997. The main models include:

1. NHW10 - first generation (Prius-1). This model was only sold on automotive market Japan. Year of release (1997-2000).
2. NHW11 - rebranded first generation (Prius-1.1). The start of sales started in 2000 and continued for the next three years.
3. NHW20 - second generation (Prius-2). In 2003 appeared on the market a new version Toyota Prius, which kept on the conveyor until 2011.
4. ZVW30 - third generation (Prius-3). Released in 2009.
5. ZVW35 - third generation (Prius-3 PHV) The model was put on the conveyor in 2012 and is produced until today.
6. ZVW40 and ZVW41 - third generation (restyling). Release start - 2011. The difference between the two mentioned options is in the number of seats. In the first case, this is a 7-seater, and in the second, a 5-seater station wagon.
7. Toyota Prius 4 generation - debuted in September 2015. Pro this car complete information a little more, so we will tell about it a little later.

Features and Specifications

Toyota Prius is a popular "hybrid" in wide circles. As mentioned above, the release of the car was launched in 1997.

1. First NHW10/11 models.

It had an electric motor with a power of 30 kW and a battery with a capacity of 6 Ah. The gasoline engine boasted a volume of one and a half liters and a power of 58 hp. The car accelerated to “hundreds” in 15.5 seconds.

The principle of operation of the hybrid is as follows:

1. The petrol engine runs only on the battery charge, and the electric motor is responsible for the movement vehicle(sequential mode of operation);
2. Any of the motors (gasoline or electric) is responsible for the movement of the car. This type of control is considered optimal.

2. Second model NHW20.

Belong to the second generation. Works on a similar principle. The power part of the car is called Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. It consists of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 76 hp. and an electric motor with a power of 68 hp.

The total power is 116 "horses".

The main achievement of the new model was the minimum harmfulness. Combined CO2 emissions were only 104 g/km.

special attention deserves the economy of the car. The average fuel consumption in the city is 8 liters, and when driving on the highway - 5.5 liters.

The new Hybrid Sinergy Drive has the following operating modes:

• The start of movement is made by an electric motor powered by a battery. After picking up speed, the gasoline engine is connected to work, and the electric motor goes into standby mode;
• In the case of active acceleration, the two types of motor work together to achieve maximum power;
• Uniform movement is characterized by the active operation of the electric motor. In this case, the petrol engine is switched off. If the battery charge level drops below the acceptable level, then the computer starts the motor to make up for the lost capacity.

A feature of the Prius II is the saturation of electronics, such as ABS, VSC and EBD, as well as the presence of an economical electric drive that drives the car's air conditioning.

The body of the car has also changed, which has turned from a classic sedan into a hatchback.

In spite of external changes, transport did not impress buyers. The manufacturer, when creating the second version, was no longer chasing beauty.

The task was to make the trip as comfortable as possible for the driver and passenger.

The salon is spacious and has a unique style. The instrument panel is well thought out. The LCD monitor of the onboard computer is installed in the central part.

A diagonal of 14.5 centimeters is enough to see the information on the screen even with poor eyesight.

Basic information conveyed on-board computer- fuel consumption, power distribution between the battery, wheels and engine, fuel balance and more. The information is updated every five minutes.

3. Prius-3 (ZVW30/35).

Appeared in 2009. It was this generation of the car that provided the model with worldwide recognition.

The new car has become longer and wider (by 1.5 and 2.0 centimeters, respectively). As for the length of the wheelbase and the height of the body part, they remained unchanged.

The appearance of the car has also changed. Now the rear and front lights seem to have united with each other, thanks to the seemingly insignificant, but harmoniously looking stripes on the sides of the body.

An important feature for passengers was the shift of the highest point of the body to the central part of the cabin. Now, even with a height of 1.7 meters and above, you can feel comfortable and not be afraid to hit your head. The passenger and driver seats have become thinner by three centimeters, there is room for the knees.

Changed position and gearshift knob. From the dashboard, where it was previously, the handle was moved to the elevation of the center console.

Buyers have the opportunity to choose the diameter of the wheels - between 15 and 17 inches.

In the third version of the Toyota Prius, small protrusions appeared to provide better control of the vehicle's airflow. In comparison with the second version, the air resistance coefficient has decreased by 0.01 (from 0.25 to 0.24).

The power part of the car also experienced serious changes. Instead of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, a 1.8-liter engine with a capacity of 99 horsepower took over the reins.

The decision to increase the volume of the engine was caused by the desire of developers to reduce fuel consumption when driving at high speeds.

The total power during the operation of the electric and gasoline engine is 136 horsepower. The car accelerates to “hundreds” in 10.4 seconds.

A planetary gearbox appeared in the electric motor, supplemented by a heat recovery system, as well as an oil pump.

Additional modes of operation have also been added. So, instead of one "EV Mode", when the car was driven only by electric traction, two more options appeared:

• "Power Mode" - a mode designed for traveling at high speeds;
• "ECO Mode" is an economical option designed for reduced consumption of the fuel mixture.

In normal mode, fuel consumption averages 4 liters per hundred. When switching to the eco-variant, it is reduced to 1.75 liters.

4. Restyled Prius-3 (ZVW40 and ZVW41).

In 2011, the world saw a new restyled version of the already beloved third Prius.

The designers did not make changes to the power unit, focusing on appearance and car interior.

So, LED sections appeared in the head optics, the air intake hole increased, the interior trim changed (the quality of the material used improved).

A number of devices have changed location on the dashboard. The Japanese paid more attention to soundproofing.

The suspension, which has become stiffer, has also undergone structural changes.

The power part remained unchanged - the same gasoline engine a volume of 1.8 liters paired with an electric motor for 82 "horses".

Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 3.9 liters per "hundred". Besides, new model"learned" to ride only on electric traction.

Reviews from Toyota Prius owners

The best indicator of the quality, reliability and recognition of a car is the reviews of real owners. To make things fair, below are both positive and negative reviews.

Positive reviews.

1. Viktor Semenov, 46 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.5 l, automatic transmission, 2008, mileage - 110 thousand kilometers.

“I have been the proud owner of a Toyota Prius for eight years now. During the operation, the car was not seriously repaired.

The main job was to change the oil and filter elements. A year earlier, we bought a Toyota Prius and my son, so he managed to run over 200 thousand kilometers all the time.

All that was done on the car — oil change, candles and filters. There are no complaints about either of the two cars.

After several kilometers behind the wheel of a car, you don’t even want to consider other options.

The machine is economical, pulls well at any speed, reliable in operation.

From additional options It is worth noting the rear-view camera, which has repeatedly saved from collisions.

2. Yuri Skorikov, 47 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.5 l, automatic transmission, 2009, mileage - 115 thousand kilometers.

“I bought the car in 2012. During the time that I have a car, I managed to hit 60 thousand kilometers. No complaints about transport.

During the operation had to make a running diagnostics and change the oil. If there were problems, they were fixed personally.

Once almost burned the inverter. When replacing the battery, my son managed to mix up the polarity, after which an error popped up on the dashboard.

The service said that the car is worthy of respect, because the inverter survived and did not burn out.

I think that the main advantages of the car - reliability, high quality engine and chassis, as well as efficiency.

3. Evgeny Petrenko, 49 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.8 l, automatic transmission, 2010 onwards, mileage - 90 thousand kilometers.

"Ownership experience different cars minimal. Before the Toyota Prius, there were only two cars - Hondas of 2004 and 2006 of release.

When choosing a car, I paid attention to the following criteria - efficiency, reliability and maintenance costs.

Friends advised me to buy a Toyota Prius, and as it turned out, not in vain. The car turned out to be easy to drive, economical, stable on the road. The design deserves special attention, which caused not fake envy among others.

I bought the car already from hand, so many alterations have already been completed.

So, ground clearance turned out to be raised to 20 cm, put excellent acoustics with ten speakers, made of high quality on the doors. In general, not a car, but a music center on wheels.

There are no complaints during the operation. The car is economical, unpretentious in operation, there is a roomy trunk.”

4. Gennady Rastorguev, 38 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.5 l, automatic transmission, 2007, mileage - 160 thousand kilometers.

“I bought the car in 2012. The year of manufacture of the purchased Toyota Prius is 2007. The car is made in the USA, which only adds “whists”.

During the operation, I had to change oils, working fluids and make diagnostics of the main systems (more for complacency).

Drove all the time 95 thousand kilometers. The car showed its best side, was unpretentious and did not break down on the road. This is primarily due to the timely replacement technical fluids what I wish for you. Do not forget about the filters (they also need to be changed on time).

After 30 thousand kilometers, I had to change the candles (the engine started).

Real fuel consumption struck to the core. At a speed of 80-90 kilometers per hour, the car showed a result of 2.8 liters per "hundred". Starting the engine in cold weather does not cause problems.

Of the main advantages, it is worth noting reliability, comfort, self-confidence on the road and ease of maintenance.

If you understand the mechanics and electrical parts, then there will be no problems with the car at all.

negative feedback.

1. Gennady Ivanov, 35 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.8 l, automatic transmission, 2010 release, mileage - 130 thousand kilometers.

“Previously, I gave preference only to foreign cars, but I wanted to change the car to some kind of “hybrid” in order to save on fuel. Bought a Toyota Prius in 2010.

At first, there were no complaints about the car, and after each MOT, an engine error began to light up. The masters at the service station explained that the reason was the filling of low-quality fuel, although he tried to pour only expensive fuel.

After a year of operation, fuel consumption jumped - 5.0 to 6.0 liters per "hundred". A year later, the car began to “eat” and did 7.5-8.0 liters.

Recently, the battery failed, and an inscription appeared on the dashboard demanding to check the hybrid system.

When buying, they assured that the power source is eternal, but in practice everything turned out to be not so rosy. The service itself is disgusting - it takes a long time to repair, you wait months for details, and the quality leaves much to be desired.

2. Rodin Osadchy, 33 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.5 l, automatic transmission, manufactured in 1998, mileage - 330 thousand kilometers.

“The car was reliable and unpretentious for the first three years of operation, but after replacing the battery, constant problems began.

First, the elements of the power source flew out one by one, then there were problems with the inverter, then with the hybrid installation. In the end, I had to disassemble and sell everything for parts.

3. Diana Ivanova, 26 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.5 l, automatic transmission, 2008 onwards, mileage - 60 thousand kilometers.

“When buying a car, I thought that I would get high-quality transport that would provide comfortable warmth in winter. It turned out that it is warmer in Zhiguli than in Toyota.

Causes criticism and handling of the car. On a bad road, the car strives to be demolished to the side of the road. I had to sell the car after 2 years of operation.

4. Nikolai Lunev, 36 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.8 l, automatic transmission, 2011 onwards, mileage - 40 thousand kilometers.

“In principle, the car is not bad, but the low ground clearance upset me. When traveling to the country, I constantly strike the bottom even when driving the wheel into relatively small pits.

5. Stanislav Gaidashenko, 38 years old. Toyota Prius, 1.5 l, automatic transmission, 2009 onwards, mileage - 40 thousand kilometers.

“The main disadvantage for me was the price. I wanted to buy a hybrid, so I had to get into serious debt. It turned out that the car is not so good.

Noise isolation is not enough, the steering wheel is not informative, there is no fixation of the lever.

If accidentally hurt, you can turn on the neutral gear. The interior is made of cheap plastic, which began to creak almost immediately after the start of operation.

At normal speed (more than "hundreds"), fuel consumption is not so small - almost 7 liters per hundred kilometers.

The battery discharge is fast. To save fuel normally, you should stick to a speed of 70 km / h.

Results

Toyota Prius is a reliable, comfortable and economical vehicle. The main thing in the process of operation is to change in time Consumables, monitor the battery status and periodically go for diagnostics to fix problems at an early stage.

If you do not start malfunctions, then there will be no serious problems in operation. An important point is the quality of the fuel.

Toyota Prius is whimsical to fuel, so it is worth refueling at proven gas stations.

A fashionable gadget, a toy for older children, or a practical vehicle. This car can be perceived in different ways, but the fact remains that the Prius is interesting to a very wide audience. However, for many new hatchback prohibitively expensive. Believe me, the car of the previous, third generation is hardly worse.

Let's face it, with the loudly declared fantastic economy of the Prius - according to the passport data, the third-generation model consumes 3.9 l / 100 km in the combined cycle - real consumption much higher fuel. We operated a Japanese hybrid for a long time in Moscow, where for the same “hundred” run, the car needed from 5.5 to 6 liters of gasoline. On the track, where the gasoline engine not only plows alone almost all the time, but also carries a 45-kilogram high-voltage battery on its shoulders, the flow meter showed 7-7.5 l / 100 km. Twenty years ago, for golf cars with naturally aspirated engines and automatic transmissions, these were almost unattainable numbers, but now, in the era of global engine downsizing and the introduction of start-stop systems, cars with traditional power plants have learned to drive no less economically.

Walk without turning

I did not just mention the twenty-year period of the presence of the Prius on the market. Over the years, the technical concept of the machine has not changed at all. This is a body with a low coefficient of aerodynamic drag and a power unit packed into it, consisting of a high-voltage battery, a gasoline engine, a starter-generator and an electric motor. The game of this quartet is conducted by an inverter and a planetary gearbox, which allows the car to move forward or backward, as well as maintain the engine speed in optimal modes.

At the same time, being faithful to the general idea, each new generation of Prius entered the market with something new. Perhaps the main technical distinction cars of the third generation (XW30) from the predecessor was the 2ZR-FXE gasoline engine. The tandem of this 1.8-liter (it was 1.5 l) gasoline “four” with an electric motor develops 136 hp. Not enough, you say? This, by the way, is 14 “horses” more than the current fourth Prius. Yes, and not in them, in fact, cymus, but in an impressive torque that provides peppy starts and brisk dynamics in the city. However, looking for a hybrid on the secondary, its reliability is important no less than the developed speed. The question is not idle, especially since you can't buy a five-year-old from us for less than 650,000 rubles. They ask so much for right-hand drive models, left-hand drive cars are on average 150 thousand rubles more expensive. As you can see, the amounts are decent.

32.6 km - according to passport data, such a distance is able to travel Prius III generations per liter of gasoline

Legends and true

On many forums you can find replicas that the service life of the "Priuses" is significantly superior to conventional cars. Yes and no. You can’t argue with the fact that the parts of the hybrid brake system (pads and discs) are subject to minimal wear, because the starter-generator in the recuperation mode performs a significant job of slowing down the car. The gasoline engine also gets less, since its speed does not go out of the optimal zone, and often the movement occurs only due to electric traction. In general, with normal care, timely replacement oils and filters, internal combustion engines and with a run of 300 thousand km is in full health. But whether this motor will survive another hundred thousand without repair is already a question.

Despite the fact that it is not the first year that electric vehicles occupy best places on the catwalks of international car showrooms, they are still far from conquering the markets. Until recently, these developments were spurred on by the rapid rise in oil prices, but today the situation has changed, and without legislative pressure from “green” internal combustion engines, it would have remained the only “heart” of a car for a long time.

According to a recent poll on the site, hybrid cars are the most promising in the near future - 41% of voters think so. The second place is shared by traditional internal combustion engines running on gasoline and diesel fuel(17% of the votes each), and electric cars are third (12%). Our readers do not consider other types of fuel for internal combustion engines to be promising: liquefied and natural gases, as well as ethanol and its mixtures, gained only 3–5% of the votes.

Today, hybrid cars can be found in many countries of the world - from Europe to the New World and Asia. The most popular model is Toyota Prius, in 2005, when the second generation of the model appeared, the Americans were buying it up at a rate of one car per hour, and in total today there are more than 1.7 million Prius owners in the world. By 2010, Toyota, the founder of this trend, plans to introduce 10 new hybrid cars to the European market, and by 2020, every Toyota model will be equipped with a hybrid power plant.

However, the hybrid future has already arrived in Russia. Back in 1997, the first petrol-electric Prius appeared on the market of the land of the rising sun (the name is translated as - going ahead). Soon, these cars, along with other Japanese second-hand goods, leaked to the Far East, where they began to master them using the “scientific poke and gaze” method, broke many copies (read - batteries, controllers and electric motors), but tamed the same outlandish car to our climate, and to our roads. Later on the market officially came hybrid Lexus, but already in a completely different status - an expensive and prestigious toy.

And now - the premiere of the third generation Prius at the Geneva Motor Show, a generation that will officially come to Russia this year for the first time. An economical hybrid car is not cheap today, so we can hardly expect excessive demand, but there is certainly interest - both as a technical novelty and as a product: how long it will last, what it will cost, whether it will be liquid on the market. This review will focus on both the new Prius and the company's hybrid program as a whole.

The basic principle of the new Prius is optimal balance between comfort, driving pleasure and operating costs. It was for the sake of good dynamics that the Japanese did not save on the displacement of the internal combustion engine, increasing it from 1.6 liters (for the previous model) to 1.8 liters. The total power of the hybrid power plant has increased to 134 hp. (by 22%), and increased torque. At the same time, consumption also fell. ICE fuel by optimizing the settings and redistributing the main modes to the range of lower speeds. And the total consumption on the combined cycle was 3.9 l/100 km, which corresponds to a record low level of emissions for a D-class car - only 89 g of CO2 per kilometer.

The Prius can run either on electric power or ICE, or using both propulsion. At stops, the internal combustion engine switches off automatically (Start&Stop system). Despite the fundamental similarity of the two generations, 90% of the details of the hybrid installation are designed anew. This is a more compact electric motor with more output (due to increased speed), and a new attachments, not requiring drive belt: all nodes are driven by electric motors. Let's add to this a more advanced electronic filling of the power plant control unit: its efficiency has become higher, and the cooling of the components is more efficient due to direct washing with antifreeze. Also appeared and the engine heating system due to the heat of the exhaust gases.

The new outlines of the body not only give the model a modern look, but also work to improve aerodynamics: Cx decreased by 0.01 and reached 0.25, noise also decreased. Note that at low speeds, when the internal combustion engine is not working, the car is almost silent, which, by the way, is potentially dangerous for pedestrians who are used to focusing on the noise of the engine.

An interesting option is a solar battery in the roof. Usually, drivers try to leave the car in the shade in the summer so that the sun's rays do not heat up the interior. In the Middle East, limousine chauffeurs often leave the engine on at all to keep the cabin pleasantly cool. The interior of the Prius cools even when the engine is not running. Roof-mounted elements power a climate system that keeps the cabin cool even under the scorching sun, and the more sun that hits the roof, the more free energy they produce.

World sales of the Prius will start in July, the car will appear in Russia in the fall (see below). By 2010 year Toyota expects to sell 60,000 Prius in Europe and 400,000 worldwide. Sales plans in Russia, as well as prices, have not yet been announced.

Exclusive interview with Thierry Dombreval, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Europe:

Suppose you are faced with the task of choosing a keyword to run an ad Toyota. Which of the three would you choose to indicate the main advantage of the brand - reliability, affordability or manufacturability?

Probably none of the three...

Then your choice...

Or rather, a little of everything. Reliability is one of the main components of the image Toyota brands. New technologies are also the basis of our development, this is the direction of hybrids, and safety, and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, which we see on the example of IQ ... Here our positions are very strong. But today the consumer is thinking. And I would single out brand trust as a key point for the consumer in today's situation. And Toyota is very well positioned in the market, buying such a car is good investment capital. Therefore, I would note the trust in reliability and Toyota technologies as the basis of our success.

Today, Toyota, like many other automakers, pays a lot of attention to hybrid technologies. You were the first to put this technology on stream. But there is an opinion, shared by car designers, that hybrids are just a temporary compromise, a stage on the way to electric vehicles. For all their advantages, they have many disadvantages. What is your forecast, perhaps the crisis will scare away a significant part of consumers from these expensive and sophisticated cars, and after a while we will immediately enter the era of electricity?

No, I do not think that an electric car can compete with a hybrid today. Its autonomy is limited to 100-120 km, that is, short trips, mainly in the city, while the mileage of a hybrid car depends only on the capacity of its tank, and gasoline is everywhere. At the moment we are working on an electric FTEV concept based on the Toyota IQ, but it will be a pure city car and not a competitor to hybrids. I think that both approaches will coexist for a long time; hybrids will become a mainstream product, and urban electric vehicles will complete the gamut.

But already today there are cars like Tesla that have an autonomy of up to 300 km, and there are "electric gas stations" that can charge the battery in an hour or two, so perhaps it's just a matter of organizing a network of charging stations and the same technology. Perhaps in two or three years there will be a sufficiently capacious battery to cover three hundred kilometers on a single charge. Or do you still think that in the next ten years this will not become a reality?

All these developments cannot yet be called large-scale. Yes, with batteries mobile phones… How long will they last? Three years, no more.

The developers announced seven.

Well, these are just words. And the cost of replacement, you know ...

Yes, it's scary to imagine!

Today we have lithium-ion batteries that are larger and lighter, we have advanced technologies, we imagine the ways of their development and, believe me, it will be many more years before an electric car can travel 300 km.

Toyota Prius prototype with Toyota Plug-in HV hybrid power platform incorporating a 1.5-liter engine internal combustion and electric motor. The car received vehicle type approval from the Japanese Ministry of Transportation before being shown at the Paris Motor Show, and after testing on the roads of the USA (California) and Japan, it is likely to go on sale. Main characteristics: dimensions (LxWxH) - 4445x1725x1490 mm, seats - 5, internal combustion engine - 110 Nm at 4000 rpm, 56 kW / 76 hp at 5000 rpm, electric motor - 400 Nm at 0–1200 rpm, 50 kW/68 hp at 1200-1540 rpm electric autonomy - 10 km, max. electric speed - 100 km / h, battery - nickel-hydride, 13 Ah.

A prototype Toyota Prius with a Toyota Plug-in HV hybrid power platform combining a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The car received vehicle type approval from the Japanese Ministry of Transportation before being shown at the Paris Motor Show, and after testing on the roads of the USA (California) and Japan, it is likely to go on sale. Main characteristics: dimensions (LxWxH) - 4445x1725x1490 mm, seats - 5, internal combustion engine - 110 Nm at 4000 rpm, 56 kW / 76 hp at 5000 rpm, electric motor - 400 Nm at 0–1200 rpm, 50 kW/68 hp at 1200-1540 rpm electric autonomy - 10 km, max. electric speed - 100 km / h, battery - nickel-hydride, 13 Ah.

Even a year ago, when oil prices were rising, one could assume that sales of fuel-efficient cars would grow at no less pace. Now oil prices have fallen, as have household incomes. Perhaps the market is shifting to more simple cars, more affordable, and it would be worth thinking about new technologies to create just such cars?

Today, the European car market has lost 30%, but we notice that the preferences of customers in general have not changed. They don't say "I would buy a simpler car", they still want a reliable, comfortable, economical car. This is the approach of most clients. Of course, there are those who are focused on affordability, but, as a rule, they are either unemployed, or those who are afraid of losing their jobs, or those who have faced problems in lending. But again, they are a minority. In addition, the legislation of many European countries, in particular taxes, encourages the choice of a more economical vehicle. Another trend is downsizing, a reduction in the size of the car. Many people realize they don't need big car. But I don't see any radical changes here.

What part of the market, according to your estimates, can hybrid cars occupy in the coming years, in particular, in the Toyota range?

In the next three years, according to our calculations, the share of hybrids in the range of Toyota products may reach 10%.

Lexus today has this figure - 70%.

How do you assess the European market as a whole?

Look, there are practically no other hybrids, only Honda Insight. We hear so many claims, but try to buy real car! My prediction is a maximum of 2-3% hybrids.

And what are the forecasts for Russia? Lexus hybrids are already well known here, but I would say that they are bought not so much for the sake of technology, but for the sake of image. And what product will be the hallmark of Toyota hybrids? New Prius?

Yes, it will be a Prius. This year we will gradually bring it to Russian market, in limited volumes, since market conditions are unstable (details in an interview with Ruslan Romanyuk, Development Director model range LLC "Toyota Motor" Note. ed.). It will become a link between our high-tech product and consumers who are attracted by new developments, who value technology and care more about the environment than others. In Russia, this approach is not yet very common. But I think the new Prius will change a lot. There are people in Russia who are open to innovation.

Do you plan special programs, discounts for corporate clients? For example, in Spain, Prius work in a taxi ...

No, we haven't discussed these issues yet. It is important for us to first understand how the market will react, not so much in terms of sales, but in terms of interest in the model. This is the first phase. We are not going to push this model by all means, our task is to establish interaction.

On our website, we conducted a survey about the main disadvantages of electric vehicles. 7% noted a long charge, 21% - limited mileage, 30% - a high price, and the majority - 39% - fear the unreliability of equipment in our conditions. What can you say about the reliability of the new Prius? I heard that these cars have already been tested in Russia. Did you have to change something in the design based on the test results?

The main thing that had to be done was to turn on the heated seats as standard equipment. In Western Europe there is no such need. I also had to adapt the suspension, because Russian roads different from European ones. Otherwise, we only stated the normal operation of all systems, including electrics and electronics. Including in cold weather. In addition, in the north of Japan, for example, or in Canada, where the cars were tested, it is also very cold.

But there is not so much salt on the roads.

Salt, chemicals - it's not a problem. All electrics are well protected. We've sold Prius in Canada and Finland, where the roads are also treated with chemicals, and we've had no problems.

How about after-sales service? Are you ready to service and repair Prius in Russia?

When we launched the Prius in Europe, we selected a group of dealers, trained specialists and trusted them to work with this car. Gradually, we expanded this circle, and today all European dealers work with these machines. We are planning the same scheme in Russia.

Do you already have a Prius sales plan in Russia for this year? Ten, one hundred, one thousand?

Yes, there is a plan, but I would not like to announce figures, since the market is very unstable, and making forecasts in these conditions is especially thankless. It's like predicting what the dollar will be against the ruble in three months. I'm almost sure I'm wrong.

Ready to predict, in exchange for your assessment!

- (Laughs.) Not worth it yet, let's wait.

Exclusive Interview with Akihiko Otsuka, Divisional Chief Engineer cars who developed the third generation Prius:

Is the third generation Prius an evolution or a revolution? And if a revolution, then in what?

Oh, this is a difficult question! In general, we follow the former concept. On the one hand, the Prius has already established itself well in the market. On the other hand, it is a fashion product of Toyota. Therefore, we do not want to change the concept while maintaining the image. At the same time, we were faced with the task of significantly improving a number of parameters, such as handling, comfort, and functionality of the car.

On the other hand, there are also revolutionary changes. We have redesigned the hybrid powertrain by 90% using new technologies. First, we have improved the internal combustion engine - the most important part of the hybrid power plant (since all the energy for the movement of the car still comes from this engine, which consumes fuel). Today, the 1.6-liter engine has been replaced by a 1.8-liter engine operating on the Atkinson cycle. You may ask why a larger displacement engine is needed? The fact is that it turns out to be more economical with a quiet mode of movement on the highway due to a lower speed crankshaft. The engine is also equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and an electrically driven coolant pump (there is no drive belt at all). auxiliary units). In addition, the traction motor and generator have become more compact and lighter (by about 20%).

One of the main goals for the new Prius is to reduce fuel consumption. What contribution does the engine make to its solution, and what other components - the body, transmission, new tires, etc.?

The third-generation Prius emits 89g CO2 per kilometer, up from 104g/km for the previous model. Reducing emissions (and fuel consumption) - 14%. Half was achieved by improving the engine, the other half by other changes: aerodynamics, tires with reduced rolling resistance, etc.

Speaking of aerodynamics, you claim that you have managed to significantly improve the drag coefficient (Cx). However, it decreased by only one hundredth: 0.25 versus 0.26 for previous generation. And how has the midsection (middle section) changed? After all, cars today are getting taller (for greater capacity) and wider (for greater safety)...

Yes you are right. The cross section of the new Prius is slightly larger. But still there is a general gain in aerodynamics, although it is really small.

What is the fuel efficiency for the new Prius?

Oh, another difficult question. I can't name the exact figure, about 45%, taking into account losses in the transmission.

This is a very good indicator! If I'm not mistaken, the transmission of the new Prius is built according to the previous scheme, where the electric motor is used as a clutch. What has changed?

Yes, you are right, the basic principle remains the same. But, for example, the maximum speed of the electric motor has doubled, from 6400 rpm to 13400. This is a payment for its compactness and increased power. Therefore, we had to introduce a planetary gearbox into the circuit.

And how much energy can be recovered during braking?

From 70 to 90% of the power of the electric motor.

The press release says that the inverter power switches and other electronic filling of the hybrid power plant control module received direct liquid cooling. What kind of liquid is used?

It's engine coolant.

Seriously? Does antifreeze directly wash the microcircuits? Will this lead to failures?

No, everything is quite reliable. We checked!

How does an exhaust heat recovery system work? What is it for?

In winter, the engine warms up much longer to operating temperature. In order for it to reach the optimal mode faster, we installed a heat exchanger in the exhaust system, which transfers the heat of the exhaust gases to the antifreeze.

If I understand correctly, this system only works in cold weather?

Quite right.

And how will other systems work in the conditions of the Russian winter? Have you done cold tests? If yes, at what temperature?

Minus 40 Celsius.

We have both minus 50 and minus 60! And how long will the batteries live in Russian conditions?

As much as a car.

And more specifically? A year, two, five?

Ten. It's quite real. The consumer need not worry about this.

I was surprised that every Prius on display at the show had different tires. Toyo Proxes 215/45R17 87W, Bridgestone Turanza EL400 195/65 91H, ER33, 250 Ecopia. But tires are an important part of fuel efficiency. What tire models will actually be used in the original equipment?

Yes, it is very important for us to use tires with low rolling resistance. For the European market, the following configurations are provided: for 17-inch wheels - Bridgestone, Toyo and Michelin, for 15 inches - exclusively Bridgestone. (They plan to supply Prius to Russia only with 15-inch wheels, but, according to the latest data, in addition to Bridgestone, they will probably be equipped with tires from other manufacturers. Approx. Ed.)

Interview with Ruslan Romanyuk, Toyota Motor Model Line Development Director in Russia:

When will the new Prius appear in Russia?

We are planning for early September.

To what extent are Toyota hybrid models adapted to our conditions? Have such works been carried out? How do they differ from European ones?

I will focus on the Prius, it is more interesting in this regard. There were big battles around him, and the result was that we in Russia represent the Prius in maximum configuration. Its customers are focused on high tech, so the base already includes LED headlights, active parking assistance, navigation system. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get a solar roof because this option weakens the rigidity of the body, which is critical on our roads. Due to the same specifics, the car is equipped with only 15-inch wheels (there will be no 17-inch ones).

Have you tested the new Prius in Russia?

A group of engineers came and brought the Prius, which is on sale today. We drove it quite a lot, and based on the results, we decided that it could be sold in Russia.

But economically, this is not the most profitable model for our market. What prompted this decision?

Yes, the volume of sales will be small, but this is not the main thing. The Prius is a very attractive product in terms of image. Behind it are our advanced technologies. It may be expensive, but for the money it will have options that are not on the LS600.

For instance?

For example, the active parking assistance system. In Europe, the LS600 has it, but not yet in Russia. And LED headlights, by the way, are also only on the LS600 and Prius so far.

And who will be the buyer of the new Prius?

These are advanced people, certainly well-to-do, but the main thing is that they strive to try something new, fashionable. We have already shown the car to potential buyers, carried out preparatory work.

The main customer - private individuals?

Yes, first we want to bring to the market an expensive version, designed for a private buyer. Subsequently, perhaps, we will sell a more budget model to corporate clients, government agencies.

And what about the service, have you already been trained in Russia?

This process is underway now.

In what volumes will the Prius be sold in Russia?

This will depend on the price. But so far we are talking about hundreds of pieces.

Are Prius Orders Already Accepted?

Will start around August of this year.

What can you say about competitors (Honda Insight), where do you see your advantage?

Honda is more environmentally friendly. Prius is somewhat different. Enough is here powerful engine, the total power of the two engines is 136 hp, due to this the car rides very well. We have a good balance between dynamics and economy.

How is it paid transport tax for these cars, are there any benefits?

Good question. In PTS hybrid cars only the power of the gasoline engine is indicated, and this is logical, because it is the only source of energy, the batteries are charged by the energy of gasoline combustion. But our customs is already starting to ask questions. Although our cars meet Euro-5, there are certain preferences for them in European countries.

What is the service life batteries on a Prius?

The manufacturer gives them a five-year warranty.

What about the car itself?

Three years.

Will the interservice mileage and maintenance cost change?

No, the mileage has remained the same (10,000 km), the amount of service should not change, the hybrid filling does not need special care.

Are there any problems with the supply of spare parts?

No, there is nothing fundamentally new here.

Prius cars of previous generations are quite well known beyond the Urals (they were brought to us from Japan). Craftsmen have long studied the design and even learned how to restore many nodes of the hybrid filling. And in which regions will the new Prius be sold?

We plan to sell the Prius, like other Toyota models, throughout Russia. Based on road conditions, at first - in larger cities.

The Toyota Verso delivers the best economy in its segment for the 110-140 hp power range. With a two-liter diesel engine D-4D CO2 emissions of this compact minivan are 140 g/km.

The Toyota Verso delivers the best economy in its segment for the 110-140 hp power range. With a 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine, this compact MPV has CO2 emissions of 140 g/km.

Can you announce the schedule for bringing new models to the Russian market?

In early April, the Avensis and petrol RX will appear, towards the middle of the year - the updated RAV-4, in the second half of the year - Verso. The latter will be equipped with a CVT gearbox; the MMT box, which was not very popular with customers, will no longer be available. Also, in addition to the 1.8 liter engine, a 1.6 liter will appear, which is almost equal in power to the 1.8.

Will a five- or seven-seater version be sold in Russia?

Both. Our buyers do not yet realize all the advantages of this type of body, and are mainly guided by the price. Although there are options like a roof with a panoramic view, For example.

The Toyota IQ urban compact has already been launched in the series, but still collects a lot of curious looks. However, the main advantages here are hidden in the details. What is the layout alone worth: asymmetrically located seats, a new shape of the backs, an unusually located fuel tank. Thanks to this, three adults and one child are relatively comfortably accommodated in a tiny car. And for a crash test for 5 stars according to EuroNCAP, it’s time to give stars to designers. Ruler power units The small car is represented by two petrol and one diesel engines.

What about the Lexus 450h?

In the middle of the year or a little earlier.

What about UrbanCruiser?

So far, the situation is unclear. European configurations are not very suitable for us. From our point of view, the car is aimed at women, so it should have automatic transmission. In addition, the Russian buyer is waiting here four-wheel drive. This version from gasoline engine also not yet.

Why did it happen? Initially did not count on the Russian market?

No, they didn't count.

Will IQ appear here?

With him, the situation is different. First of all, it is a matter of price. If the market had not faltered in the autumn, IQ would already be sold in Russia. Now, if this happens, it will be very expensive.

With leather interior, xenon headlights?

Certainly. There can be no other! But in general, the car is very interesting, completely different sensations: very sharp control, good dynamics ...

And even crashed into five stars.

Yes, even though it looks impossible!

A used Toyota Prius can be viewed from two angles. On the one hand, it is a symbol of ecology, which has turned into an economical spineless car for traveling from point A to point B. On the other hand, it is an interesting and rather original way to reduce fuel costs.

But what do the vast majority of people really need? To make the car reliable, relatively fast, convenient, safe and consume a minimum of fuel. All these requirements are met by the third generation Toyota Prius.

The manufacturer claims that the Prius is able to get by with 4 liters of gasoline per 100 km. In reality, moving so as not to irritate others, you will need about 6 liters. If you avoid traveling on the highway, then in the city average consumption will be about 5 liters. Outside the city, where the hybrid drive is no longer useful, and the engine has to push a car with heavy batteries, the cost will be at the level of 7-8 liters.

Practicality is another forte Toyota Prius. There is quite a lot of space inside. But in terms of comfort, things are a little worse. Armchairs do not keep the body from moving, and the seat cushions are short. In addition, it is impossible to properly install the steering wheel. You either have to sit with your arms fully extended or with your legs bent.

You will have to get used to the extremely slow heating of the cabin in winter period. First of all, the engine with high thermal efficiency is to blame for this. The thermal energy it generates is simply not enough for such excesses as crew comfort. To save polar bears, something has to be sacrificed.

Even the ergonomics are not exemplary. The projection head-up display is not as tiring on the eyes as digital overloaded with small icons dashboard above the center panel. It takes time to get used to it.

Noise isolation and suspension are not bad in the city and at low speeds, but at a higher rate of movement, the tires begin to howl and the chassis makes itself felt. rear axle with an elastic beam, reacts boldly to cracks in the asphalt and undulating surfaces.

Toyota Prius does not require any special driving skills. But if you want to use the maximum potential of a hybrid setup, then you should get used to driving a little differently. For example, use inertia to accumulate electrical energy (recuperation). Thus, fuel can be saved. Having adapted to guess how far the hybrid can roll without gas, slowing down by inertia, it will be possible to use the brakes only in exceptional cases. This is a special kind of entertainment, no less exciting than riding sideways.

While earlier generations of the Prius could not rely entirely on an electric motor, the third generation of the model could well do without the help of an internal combustion engine. The power reserve is enough for 2-3 km of travel, but at speeds above 50 km / h, as a rule, the combined mode of the hybrid installation is activated.

The electric motor works mainly as an assistant, helping a relatively heavy car to start with dignity from a place. At intersections, few people want to stop for a hybrid. But what is the surprise of others when the Prius cheerfully starts at a green traffic light. Unlike some automatic machines that take forever after releasing the brake pedal before the car pulls away, the Japanese hybrid starts moving instantly. Of course, this is not the most economical way to ride, but you can always speed up if necessary. Toyota willingly accelerates somewhere up to 150 km / h, but after 130 km / h the acceleration is already a little impressive. On the flat road can be achieved top speed 180 km/h

The hybrid power plant has three modes of operation. In the first, Eco - the response to the gas pedal is rather sluggish. And in Power mode, the reactions are too sharp and look like an ON / OFF switch. For ordinary trips, "standard mode" is better suited. Power might come in handy for overtaking.

On the steering driving modes have no effect. The responses are a bit vague, as if the signals are being sent through wires. There is simply no feedback on the steering wheel. Toyota Prius has a character different from what is inherent classic cars. The driver can never become one with the Japanese hybrid.

At speeds up to 80 km/h, after removing the foot from the gas pedal, the engine is switched off and the energy recovery process begins. Braking occurs due to the electric motor, which saves brakes. There is also a transmission braking mode, which is necessary when driving down a steep descent with a loaded car.

Typical problems and malfunctions

Toyota Prius has no fatal defects. And the power drive is very reliable. The 1.8 liter internal combustion engine runs on a modified Atkinson cycle (the intake valve stays open for a while even when the piston starts to return, thus effectively simulating the stroke of a variable length piston).

Instead of the often problematic, limited-life CVT, a near-perpetual planetary gear is installed here. She works with an electric motor, which also does not have characteristic diseases. But this does not mean that the Toyota Prius does not require maintenance. A gasoline engine, like any other engine, regularly needs oil and filters to be updated. And after 300-400 thousand km, the gasket under the head of the block may burn out, or the cooling system pump may leak. Soon the EGR valve can fail. It is easily accessible from above and often comes to life after cleaning.

If there are any small mechanical failures, then, as a rule, due to neglect regular service. Problems also appear after long stops, during which the battery is completely discharged. This car should not be "idle".

The Toyota Prius went through a couple of big recalls. One concerned cars manufactured before January 2010 - there were problems with ABS on rough roads. In February 2014, the second one was announced. This time the repair required a hybrid installation. There was a danger of the inverter transistors overheating, causing the vehicle to go into safe mode or lose power completely. The defect affected all copies of the Prius and it is quite possible that your car this problem still waiting ahead. The cost of a new inverter is from 320,000 rubles, used - from 20,000 rubles.

In winter, sometimes the central display begins to act up, not willingly responding to touch. Not too much quality interior creaks at times, and the plastic is easily scratched.

However, the reliability of the car is rated as above average. Toyota Prius regularly ranks first in satisfaction and reliability ratings.

Many people are concerned about battery life. It is true that in winter their capacity, and above all their readiness to move the vehicle on pure electric power, is reduced. But in a temperate climate, even after 100,000 km or 5 years of operation (warranty period), a significant decrease in battery power is not felt. Owners even after 300,000 km do not complain about the drop in battery capacity.

The need to replace a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery may only arise after mechanical damage, such as an accident. The cost of a new high-voltage battery is from 280,000 rubles, a used one is from 45,000 rubles.

Maintenance

The oil in the gearbox and differential is designed for the entire service life and requires only a level and condition check every 60,000 km. And yet, when operating in difficult conditions, Toyota recommends reducing the monitoring interval to 45,000 km, and complete replacement to carry out working fluids no later than 90,000 km. Difficult conditions include frequent trips on the highway at a speed of about 130 km / h.

Still need to change the coolant. The first time after 150,000 km, and then every 90,000 km. The inverter coolant also needs to be updated: first after 240,000 km, and then every 90,000 km.

Conclusion

Toyota Prius third generation - extremely reliable car, which, subject to the operating conditions and regulations Maintenance will be not only economical, but also durable.

Specifications Toyota Prius III (XW30 / 2009-2016)

Engine type - gasoline;

Working volume - 1798 cm3;

Type of timing system - DOHC;

Number of cylinders / valves per cylinder - 4/4;

Piston diameter / stroke - 80.5 mm / 88.3 mm;

Compression ratio - 13:1;

Maximum power - 100 kW (136 hp);

The highest torque - 207 Nm;

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h - 10.4 sec;

Maximum speed - 180 km / h;

Gearbox: type - stepless;

Capacity fuel tank- 45 l;

Weight: curb / full - 1495 kg / 1805 kg;

Fuel consumption:

Average / highway / city - 3.9 / 3.7 / 3.9 l / 100 km;

Wheelbase - 2700 mm;

Track: front / rear - 1525 / 1520 mm;

Tire size - 195/55 R15;

length × width × height - 4460 × 1745 × 1500 mm.

The new Toyota Prius has once again set high standards in the hybrid segment. Innovative technologies, the level of comfort and even the design of a true hybrid - now there is a benchmark that other manufacturers can only reach for.

The Prius brand appeared on the market 12 years ago. In 1997, the world's first mass-produced hybrid rolled off the Toyota assembly line.

The name "Prius" in Latin means "to go earlier". It became symbolic for a car that was produced even before there was a human awareness of the need to protect the environment.

In 2003, sales of the second Toyota generations Prius. These cars are still being produced and are very popular.

Designing new third Generations of the Prius, Toyota engineers have combined time-tested existing hybrid technologies with innovative developments of recent years into a single whole. During the development of the Prius, more than 1,000 patents were filed worldwide.

The debut of the serial Toyota Prius 2010 model year took place at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2009.

The new hybrid is built using technologies that reduce environmental pollution at every stage of a car's life, from production, operation to vehicle disposal.

Third Prius generation surpassed its record for fuel efficiency. Hidden under the hood of the Prius is a new 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol that delivers 98 Horse power, and maximum torque - 142 Nm at 5,200 rpm (previously a 1.5-liter engine was installed on the Prius, developing 76 horsepower). The acceleration time of the new Prius to "hundreds" compared with the previous model was reduced by almost a second - to 9.8 seconds, and the average fuel consumption in the combined cycle decreased by 0.4 liters - to 4.7 liters per hundred kilometers. A significant role in reducing fuel consumption was played by the reduced weight of the hybrid due to the use of heavy-duty aluminum alloys.

Contrary to popular belief, a more powerful gasoline engine is used in a hybrid scheme when driving on the highway, and not when sharp accelerations. With high torque on low revs, the internal combustion engine can use less fuel and at the same time efficiently maintain a constantly high speed.

The use of an electric coolant pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to engine efficiency. The 1.8-litre Prius engine is the first Toyota powerplant to not contain any belts under the hood.

Unlike most other hybrid vehicles in existence, the Prius is an uncompromising "full" hybrid. That is, he can ride on only one engine, only the battery, or a combination of both.

The newly developed regenerative brake system, electronically controlled, has been optimized to increase the amount of energy generated during braking.

The third generation Prius can offer its owner three alternative modes of transportation. The EV mode allows battery-only driving at low speeds for approximately 1.5 km if conditions permit. There's also Power Mode, which increases the feel of the accelerator pedal for a sportier ride, and Eco Mode, which helps the driver drive with the best possible fuel economy.

Toyota engineers managed to reduce the weight of the power plant and transmission, as well as reduce losses during torque transmission by 20%.

When designing the new Prius, the aerodynamic performance of the model was at the forefront. The designers had a difficult task - to develop a spectacular exterior and at the same time improve a number of important indicators: the volume of internal space and the aerodynamic drag coefficient.

The car has spent a huge amount of time in the wind tunnel, as a result, the new Prius has the best drag coefficient among its closest competitors - 0.25.

Toyota engineers are planning to install a hybrid solar panel on the roof to power the new climate control system. The system prevents the interior temperature from rising while the car is parked and reduces the cooling time accordingly when the driver returns to the car.

The new Prius also offers remote air conditioning. It is the first battery-only system in the world that allows this operation to be performed remotely, so the driver can adjust the internal temperature for comfort before getting into the car.

In addition, the latest recycling system exhaust gases allows you to use the high temperature of the exhaust and thereby reduces the energy costs for warming up the engine and the operation of the interior heater.

The third generation Toyota Prius is built on absolutely new platform. Toyota engineers have done separate work to improve handling and comfort compared to the previous generation. The use of new soundproofing materials has significantly reduced road noise.

When developing the Prius platform, special attention was paid to improving the level of vehicle safety. Initially, more stringent criteria for the effectiveness of passive and active safety.

Already in basic configuration there are seven airbags, including a knee airbag, and active head restraints will significantly reduce the risk of injury in a rear impact.

Prius equipped latest systems active safety: anti-lock system brakes (ABS), brake force distribution (EBD), booster emergency braking(BA), Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Dynamic Stability Control (VSC).

Toyota used its latest developments on the production version of the hybrid, in particular, the distance control system, which uses millimeter-wave radar to avoid collisions with both moving and stationary objects. This same system can emergency, in a fraction of a second, prepare all the equipment responsible for the safety of passengers in the car for a possible collision: tighten the seat belts, bring the seats to an optimal state, increase the sensitivity of the brake pedal and notify the driver with an audible signal.

Parking the Prius is much easier thanks to the Intelligent Parking Assist. Multifunctional monitor that provides image transmission from the rear view camera during use reversing, will show the optimal trajectory when parking.

The wheelbase of the third generation Toyota Prius remained the same, but due to the improved layout of the front passenger seats managed to increase the legroom of the rear passengers. The hybrid has grown a little in size: 15mm in length and 25mm in width. It also added spaciousness to the cabin.

All trim materials on the new Prius are made from new carbon-neutral plastics. It does not emit harmful substances during operation.

The instrument panel may duplicate information from the multifunction display. As soon as the driver touches the audio system control keys, information about the action taken will appear on the dashboard. On stock cars dashboard with such possibilities was not established earlier.

Undoubtedly new toyota Prius has once again become a trendsetter in the field of hybrid construction. But the number one automaker in the world has yet to relax, competitors are breathing down the back of the head. The cheaper hybrid Honda Insight seriously stirred up the Japanese market.

Toyota plans to correct the situation by expanding the line of hybrid models. The novelty will be built on the basis of the compact hatchback Toyota Yaris. That is, in the near future we will see a modified power plant Prius on a new platform. The compact hybrid should, as conceived by Toyota marketers, seriously compete with opponents.