Why is the Prius so loved?

[Roo]

kambites said:

saaby93 said:

Whats the difference like between a gen2 1.5 to a gen3 1.8 ?

In my experience there's certainly a big difference in real fuel economy. I struggled to get much over 50mpg in mixed driving from a gen-2; I got over 70 from a gen-3 in similar circumstances without really trying.

That and the better Gen 3 styling is why I might change mine.

Also fancy getting a spirit next time as I've got a T4 at the moment.

[irocfan]

TheHeretic said:

fatboy b said:

I'm going to request an anti-Prius filter on PH.

That is truely a bloody awful looking car. And as for the hybrid bit, why do people want to carry all that extra weight around.

Yuck, yuck and yuck.

And so you dive into a Prius thread?

I thought it was a piss-take thread - IMO the pious is a hateful, st looking car with not a whole lot to recommend.

[Jasandjules]

I think the car itself could be worse. It is what it stands for that fecks me off.

[Slow]

Friend got one as a company car. Not a fun car but its fine for day to day driving round town and such.

Cheap on fuel so he doesnt complain.

[fatboy b]

TheHeretic said:

fatboy b said:

I'm going to request an anti-Prius filter on PH.

That is truely a bloody awful looking car. And as for the hybrid bit, why do people want to carry all that extra weight around.

Yuck, yuck and yuck.

And so you dive into a Prius thread?

D'oh

[egomeister]

AmitG said:

Weight wise I think a fairer comparison is minimum kerb weight (i.e. just the car) and competitors that are roughly equivalent in size and fuel economy. From DVLA data I get this:

• Toyota Prius Gen3 = 1,370kg
• Vauxhall Astra diesel auto = 1,550kg
• Volkswagen Golf diesel auto = 1,466kg
• Ford Focus diesel auto = 1,461kg

On the face of it the Prius is lighter. The petrol versions of the diesel cars would probably bring the weight down to Prius levels, but then fuel economy is a lot worse...

However...

Toyota Prius Gen1 = 1254kg
Honda Insight Mk1 = 838kg

This is why i dislike the Prius. Honda truly designed an eco-car when they developed the mk1 Insight, Toyota merely marketed one. If Toyota had gone to the same lengths and Honda did I wouldn't have any problem with it.

[Bonefish Blues]

One seats 5, the other 2 though.

Mk1 Insight was a technical but niche tour de force (didn't they lose money on every one?), Prius a mass-market solution, even at Gen 1 - shame it was such an ugly bustard.

Different stokes and all that.

[P K Wright]

Would look awesome if it was lowered slightly

[M4cruiser]

The combination of loads of torque with no noise is intoxicating.

I love the Prius.

Nothing to do with its alleged co2 credentials, which I don't care about at all. It's not even particularly good on mpg, but that doesn't bother me either - it's about average enough on petrol for its size and price.

[vrooom]

I wonder how lighter prius would be if you just put in proper inline 4 engine and removed all batteries & crap from it.

[AnotherClarkey]

vrooom said:

I wonder how lighter prius would be if you just put in proper inline 4 engine and removed all batteries & crap from it.

It might be a bit lighter but once you have put a transmission in to connect the engine to the wheels it probably works out roughly the same. Oh, and it would be less efficient.

[SystemParanoia]

http://www.mooncraft.jp/yuratakuya/garage/prius/02...

[AnotherClarkey]

SystemParanoia said:

http://www.mooncraft.jp/yuratakuya/garage/prius/02...

Are those the Rays super light Prius wheels I spy in the bottom pic? I was moderately staggered to find that you can get a TRD suspension package for the Prius too.

[saaby93]

Dont forget Formula 1 Kers is a hybrid type system or this
http://www.toyotahybridracing.com/

or from 2004
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/toyota-prius-race...

[Save Ferris]

The Genuflectee said:

If you click through, one notes the leasing prices:-

Prius = £272.15 plus VAT
Insignia = £203.47 plus VAT

Mind you, isn't it a bit like deciding on which breed of dog's st you'd like to eat?

Out of nothing more than curiosity, what car do you drive?

[The Genuflectee]

Save Ferris said:

Out of nothing more than curiosity, what car do you drive?

I suspect something more than curiosity. What are you getting at?

[militantmandy]

M4cruiser said:

The combination of loads of torque with no noise is intoxicating.

I love the Prius.

Nothing to do with its alleged co2 credentials, which I don't care about at all. It's not even particularly good on mpg, but that doesn't bother me either - it's about average enough on petrol for its size and price.

I've driven a few (2010) and in all of them, when you put the foot in, the engine started. Is the new one not like this?

[Save Ferris]

The Genuflectee said:

I suspect something more than curiosity. What are you getting at?

You suspect wrong, I was just wondering.

Ive not driven an Insignia myself, but I quite like the styling. The Prius I like the drive, not so keen on the looks..... but If it were my own money I doubt I'd buy either!

[Alucidnation]

The Genuflectee said:

Mind you, isn't it a bit like deciding on which breed of dog's st you'd like to eat?

Do you always have that problem then?

[st4]

Wheel spats would reduce the drag enhancing the eco creditials of the Prius. They should be on the car IMHO. Plus it looks better with them on.

The Prius is a spacious (for its foot print) and efficient car, plus reliable and refined. For non car people its probably all they need.

For company car drivers it works out as a cost effective size of family car. They can spend their salary on a fun car and pilot that as their work car, whats not to like?