Efficient, Eco-friendly, and Innovative—Experience the Future of Driving with the Toyota Prius

Posted by Masashi S.
7
Jan 7, 2025
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The 1997 Toyota Prius hybrid, the first mass-produced hybrid to be commercially successful, marked a significant milestone in the Japanese domestic market. The success of the Prius hybrid has led to other automakers including premium brands and boutique manufacturers incorporating hybrid drivetrains into their lineups. The success of the Toyota Prius hybrid has led to the design of various modern hybrid vehicles, making it an iconic symbol of the hybrid industry. Now let us take a quick look at the grand patriarch of the modern hybrid. 

First Generation XW10

The Toyota Prius hybrid's first generation was introduced in 1997, with 18,000 units sold in Japan, demonstrating its success in the market. The Japanese HK-NHW 10 cars prioritized hybrid drive systems over interior comforts, featuring a 1,496 cc petrol I4 engine with 56 bhp and a CVT for added fuel economy. The Toyota Prius received a mid-cycle refresh in 2000, featuring exterior aesthetics and engine upgrades, with international sales starting with Japanese model code ZA-NHW 11. The Toyota Prius hybrid, powered by a 1,496 cc petrol I4, increased output to 72 bhp and met governmental emissions standards. By 2003, it was available in S, G, S Navi special, and G Navi special trim levels.


Second Generation XW20

The Toyota Prius hybrid's second generation, introduced in 2003, underwent a complete redesign, transforming the hybrid into a small liftback within the mid-size car segment. Sales began in North America in 2004. The Prius cabin was redesigned to increase interior space, particularly rear legroom, and lower its drag coefficient to 0.26 for improved fuel economy. The second generation Toyota Prius hybrid, model code DAA-NHW 20, retains 1,496 cc petrol I4, improves output, and lowers emissions, meeting Japanese government standards for 75 percent exhaust emissions. The second generation Prius featured various trim levels over its seven-year production run, including the S, G, S Touring, G Touring, S 10th Anniversary, and G Touring Leather Package.


Third Generation XW30

The third generation of the Toyota Prius was unveiled in 2009, and offers improved aerodynamics, a lower drag coefficient, lower prices, a larger engine, and improved fuel economy. The Toyota DAA-ZVW 30 Prius hybrid, powered by a 1,798 cc 2ZR-FXE petrol I4, aims to increase torque at lower rpm for improved fuel efficiency at highway speeds. The third-gen Prius hybrid features an electric water pump, smaller motors, and lighter components, resulting in a fuel economy rating of 3.90 L/100 km combined. The trim levels include L, S, G, S Touring, G Touring, G Touring Leather Package, S MyCode, and S Touring MyCode.


Fourth Generation XW50

The Toyota Prius fourth generation was introduced in December 2015 and is the first car to use the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) modular platform, enhancing structural rigidity and lower center of gravity. The fourth-generation Prius hybrid boasts enhanced interior space, enhanced handling, agility, and aerodynamics, along with a completely redesigned exterior. The fourth-generation Prius aims to enhance fuel economy, reduce weight, and offer lower prices through advancements in battery, electric motor, and petrol engine technology. The new Prius hybrid with standard equipment has a fuel economy of 40.8 km/l, while the Eco version offers 4.2L/100 km due to a lighter battery and lack of spare parts.


Finally

The Toyota Prius, a hybrid electric vehicle, has been a leader in fuel efficiency and eco-friendly design since 1997. Its hybrid system, various variants, advanced technology, and minimal environmental impact make it popular among environmentally conscious drivers. You can now check the Toyota Prius stocklist for more available models that will suit your budget.