Toyota Prius set for January 2017 launch

Toyota will launch the Prius hybrid for the Indian market in January next year. The hybrid car is in its fourth generation now and was showcased at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo. The car was expected to be introduced this year but now it is reported that the five-door hybrid will make its comeback early next year with an expected pricing of around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom).

The second generation of the Prius was launched in India in 2010 but saw a dismal sales story as the Indian car market wasn’t ready for the hybrid technology. But now with the Camry hybrid making a name for itself, the Prius may just achieve some decent success.

The current generation Prius is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) modular platform. This platform has a lower centre of gravity and an increased structural rigidity, thus improving ride and handling of the hybrid. The new Prius measures 60mm longer, 15mm wider and 20mm lower than the older car. 

The interiors of this new car are futuristic as well, with things like a digital speedometer, and touchscreen infotainment system compatible withApple Car Play, Android Auto and MirrorLink function. Dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, cruise control and automatic climate control, airbags, an electronic stability programme with emergency braking all comes as standard in the Prius.

The Prius is powered by a 1.8-litre four cylinder petrol engine that has been paired with an AC synchronous motor. While the setup is same as before, the engine has been tuned for better efficiency.  It features improved batteries with higher energy density; smaller electric motors, with higher power density than the previous Prius motors; and the gasoline engine features a 40 per cent more thermal efficiency. The fuel economy has improved on average by about 10 per cent over the previous generation as Toyota expects the Prius to average more than 40kmpl.

The new generation Prius will be imported via the CBU route. There is no direct rival for the Prius in India as yet.