New vs used Toyota Prius: what are top 3 differences?
The Toyota Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in the world. The model which is in its fourth generation recently saw updates applied. We investigate to find out what the top 3 differences are between the new and a used model.
When the Toyota Prius first came along it not only challenged the way consumers had to look at vehicle design but also powertrains. While initially, the uptake of the hybrid model might have been slow, the Prius has increased in popularity with more consumers opting for more frugal and environmentally-friendly vehicles.
The current iteration of the Prius retains the hybrid recipe that makes it popular with its customer base, however, offers more dramatic and sharper styling than its predecessors. While the engine configuration remains the same with the 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder petrol-electric motor producing 90 kW and 142 (+163 electric) Nm of torque, Toyota recently applied varying updates to the Prius and we will be focussing on the top three.
1. Safety Systems
First and foremost on the list of updates is the bolstered safety systems. Added to the new Prius is the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package which incorporates safety aids such as a Pre-Crash System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Lane Trace Assist (LTA).
Items such as ABS brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist is retained as well as Stability Control. For the newly added Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitor, Toyota has added buttons on the multifunction steering wheel to provide drivers with easy activation or de-activation.
2. Infotainment
The infotainment screen has been revised and now includes a higher-resolution display. Furthermore, customers can now conveniently connect their smart devices via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Toyota Prius also comes with Toyota Connect pre-installed allowing occupants to connect to the in-car Wi-Fi or access vehicle information such as telematics on the MyToyota app.
Toyota also includes a complimentary 15Gb of data on new models. Items such as the USB, Aux and Bluetooth functionality remains intact as well as the high-quality six-speaker audio system.
3. Specification and tech
More notable items customers can expect on the latest Toyota Prius is the Heads-Up Display (HUD) which display the vehicle speed among other vehicle information within the line of sight on the windscreen. The central infotainment display also doubles as a screen for the reverse camera which is fitted as standard while atop the dashboard feature a high-definition multi-information display where drivers can access vehicle information and vehicle setup functions.
Other comfort features as standard include dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Both the front occupants also gain access to a wireless charging platform for smartphones as well as heating and electric lumbar support built into the front seats.
On the exterior options, Toyota replaced the Pearl White colour option with a new Platinum White Pearl as part of the eight colours available to customers. Furthermore, customers can now expect smart entry and auto-retractable exterior mirrors as standard as well as LED headlamps, fog lamps and daytime running lights.
