IT was the pioneer of hybrid technology. Now, for 2019, the Toyota Prius has a new look front and rear end, an enhanced sense of style, and more advanced technology than ever before; including a new multimedia system.
With cleaner and more engaging lines, the Toyota hybrid halo five-door hatch features new front and rear treatments and sharper, sleeker headlights and rear combination lights.
Inside, the cabin incorporates design tweaks to improve ergonomics, new cloth upholstery and that substantially upgraded multimedia system with advanced functionality to help drivers stay connected while on the road.
Toyota VP of Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said the Prius hatch had long been the standard-bearer for Toyota’s advanced petrol-electric hybrid technology and this latest styling and technology update would add to its appeal.
“Since we launched the original Prius in Australia in late 2001, this innovative fuel-efficient small car has been bought by over 20,000 customers who value its optimal balance of performance and fuel efficiency, refinement, styling and practical five-door hatch design,” he said.
“Its strength in the marketplace is a testament to the proven benefits of the Toyota Hybrid System that we have rolled out across more models including Camry and Corolla hatch and will later this year, be offered in RAV4 and Corolla sedan as well.”
The updated Prius hatch features restyled front and rear bumpers that give it a more dynamic flowing appearance that is further enhanced by its slightly longer (+35mm) overall length.
New slimline headlights with bi-beam LEDs and a revised lower intake accentuate the sharper front, while at the rear, new combination LEDs mirror the shape of the headlights, introducing a more horizontal look to emphasise width and a lower centre of gravity.
Both the Prius and premium-grade Prius i-Tech models also feature refreshed 15-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Prius uses a 15-inch aluminium wheel with a redesigned 10-spoke aerodynamic silver cover while the Prius i-Tech features 17-inch five-spoke alloys in a new titanium-like paint and black finish.
The updated Prius hatch is also available in two new exterior metallic paint finishes, Feverish Red and Blue Gem.
Inside, the 2019 Prius models gain the latest generation Toyota multimedia system with 10-speaker JBL audio and an advanced seven-inch touchscreen that enables pinch, swipe and flick gestures.
The new system features AM/FM/DAB+ radio, USB and Aux inputs, full Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic alerts, voice recognition, and Toyota Link apps including weather, fuel finder and travel times.
A number of functions have been improved with voice recognition now offering a broader range of commands including the ability to set an address while driving and option to search through local points of interest by business name or category.
Other new applications include Siri eyes-free mode for iPhones and Miracast, which can allow compatible smartphone screens to be duplicated onto the touchscreen.
Complementing the exterior refresh, the interior of the upgraded Prius features new black cloth upholstery while the i-Tech variant maintains its premium leather-accented seats.
A redesign of the centre console that incorporates two cup holders, seat heating switches and a wireless phone charger, further improves interior style and ergonomics.
The current generation of Prius was launched in early 2016 and was the first model in the Toyota range to feature the Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, delivering agile and responsive driving dynamics and superb ride comfort.
The new model maintains its use of that platform, and is complemented by the latest generation petrol-electric hybrid drive train, combining a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with two motor generators.
The Prius also showcases an abundance of safety technology in its Toyota Safety Sense suite, including active cruise control, pre-collision safety system, lane departure alert with steering assist, auto high beam, a reversing camera and seven airbags.
The base model 2019 Toyota Prius can grace your drive way for $36,590 plus on-roads, while the upmarket Prius i-Tech can be driven out of the showroom for $44,050, again, plus on-roads.
