2017 Toyota Prius

[Draigflag]

I prefer hybrids that look normal, by that I mean they are hard to distinguish from thier petrol or diesel only siblings. The Prius almost looks like they designed it badly, ran out of space as so gave it that strange abnormal rear end. It's not difficult to design a pretty car, it would see better if it was nice looking.

[luv2spd]

I agree Draigflag, Bob Lutz said that it takes the same effort/cost to design an ugly car as it is to design a good looking one. It's hard to believe that the Chevy Volt was designed to the same regulations and has the same drag coefficient as the Prius but it looks miles better, even the first generation. Not to mention the Volt is way better at being a Hybrid. People just don't want to buy it because of the shady history of GM (ignition switch recall, building cars with bail-out money, etc.) My next car will probably be a Volt (a used one).

[Draigflag]

Now these are pretty Hybrids. I know it's a completely different page V's a Prius, but still design wise...

[Draigflag]

Prices for the new Prius: The Prius Active starts at £23,295, with Business Edition, Business Edition Plus and Excel models starting at £24,195, £25,995 and £27,450 respectively.

Seems extremely overpriced to me, even though it's probably the best selling hybrid around. Toyota need to remember most manufacturers now have hybrids, and for this price, people might opt for something else.

[trollbait]

Do those prices reflect the import tax?

[Draigflag]

As far as I'm aware, these are the "on the road" retail prices. I'm not sure import taxes are a thing anymore, considering most cars sold here are made overseas, apart from some Toyotas, Nissan, Minis, Honda etc are UK built.

[luv2spd]

Here is a good article on the car:

The 2016 Toyota Prius Is An Enthusiast's Car

US prices are:
"The Prius starts at $24,200 for the Prius Two, which has an older-tech NiMH battery. The Eco grade gets the LiOn battery and is only $24,700, which seems worth it. There’s four other grades and trim levels, but all should hit under $30K. It’s a reasonable price for something with as much advanced tech as this."

[Draigflag]

Another review, definitely not an enthusiasts car but I guess that's not the point. Disappointing county road economy of 52 UK MPG, but mixed mpg of 74.

Toyota Prius review | Next Green Car

[DieselBaby]

those links are pretty good read

[Draigflag]

No problem. I just found out the UK version will have a nickel metal hydride battery, instead of the lithium ion used almost everywhere else. So apparently it's less energy dense, but keep the cost down. I wonder if this will affect the economy and battery life at all?