3rd Generation Prius
Since its American debut in 1997, the Toyota Prius has become more than just a fuel-saving, green friendly set of wheels. It has taken-on it’s own image defining cult-like following and for good reason. Of course, filling-up the 11.9 gallon gas tank for less than $20 in most parts of the country is a significant factor. As is reducing your carbon footprint with the 51/48 city highway mpg . But these account for only part of the Prius’ overall allure.
When Seinfeld co-creator Larry David first exalted the Toyota Prius on his HBO comedy “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, the real comfort and value of the car hit home to a much broader American audience. The Prius is not just for people whose sole life purpose is to save the planet. The Prius is a true smart car and is, as many Prius owners will attest, a way of life.
Slightly larger and faster, the 2010 Prius will still offer the modern amenities of past generations and will top them off with: stand-alone options like a navigation system, solar-cell roof ventilation, pre-collision automatic braking, radar cruise control, lane-minders and automated parallel parking.
Interior space has increased considerably, both by making the car larger and making the cabin design more efficient. The car is 0.4 inches longer and 2.2 inches wider. Adding to the Prius’s historical industry firsts is the air-conditioning system that can run with the engine off, so you can adjust the interior temperature for comfort before even getting in the car!
The Prius now offers three performance modes that the driver can select: EV for or electric-only, ECO for economy and POWER for, well, you get it. Also, the Prius’s 98-horsepower gasoline engine (a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle in-line 4) is more powerful than the previous 76-horsepower 1.5-liter motor. Net horsepower, including the boost from the electric motors, has jumped to 134, from 110.
This vehcile has stood the test of time and continues as the Hybrid world’s benchmark. 2010 Toyota NJ dealer, Hudson Toyota, has plenty of 2010 Prius’s ready for viewing and test drives today.
