Forget a vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio – what about its technology for buck
ratio? If the latest automotive technology bangs your gong, you can’t go past
the Toyota Prius Hybrid.
In this article we’ll look at the evolution of this ground-breaking vehicle
and look at their second-hand prices – including Japanese-market imports.
When in late 1997 Toyota sold its first
generation Prius Hybrid, it released it only on the local Japanese
market. Despite the millions of dollars invested in research and
development, it seems the Series 1 Prius was a marketing and performance
experiment.
The Series 1 Prius introduced the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) which
incorporates an electric motor and petrol engine. Put simply, the
electric motor is used for light load conditions and the petrol engine is
employed only when extra power is necessary. The electric motor generates 30kW
from 940 to 2000 rpm and works hand-in-hand with a 288 volt Nickel-Metal Hydride
battery pack (comprising a total of 240 individual D-cell batteries).
Battery charge is maintained by a regenerative braking
system and, where necessary, the petrol engine can provide direct charging.
The Echo-based 1NX-FXE petrol engine in the Prius employs the Atkinson-cycle
to optimise efficiency. The Atkinson-cycle keeps the engine’s exhaust valves
closed until the end of the expansion stroke. With a swept capacity of 1.5
litres, a 13.5:1 compression ratio, DOHC, 16 valves and variable inlet cam
timing, the Prius’ petrol engine can generate 43kW and 102Nm – both achieved at
4000 rpm.
Combined, the maximum output from the Series 1 THS is 73kW.
With a CVT and weighing 1240kg, the Series 1 Prius accelerates from
standstill to 100 km/h in around 16 seconds. However it should be noted that its real-world on-road
performance is not as bad as this figure suggests – the electric motor gives
instant torque and good flexibility. But obviously the Series 1 Prius is no speed
machine, so what’s the upshot of its technology?
Well, over a conventional car try an exhaust emissions reduction in the order of 80 percent and a
fuel consumption reduction of around 50 percent!
In addition to its wonderful driveline technology, it’s important to
recognise the Prius is a very spacious, comfortable and well built sedan.
Based on a unique chassis, the Prius offers generous front headroom with
adequate legroom and cabin width. Rear seat passengers benefit from a relatively
high roofline delivering abundant headroom and good space in all other sprawling
directions. The boot is also large, but these early Prius carry a bulky battery
pack parked behind the rear seat that eats into boot space.
The rear suspension is a compact beam axle arrangement and, curiously, drum
brakes are fitted to the rear.
The dashboard is adventurously styled around a central 5.8 inch LCD (but it's not a touchscreen on this first model). The screen allows viewing and control of hybrid operating status,
fuel consumption (instantaneous and over 5 minute intervals), ambient
temperature, service schedule, time/date and audio controls. The only problem is
many of the on-screen characters are written in Japanese. Oh and, where fitted,
the navigation system won’t work outside of
Japan.
Vital info such as road speed and fuel level is shown in a separate vacuum fluorescent display ahead of the driver at the base of the windscreen. This is much
easier to view than the similar display employed in the Echo.
Other interior features include climate control, power windows, a 4 speaker
tuner/cassette system (optional CD), remote central locking and twin airbags.
In short, it’s got everything to keep you comfortable and safe.
A Japanese import Series 1 Prius (chassis code NHW10) can currently be
purchased from around AUD$20,000 through
Melbourne’s Sports and Luxury Cars.
(See end of article for contact details.) At around AUD$18k (try some negotiation!) it’s a remarkable
buy.
Prius – Series 2
The Series 2 Prius (coded NHW11) brought a number of mechanical improvements
and, more importantly, the car was introduced to various markets outside of
Japan (Australia and
USA included).
The biggest improvement was the availability of greater power and torque from
the 1NX-FXE petrol engine. The compression ratio was lowered slightly to 13.0:1
and inlet cam timing was altered to help yield an extra 10kW and 13Nm - 53kW
at 4500 rpm and 115Nm at 4200 rpm. The THS electric motor was also upgraded to
33kW from 1040 to 5600 rpm.
Combined, the maximum output from the Series 2 THS is 86kW. This improves 0 –
100 km/h performance to around 13 seconds flat.
The most obvious exterior changes are the fitment of polished alloy wheels
with 175/65 tyres and a front and rear spoiler. Vehicles delivered to
Australia were equipped with disc rear
brakes, but those sent to the
US carry over
rear drums.
It appears there were minor trim fabric changes, but the interior remained
virtually identical - though the centre part of the dash had a minor restyle which included the fitment of
English language buttons and switchgear. The navigation system was also revised
to suit the country of destination and the LCD became a touchscreen. Oh, and boot space was improved
thanks to a much more compact hybrid system battery pack (as seen between the
suspension towers in the above photo).
In Australia,
the Series 2 Prius debuted in late 2001 and came with a pretty steep AUD$39,990
price tag. Not surprisingly, relatively few were sold – and those that were sold
mostly went to Government departments. However, in today’s
second-hand market you can pick up a low kilometre S2 Toyota Prius from about
AUD$22,000.
And, yes, that’s nearly half of
the original price!
Our road test of the Australian delivered Series 2 Prius can be found at The Toyota Prius Hybrid - Part 1
For detailed technical articles on the Series 2 Prius see The Toyota Prius - Part 2
and The Toyota Prius Hybrid - Part 3
Note that many of the design principles in these articles are applicable to the
Series 1 Prius.
Prius – Series 3
This is the totally revised Prius that was released in late 2003.
For the current Series 3 Prius (coded NHW20),
Toyota has adopted a much sportier
character - as evident in the very sleek body, innovative interior, firmer
suspension and greater on-road performance. With claimed 10 second 0 – 100 km/h
acceleration, the new Prius lacks absolutely nothing in everyday driving.
The 1.5 litre Atkinson-cycle engine is carried over from previous models, but
is tweaked to achieve 57kW at 5000 rpm and 115Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. Inlet
cam timing changes are again part of the reason for this extra power.
Interestingly, the output from the electric motor has been hugely increased –
but only at road speeds below 85 km/h. At below 85 km/h the electric motor
delivers 50kW but at higher speed it delivers only 32kW.
Note that the hybrid system now operates at almost double the voltage used
previously – a massive 500V.
The all-new Prius makes the switch from a conventional sedan to a 5 door
hatchback configuration. The new body achieves a wonderfully low 0.26 aero cd
without sacrificing passenger headroom – certainly, the S3 Prius is spacious and
practical enough to be regarded a small family car. Attractive 15 inch alloy
wheels are also fitted.
The interior is very futuristic in style and materials. Again, it is built
around a central LCD touch screen that links to the vehicle’s main operating
systems. Where fitted, the JBL sound system sounds excellent.
Our only gripes are that the ride can be jiggly at times and the electric
steering lacks feedback.
Interestingly, the current Prius can be bought off the showroom floor cheaper
than the previous model – AUD$36,990 is all you need to pay. If you’re really
keen you can pay an extra AUD$8100 for the i-Tech option pack, which adds more
airbags, stability control, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, JBL 6-stack
sound system and smart entry.
Used? Well, at the time of writing, you’ll still pay at least AUD$33k.
See our road tests of the current Prius at New Car Test - New Generation Prius
and Toyota Prius: Across a Continent
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