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Toyota Prius 2023.

The new Toyota Prius is unveiled: the fifth-generation hybrid.

The first production hybrid turned a quarter of a century old this year! Since 1997, the Toyota Prius has sold 5.05 million copies worldwide.

The company estimates that this fleet has reduced CO2 emissions by more than 82 million tons compared to similar gasoline-powered cars over that time.

A few years ago, Toyota actively embarked on the development of electric cars, but they are still expensive and not suitable for everyone, so the work with hybrids, which have already proven their worth, continues. And today, the fifth generation Prius has been presented.

The effective automobile! This is exactly the reaction that the developers wanted: according to the idea, the new Prius should attract buyers not only with low fuel consumption, but also with its design.

The form-factor of five-door liftback, which appeared in Prius in the second generation, is preserved.

However, the wedge-shaped silhouette with clean lines and large wheels (up to 19 inches) is completely redesigned.

The wheelbase is stretched by 50 mm (to 2,750 mm) compared to the previous model.

The new liftback is 25 mm longer (4600 mm) and 20 mm wider (1780 mm) than its predecessor, but 40 mm lower (1430 mm).

Rear overhang became shorter by 50 mm, but the front one increased by 25 mm. The base hybrid (HEV) and PHEV look the same now, except they have different wheels.

Seven years ago, the previous Prius became the first model built using TNGA modular architecture (GA-C platform).

And now, the new hybrid is the first to try on an improved version of TNGA.

The architecture is the same: McPherson struts in front, independent double wishbone behind, traction battery under the rear couch.

But the center of gravity is shifted lower and the body rigidity is increased to give the Prius a more driving character.

The proprietary hybrid transmission, with an electro-mechanical variator that combines the thrust of the gasoline engine and electric motor, remains in operation.

And the company still calls the Prius the most efficient hybrid in its class.

The base version will retain the 1.8 gasoline engine, but the system’s peak output has been increased from 122 to 140 hp.

For the first time it will be paired with a two-liter atmospheric engine with a capacity of 193 hp.

Acceleration time to 100 km/h is 9.3 seconds and 7.5 seconds. The E-Four all-wheel drive with a separate electric motor on the rear axle is offered for extra charge.

The top of the range, as before, is the Prius PHEV plug-in hybrid, but its positioning has been rethought.

Now it’s not just a «Prius with an outlet,» but a real «hot» top-end version. Under the hood is a two-liter Dynamic Force series atmospheric engine with 148 hp.

For the first time in the history of the model, a pulling electric motor exceeds an internal combustion engine with 160 hp: its total capacity is 223 horsepower instead of 122 for the previous model.

Up to «hundred» such Prius can accelerate in 6.7 seconds. The developers assure that fuel consumption remains the same.

The capacity of the lithium-ion traction battery has been increased from 8.8 to 16.3 kW∙h, so the range in electric mode has increased one and a half times.

The interior has been completely redesigned and has become more traditional. The instrument cluster (it is drawn on a seven-inch screen) is no longer in the center of the front panel, but in front of the driver, although it is located above the steering wheel.

And the joystick to control transmission moved from the console to the central tunnel.

Dual-zone climate control has a push-button remote with a separate display. The developers call this design with three working zones Island Architecture.

The Prius is equipped with two household outlets that allow plugging in electrical appliances up to 1,500 watts: one is located in the cabin and the other in the trunk.

For the rechargeable version, you can order a solar panel: it is built into the panoramic roof and in ideal conditions can provide a charge to run 1,250 «free» kilometers per year.

This Prius also has the function of pre-cooling the interior while the car is at the socket — so as not to waste the battery charge on the air conditioner.

The equipment includes Toyota Safety Sense electronic assistant system with a front camera and a remote-controlled (with remote control) auto-parking system.

Tomorrow, the new Prius will be shown live at the Los Angeles Auto Show, although it has made its debut now in Japan.

Unplugged hybrids will hit the market this winter, while a plug-in version will be available in spring 2023.

And in Europe and some other markets, Toyota will now sell only the powerful rechargeable version.