Japanese carmaker Toyota has taken the veil off its new Prius lineup.
The fourth-generation Prius made its official debut in a world premiere in Las Vegas, Nevada last month.
One of the forerunners in Toyota's recent lineups of eco-friendly hybrid units, the 2016 Prius boasts of new environmental credentials. According to Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of Toyota Division, the new Prius will set a new standard for other hybrids when it rolls out to consumers. He said, "Prius set the global benchmark for hybrids, but now is breaking its own boundaries with more engaging style and fun-to-drive dynamics."
With the new Prius already getting benchmark figures for fuel economy and other hybrid features, users may expect the vehicle to also have high standards in design and safety. Fay added, "What was once a rational purchase that for many customers focused on fuel economy, is now so much more. This Prius will invite new drivers into the category by delivering an impressive look and feel, built on the foundation of safety and eco-consciousness that define the vehicle's heritage."
Although Toyota has yet to release the official numbers for the 2016 Prius, observers have high expectations of the new hybrid car. According to UK auto industry observer AutoCar, one of the highlights seen in the new vehicle when it appeared at this year's Frankfurt motor show was the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. The platform is composed of components meant to make the development of new models faster.
The TNGA-designed Prius, aside from offering at least a ten-percent improvement in EPA-estimated MPG, also showcases a much-lowered center of gravity, allowing users to feel a much-improved handling and agile responses.
