OREANDA-NEWS. Bringing to the table improved driving dynamics, evocative styling, and fuel economy of 40.8 km/L (under the JC08 test cycle), Toyota's fourth-generation Prius launched at dealers across Japan today. Toyota is targeting monthly sales of 12,000 units in the Japanese market.

Building firmly on the environmentally friendly credentials of its predecessors, the new Prius' "E" grade model's fuel economy reaches 40.8 km/L under the JC08 test cycle―better than any hybrid vehicle in its class. Among other grades, two-wheel drive models achieve 37.2 km/L, while models equipped with the newly developed E-Four electronic four-wheel drive system achieve 34.2 km/L (all measurements under the Japanese JC08 cycle). All grades exceed the 2020 fuel economy standards defined under Japan's Act on the Rational Use of Energy by at least 20 percent, and are eligible for the Japanese government's subsidies and tax incentives for eco-cars.

The new Prius is the first model to incorporate the wide-reaching structural innovations of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA); an innovative, integrated development program for powertrain components and vehicle platforms. TNGA enables substantial enhancements in basic performance through an eye-catching, low-slung stance and an enjoyable, comfortable, and quiet driving experience―all of which is in line with Toyota's philosophy of developing ever-better cars.

Distinguishing characteristics of the New Prius
  • Sleek, evocative styling and a sophisticated, warm interior.
  • A new engine that achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of 40 percent, as well as a more compact and lightweight hybrid system incorporating key components such as the motors, transaxle, power control unit, and hybrid batteries. Hybrid system losses have been reduced by approximately 20 percent, enabling "E" grade models to achieve a fuel economy of 40.8 km/L under the JC08 test cycle.
  • An innovative body structure based on TNGA: In addition to a lower center of gravity, body torsional rigidity has been increased by approximately 60 percent compared to the previous model. Combined with an all-new double wishbone rear suspension, these improvements heighten the driving experience of the all-new Prius.
  • For the first time, the Prius features an electronic four-wheel drive system. The newly developed E-Four system supports stable driving on snowy and slippery roads by assisting the driver when starting off.
  • The Toyota Safety Sense P collision avoidance and mitigation package, which integrates four of Toyota's advanced safety technologies (including a pre-collision system that can detect both pedestrians and vehicles, and full-speed range radar cruise control), is standard on all "A" and "A Premium" grades. The new Prius also includes Toyota's recently launched ITS Connect driving support system, which shares information via vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communication utilizing Japan's dedicated 760 MHz frequency for intelligent transportation systems. Bi-Beam LED headlamps and smart keyless entry are standard on all grades.
Assembly plants

Toyota Motor Corporation's Tsutsumi Plant and (from September 2016) Takaoka Plant will serve as the assembly plants for the new Prius.

Available grades

"E" grade models offer the best fuel economy, "S" grade models are equipped with a full complement of standard equipment, and "A" grade models include advanced systems such as Toyota Safety Sense P. "A Premium" models supplement the standard equipment of "A" grade models with a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and genuine leather seats. All "S" and "A" grades also include a "Touring Selection" option with equipment such as 215/45R17 tires, aluminum wheels, and synthetic leather seats. "A Premium" models include the above but feature genuine leather seats.

The E-Four electronic four-wheel drive system is available as a "Touring Selection" option for all "S", "A", and "A Premium" grades.