The Toyota Prius has become synonymous with “hybrid” and since it gets the best fuel economy of all hybrids, it’s no wonder why. The 2013 Prius Four gets 51 mpg around town and 48 mpg on the highway, yet still has all the amenities you could ask for — heated front seats, auxiliary jack, JBL audio system with GreenEdge speakers, keyless ignition and entry, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, touchscreen electronics interface and of course, a CD player.
The Prius Four can also be equipped with a Solar Roof. The Prius is built using processes that reduce emissions in every stage of the vehicle lifecycle, from production and driving to eventual disposal and dismantling years down the road.
Toyota introduced the Prius to the U.S. market in 1997 as the world’s first massproduced hybrid. The company’s Hybrid Synergy Drive System was unveiled in 2004 on the second-generation Prius, and the current Prius extends the car’s record of continuous improvement in fuel economy.
The first-generation Prius achieved 41 combined mpg and the second-generation model had a 46 mpg rating. Toyota increased fuel efficiency for the third-generation Prius to a combined 50 mpg and mileage it was especially improved in coldstart conditions and at higher speeds.
A 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine produces 98 hp at 5,200 rpm. Together with its electric motor, the hybrid system generates a combined 134 hp. Due to the unique way that Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive combines the power of the gasoline engine and electric motor, the driver gets a feeling of torque in the Prius that makes it feel even more powerful than the output numbers suggest.
The 2013 Prius continues in the thirdgeneration of the vehicle. It was all-new for the 2010 model year. There are few changes this year, but it was refreshed last year with updated headlights and taillights, plus a new front fascia and bumper. The Prius Two got new 15-inch wheel covers and standard LED Daytime Running Lights. The Prius Three added a standard three-door Smart Key entry system, and the Prius Four now has standard auto on/off headlights and more comfortable SofTextrimmed seats, with an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
The top-of-line Prius Five model’s Advanced Technology Package includes the Premium HDD Navigation System, plus the Head-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System and Lane Keep Assist. The Pre-Collision System retracts the front seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when it determines that a crash is unavoidable. Lane Keep Assist can help the driver stay within the lane.
The MSRP on the 2013 Toyota Prius ranges from $$26,650 to $30,295.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com
