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The Toyota Prius continues to lead the market for hybrid automobiles that it
started 15 years ago. With its 50-MPG fuel economy rating, Prius is the most
fuel-efficient gas-powered passenger car available in the U.S. today. Prius
offers its stellar fuel economy in a versatile five-passenger package that is
recognized as a midsize car by the EPA. Since 2000, Toyota has sold over one
million Prius models in the U.S.
The third-generation Prius, which was all-new for the
2010 model year, gains updated headlamps and tail lamps, plus a new front fascia
and bumper for 2012. The Prius Two gains new 15-inch wheel covers for 2012 and
standard LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The Prius Three adds a standard
three-door Smart Key entry system, and the Prius Four features standard auto
on/off headlamps. The Prius Four also provides enhanced comfort with new SofTex-trimmed
seats and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat.
There's big news
for the 2012 Prius in the audio/infotainment area, with new standard systems for
Prius Two, Three and Four models. The Prius Two, features a new Display Audio
touch-screen system with a 6.1-inch screen. The AM/FM CD player unit offers
MP3/WMA playback capability with six speakers, a USB port for iPod
connectivity, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and
audio streaming. The display also provides vehicle information and allows the
driver to customize vehicle settings.
The Prius Three adds navigation and
Entune, plus an integrated backup camera display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio
capability, HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, advanced voice recognition and
text-to-speech with programmed and customizable text responses. The Toyota Entune system is a collection of popular mobile applications and data services,
with three years of complimentary access. Once a smart phone is connected to the
vehicle using Bluetooth wireless technology or a USB cable, Entune's features
are operated using the vehicle's controls or, for some services, by voice
recognition. Entune offers mobile apps for Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com,
OpenTable, and Pandora. Entune data services include a fuel price guide,
sports scores, stocks, traffic and weather.
The Solar Roof Packages
continue to offer the world's first sliding glass moonroof packaged with solar
panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a ventilation system. The
solar powered ventilation system helps reduce the interior air temperature when
parked directly in the sun. Cool-down time is shorter when the driver returns to
the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning. The available remote air
conditioning system was the first in the world to function on battery-power
alone, and it allows remote operation so the driver can cool the interior
temperature for comfort before getting into the car.
Toyota Prius: Review (2/2)