The Auto Expo 2016 witnessed the unveiling of one of the most awaited Toyota models -- the all new Prius on the second day in Delhi.
The new Prius, which made its global debut in September last year at Las Vegas, USA, will hit the Indian roads later this year. The new Prius is the first car that is produced globally to make use of Toyota's new shared platform --Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) -- and the company touts TNGA's lower centre of gravity for better handling.
The car measures 4,540mm in length, 1,760mm in width, 1,470mm in height and 2,700mm in terms of wheelbase. The Prius is 60 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 20 mm lower than its predecessor and the extra length provides spacious cabin for the passengers. The Prius, which is acclaimed for its focus on the safety features, packs Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and automatic high beam lights in its new avatar.
The hybrid car comes with new rear double wishbone suspension, which Toyota claims will deliver better connection to the road and feedback from the steering. Toyota is tight-lipped on the specifications, but it has promised a 10 percent increase in fuel economy and a 40 percent increase in thermal efficiency.
In India, Toyota currently sells third generation models powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine that generates 98hp and comes with the added power of the electric motor that generates a total of 134hp. The Prius is sold in Z5 and Z6 variants, priced at Rs 38.10 lakh and Rs 39.80 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively.
The new Prius will be imported in India as Completely Built Up units (CBU) and is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 38-42 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
