What do you get when you cross a car everybody loves to hate with the demands of the people? You get the ‘new-to-us’ Toyota Prius. Garnering attention akin to a celebrity returning to the Oscars after a scandal, this isn’t just any Prius; it’s the Uber cool ‘signature class’ version. Just when you thought the saga of the Prius was over, Toyota New Zealand steps up to the mic, declaring, “Surprise! We brought it back!” Why? Because the people have spoken, and they wanted something a little spicier.
Let’s rewind a bit. The Prius was the first vehicle that set the hybrid revolution in motion, paving the way for eco-friendly rides everywhere. We’ve all been passengers in one at some point, possibly while waiting for our UberEats or enduring a mild existential crisis during a ride. But here’s the twist: this swanky version looks absolutely nothing like the bland, boxy artefact of the past. Instead, it’s become quite the stunner—a real showstopper! Who knew that the Prius could look this sharp and sporty? If you weren’t excited about hybrids before, you’re probably at least raising an eyebrow now.
Yet, in a perplexing twist of fate, Toyota New Zealand originally decided not to bring it here. Why? The Prius was sort of a lone wolf in Toyota’s growing family of hybrids they already on the market. But alas, after an outpour of demand that could make even the most seasoned marketers blush, they relented. Well kind of. Sure, you can’t get it brand new, but fear not—Toyota has launched it into their signature class, giving it the TLC it deserves with rigorous inspections, warranties, and a promise that it’s in tip-top shape.
Let’s take a moment to admire how stunningly sharp the new Prius is. The front-end design, complete with sleek headlights and a sloping hood, is like watching the classic glow-up on a reality TV show. One look at it, and you might feel inclined to whisper, “Is that a Prius?” The model New Zealand is showcasing is a plug-in hybrid, complete with all the bells and whistles too good to pass up. It’s equipped with a 2L engine, a 13.6 kWh battery, and an electric motor that all team up for about 0.7 litres of fuel consumption per 100 km. Let that sink in for a second—this baby is efficient!
Toyota has taken environmental kindness to new heights, promising up to 87 kilometres of all-electric range; frankly, that’s enough to turbocharge your daily commute without ever needing to touch a petrol pump. Environmentally conscious and stylish—talk about a match made in automotive heaven.
Inside, the Prius is like the cool kid in class who suddenly got a stylist. Gone are the days of drab interiors; say hello to futuristic vibes that even the Jetsons would applaud. From the quirky hashtags scattered among the compartments—“#wirelesscharging,” “#hiddencompartment”—to the impressive array of tech, the Prius has levelled up. Six USB-C ports, heated and ventilated seats, and a fixed glass roof to bask in those rays of sunshine while you drive—what’s not to love?
And let’s not overlook the star of the show: Toyota’s impressive infotainment system that boasts wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Say goodbye to tangled cords and late-night struggles with phone connections. It does come with a ‘band expander’ issue, so you may need to rethink your radio channels and maps, but nothing your smartphone can’t overcome. Let’s be honest; it’s a smooth ride filled with ample charging ports and conveniences for the modern driver.
Driving the Prius feels quite different compared to its ancestors. The usually bland driving experience has shifted into something mimicking a sporty little number. With its nippy acceleration, you might just find yourself competing with that guy in the flashy sedan next to you at a lights. Sure, it might not officially be a sports car, but there’s something intoxicating about the little wheel spins and acceleration that make it feel like one.
Now, don’t expect the back seats to be the place for an Uber party, though. We found that while it’s comfy, it’s not exactly spacious. So if you’re planning on moonlighting as an Uber driver, you might want to reconsider. However, for personal use, it’s perfect for semi-plush rides to the grocery store or a weekend getaway.
In the grand scheme of things, the Prius has worn many hats, but this new hybrid iteration is ready to do more than just sit in a driveway gathering dust. It’s a testament to how much of a fanbase the Prius still boasts, showing that despite the influx of hybrid options, this specific model still holds a special place in the hearts (and garages) of Kiwi drivers.
It’s a fascinating paradox, the Prius we all loved to mock is now the stylish, sporty road companion we didn’t know we needed. A hybrid that looks good and feels good, efficiently serving up sustainability with a side of flair. Who knew the humble Prius would reclaim its title in such an emphatic fashion?
Cheers for the amazing pics Harry de Souza
