Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius is a product that took a unique place in the hearts of customers. Just watch any Hollywood movie to note that this car is no longer just a tool, but also a symbol. Driving the Prius is same as using the iPod - the mere possession of this item is a clear signal. What kind of signal? I am environmentally friendly . I know what's going on . And: I can afford it , because the car does not come cheaply.
This is the first hybrid car, which went into mass production and is sold throughout the world. The distinctive silhouette of the eco-car is already so recognizable that now when saying hybrid it is meant the Prius. Manufacturers producing competing vehicles will have a considerable problem with coming out of the shadows of pioneering Toyota.
The production of the Prius was launched in 1997. It was the first generation of this model, marked with NHW 10 symbol. It was based on the Toyota Yaris sedan. Under a plate, there was an internal combustion engine inserted with a capacity of 1.5 and a power of 58 km and an electric motor with 40 km. This design was modernized in 2000. It had been given the temporary name of the NHW 11 generation. Diesel power unit was boosted to 72 km, and power to 44 km.
In 2004, the factory was left by the second generation of Japanese hybrids - NHW 20. The capacity of the internal combustion engine, this time amounted to 1.8 liters, and power - to 76 km. Electric drive has gained a lot of speed, because it had the power of 67 km. It is easy to calculate that to the entire drive system it gives 110 km. And thats enough for comfortable ride. As the manufacturer states, weighing about 1400 kg Toyota accelerates to hundred in 10.4 seconds and speeds up to 180 km / h.
The users of this car appreciate the quality of its implementation. The driving experience is reportedly very positive. On one hand positive excperience is caused by thoughtful interior ergonomics, on the other - work culture of hybrid drive. In the car, the load is spread between the motors depending on the situation. In case of mild, low speed drive, the car only operates with electricity. This allows us culturally, without producing noise to glide through the housing estate, or enjoy the charm of a picturesque, provincial roads.
Despite recent problems with the breaking down of Toyota brake systems, or treating the Japanese eco-car as snobbish product purchased for show off, it seems that the popularity of car will continue. The reason is simple: every Prius owner is in love with his car. And this is the best advertisement.