Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Compact
Production years: 2006, 2007, 2008
Toyota introduced the second generation of the Prius in 2004 for the world market and, in 2006, it refreshed the lineup revealing new options and smarter features.
The Prius was the car that started the hybrid revolution. It wasn't the first hybrid, but it was the first that enjoyed considerable success among the customers. Despite its odd shape and bland interiors, the Prius convinced its customer's thanks to its high fuel-efficiency, especially in city traffic.
For 2006, the Japanese carmaker introduced a facelifted version that brought a few improvements. Its aerodynamic coefficient was dropped from a good 0.29 to an excellent 0.26. Thus, the car could save more fuel on the highway, where it didn't offer big advantages over other regular, non-hybrid vehicles from its class. In the rear, the carmaker installed LED taillights to lower energy consumption. It wasn't much, but it was a statement.
Toyota introduced more comfort features such as the keyless entry and start system. With the keyfob in the pocket, the driver could approach the vehicle, push a little button on the door's handle to unlock the car. A push-button start brought the car alive. The infotainment system offered a detailed view of fuel consumption showed on bars every five minutes of driving.
Under the hood, Toyota featured a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle engine that sent its power to the front wheels via a CVT transmission. The electric motor worked in parallel with the internal combustion for-pot unit. Unlike other hybrid vehicles on the market at that time, the Prius could have been driven with the electric engine only, for a short distance.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.5L CVT (78 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1460 cm3 |
Power: | 57.4 KW @ 5000 RPM 78 HP @ 5000 RPM 77 BHP @ 5000 RPM |
Torque: | 85 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 115 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Hybrid |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 105.6 mph (170 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/55R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 175.2 in (4450 mm) |
Width: | 67.7 in (1720 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.4/58.3 in (1,509/1,481 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.9 in (124 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.4 cuFT (408 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.26 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2810.9 lbs (1275 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3803 lbs (1725 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 47 mpg US (5 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 56 mpg US (4.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 54.7 mpg US (4.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 104 g/km |