Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Compact
Production years: 2009, 2010, 2011
The third generation of the Toyota Prius was introduced at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. While the fuel-efficiency was not a big surprise, the styling did.
The Prius revolutionized the car industry. It was the first mass-market hybrid vehicle that was sold well almost everywhere in the world. Its uncommon shape made it easy to spot on the road and that ease the hybrid revolution. Starting with the third generation, the Japanese car-maker started to improve the exterior design.
The third generation of the Prius featured double-shaped headlights and vertically mounted daytime running lights in the apron. It had the same height as its predecessor, but since the cabin was moved rearward, it amplified its wedged shape. The third generation featured a moonroof with solar panels that could cool the cabin. The overall drag-coefficient was 0.25, which was a world record of its times.
Inside, the Prius kept the centrally mounted instrument cluster on the dashboard. The car was fitted with a head-up display to enhance the driving experience. The interior room was big, good enough for five adults. The center console was very high and featured storage compartments in and underneath it.
The drivetrain was a big improvement over its predecessor. It was fitted with a new, 1.8-liter gasoline engine that ran in the Atkinson cycle. It was aided by an electric motor and offered a full-electric range of about a mile (1.6 km).
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8 Hybrid CVT (136 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1798 cm3 |
Power: | 72.1 KW @ 5200 RPM 98 HP @ 5200 RPM 97 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 105 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 142 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Hybrid |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | P195/65 R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 175.6 in (4460 mm) |
Width: | 68.7 in (1745 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60/59.9 in (1,524/1,521 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 21.6 cuFT (612 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.25 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3042 lbs (1380 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3979 lbs (1805 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 51 mpg US (4.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 48 mpg US (4.9 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 50 mpg US (4.7 L/100Km) |
Notes |
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Hybrid system Electric motor power: 60 kw (81 HP) Electric motor torque: 207 Nm (153 lb-ft) Total system power: 100 kW (136 HP) |