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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 17 JULY 2016 VI Motoring Toyota Prius: the restyled eco warrior IN 1997, the Toyota Prius became the world's first mainstream hybrid car. The fourth generation of this environmentally- conscious vehicle takes it all to a new level producing a sophisticated ride, a quieter power-train and styling to die for. High on the crest of hybrid sales suc- cess Toyota turned its attention to refining aspects of the Prius which were not given priority in its previous generations. The 2016 Toyota Prius has been radically redesigned outside and out, and all to im- prove an already excellent efficiency, fuel consumption figures and lower CO2. When designing the new Prius, Toyota claim to have been inspired by a runner in the starting blocks, conveying a feeling of forward motion. The front of the car is lower, while the rear sits higher and ends with a spoiler. This model is now 2.4 inches longer, an inch lower, and half an inch wider than the previous version. However figures aren't the only improves aspect of the new 2016 Prius. The interior of the Prius has also been revisited and leatherette materials are found on more basic models. Once in the car, the pearl white centre console take you away to a galaxy far away, yet the layout and controls are intuitive and well located. A 7-inch touch-screen sits in the pearlescent dash and while the Entune app can be compli- cated, the USB and Bluetooth connections are quick and simple. The driving position has been replaced and a more natural seating position is now in place. Front leg and head room have also been improved, and the cut off from rear leg room has been given to the luggage are which has increased by a significant 14%, giving owners 24.6 cubic feet of boot space. On the Prius Two Eco and Prius Four, the two versions which do not carry a spare tire, the floor is lowered and this increases luggage capacity to 27.3 cubic feet. A lower and wider design, married to dou- ble wishbone suspension have improved the vehicle's handling, increased the ride's comfort level and steering response. The telescoping steering wheel a wide range of adjustment, and includes simple control buttons with a more positive feel. Like previous models, the 2016 Toyota Prius has a 1.8-lt four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motor, or rather genera- tors. Output from the two systems is en- twined through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) that gives up to 121hp to the front wheels. Heat energy from braking is transmitted thru one of the generators to keep the hy- brid battery fully charged at all times. The fuel powered engine is also quieter and doesn't sound like its fighting for life under acceleration. While still not becoming a thrilling speed car, it is now a pleasure to drive comparable to the joys of peaceful sailing versus the thrilling speed and noisy flash of a power boat. Toyota's iconic hybrid-electric car, the Prius, was always the most fuel-efficient hybrid car you could get your hands on. For 2016 the numbers are even more impressive. Power is clocked at 122DIN hp. Combined cycle consumption claimed at 94mpg. CO2 emissions from EU tests stand at 70g/km. Whilst not made for the track, the Prius accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 10.6 seconds. The 2016 Toyota Prius comes in six trim levels: Two, Two Eco, Three, Three Touring, Four and Four Touring. Standard features include 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED run- ning lights and taillights, heated mirrors, driver door keyless entry and ignition, automatic climate control, dual 4.2-inch driver information screens, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a 6.1-inch touch screen display, a rear-view camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port, an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player. Higher level trims come with ultralow- rolling-resistance tires, two-tone wheel covers, a lighter lithium-ion hybrid bat- tery, a lightweight inflation kit instead of a spare tire, illuminated keyless entry on three doors, leatherette steering wheel and armrest trim, white interior accents, a wireless phone charging pad, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic wipers, leatherette upholstery with con- trasting white stitching, heated front seats, a power driver seat with adjustable lumbar, seatback storage pockets and a rear cargo cover, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, LED clearance lights, unique rear bumper styling and the Toyota Safety Sense pack- age, which includes full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intervention, a pre-collision warning system and automatic high beams. Whilst in its previous guises the Pruis im- pressed in figures but left alot to be desired in styling, the 2016 version has lots more appeal and will sure increase Toyota's fan base. The new 2016 Prius is stylish, comfortable, refined, and quiet. The new 2016 Prius is available locally at Michael Debono Ltd in Zebbug. TEST DRIVE maltatoday PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MANGION