And then there was the Toyota Prius v. What is this car? Does it suit your needs? Let’s take a look at the Prius v and see why Toyota reckons this is the next best thing since the Toyota 86. Ok… maybe that’s a bit far-fetched, but we’ll see.

I’ve got to say I like Toyota’s logic behind the Prius v and Prius vi-Tech. These are two of the most up-to-date drives that are within the reach of the average family. Stacked with the very latest technology, and holding a purchase price well below many of its competitors, the new Toyota Prius v is a car all of us should be driving. Ok, it doesn’t have the acceleration of a Holden Commodore or the torque of a new Ford Falcon, but it does know how to access strong pulling power while boasting more seating space than either of these Aussie icons. Hybrid technology means that the new Toyota Prius v sips fuel regardless of your driving style, and it will be doubling the distance between fuel stops compared with your Commodore and Falcon mates.

Does it suit your needs? It should, considering the versatility and space inside the cleverly laid out cabin. And I love the feeling you get of the space-age technology like the digital speedo, power in battery display and the touch screen display in the middle of the swooping dash. The only thing you won’t mange to do in the Toyota Prius v is tow the tandem axle caravan – however this is where your Falcon and Commodore mates come in. You can borrow their car for the weekend while they enjoy a drive in your Prius v. You’ll probably end up getting them hooked on your great Toyota!

Stacked to the hilt with electric wizardry, the Toyota Prius vi-Tech fronts up with a Pre-Collision Safety System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent Park Assist, a Panoramic Roof (great for starry nights), LED Headlamps and a seven-inch Touch screen audio visual display unit with Satellite Navigation as standard. Now this is including the other fine features you find as standard on the Prius v model. So, things like Daytime Running Lights, 16-inch alloys, seven seats, steering wheel controls and a Heads Up display are found on both Toyota Prius v models.

It’s easy to get comfortable in the Toyota Prius v driver’s seat, as a tilt and telescopic steering wheel complements the multi adjustable seat that you pilot the vehicle from. A funky digital speedo, with the very informative, and clear, instrument panel is situated in the centre of the dash. Also in the centre of the dash, but lower down, is the 6.1-inch touch display screen that accesses a number of the car’s on-board features – very cool! The multimedia entertainment hub is inside this touch screen control centre.

For those of you who hate backing a car or just wish you never had to do the deed, then the Toyota Prius v comes with a reverse camera that captures video footage of what is happening behind the car whenever reverse gear is selected. It actually makes you look really good – even when backing into tight spaces or reversing out your boss’s driveway. You can keep your cool while the boss watches you manoeuvre past his letterbox!

Automatic climate control, electric sunshades on the rear doors, Bluetooth communications and USB connectivity all make travelling in a new Toyota Prius v that much more special. It’s a very versatile seven-seat wagon.

Hybrid Synergy Drive engine power rates at 100 kW, while torque is a useful 207 Nm, and this is all from the bulletproof Toyota 1.8-litre engine. You’ll smile as you enjoy an average fuel economy figure of 4.4 litres/100 km. Emissions output for CO2 is an amazingly low 101g/km!

So, is this the car for you? You’ll make the choice, however for an everyday wonder the Toyota Prius v and Prius vi-Tech will have to be an essential commodity for most discerning drivers. It’ll be hard to convert a V8 purist to a Prius, but Toyota probably never thought a petrol head would easily see the light, anyhow.

The Toyota Prius v and Prius vi-Tech are like all Toyotas. They are built to superbly high standards, and reliability and resilience are what Toyota vehicles are renowned for. Toyota Prius v models come with Toyota Service Advantage. You’ll pay the same $130 from one logbook service to the next for the first 3 years or 60,000km (whichever comes first) up to the first 6 services. So buy new, and you won’t go wrong.

The Toyota Prius v models include the:

• Prius v
• Prius vi-Tech

For any more information on the new Toyota Prius v or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Toyota dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

Back to Toyota Car Reviews