2013 Toyota Prius V Reviews

The ‘v’ in the title of this Toyota Prius people mover stands for versatility, this being the first family oriented hybrid with seats for up to seven people.VALUEPriced from a pretty reasonable $35,990, plus on-road costs, Toyota’s Prius v is longer, wider and taller than the standard Prius. It has a longer wheelbase to take in three rows of seats, plus a small amount of cargo at the rear. This is made possible by installing the compact lithium-ion battery pack under the centre console between the front seats.Toyota Prius v has good quality materials and are matched by features including a 6.1-inch display-screen audio system, automatic air-conditioning, energy monitor, head-up display, keyless entry and ignition, daytime-sensing headlamps, electric power steering, cruise control and daytime running lights.The six-speaker audio includes steering wheel-mounted controls, AM/FM tuner and MP3-compatible single CD player. On top of this is USB / iPod connectivity and  Bluetooth compatibility with audio streaming. It also shows fuel consumption information instantaneously or in historical format.Prius v, like all new Toyota vehicles, is covered by the Toyota Service Advantage with a capped price of $130 for each of up to six scheduled logbook services in the first three years, or 60,000 km.TECHNOLOGYThe powertrain makes use of the latest generation of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, which employs a 1.8-litre petrol engine and a powerful 60 kW electric motor for a combined system power output of up to 100 kW.Add to this lightweight construction and aerodynamic design, and it’s easy to see why Prius v has officially measured fuel consumption of 4.4 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle and put out carbon dioxide emissions of 101 grams per km. We got this as low as 4.2 litres on a mixed motorway/city run, but heavy-duty around town work had it running in the six to seven litre range – quite a climb.DESIGNThe vehicle is no rework of the flagship Prius hatchback. An extended roofline pays homage to the iconic Prius triangle silhouette but the ‘v’ has a unique profile that provides additional headroom and luggage space.The three rows of quite firm seats are stadium style, each row is higher than the one in front giving occupants a panoramic view of surroundings. Notably headroom is far from compromised.Legroom in the two rear rows ranges from reasonable to cramped depending on the height of the occupant in front, while access to the third row presents the usual case for contortions. In other words these seats are best left for the little-uns.Folded, the 50:50 rear seat backs more than doubles a flat cargo area of 485 litres accessed through a high-lift rear door with low loading lip. SAFETYOn the safety side, seven airbags, a reversing camera, stability and traction control, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution are standard.Although the ‘v’ is the largest of the Prius family, it still has a good coefficient of friction at Cd 0.29. This low aero drag assists in lowering fuel consumption and emissions.DRIVINGThe Prius v produces a benign drive, constantly giving the impression that there’s not much going on under the skin. That’s far from the truth. From the moment the power button on the dashboard is pressed, illuminating a ‘ready’ on the instrument panel, constantly monitored control systems keep the hybrid set-up giving of its best.The dash-mounted transmission lever, which looks more to a joystick than a traditional gearshift, is the link to an electronically controlled infinitely variable transmission that seamlessly juggles ratios for best performance, driveability and economy.Three switchable driving modes, selected by buttons on the centre console, act on the powertrain, with ‘EV’ mode producing ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone for up to two kilometres. The result is zero fuel consumption and emissions.‘Eco’ mode optimises fuel economy by curtailing throttle response and limiting power consumption from the air-conditioning system, while ‘power’ mode boosts system performance, the latter accompanied by an angry growl from the powertrain when pushed.VERDICTPrius v has extended the Toyota hybrid’s appeal with room for seven adults and their belongings.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering — would you buy one?What is it?This is Toyota's top of the range Prius — with all the bells and whistles. There are now about four variants of Prius kicking around the Toyota lot.How much?This one goes for $46,490What are competitors?Any number of medium size SUVs in particular the two wheel drive variants that are flooding onto the market. Possibly Honda's Odyssey, Kia Rondo though not on price.What's under the bonnet?Has a Hybrid Synergy Drive petrol 1.8 litre engine adapted from Corolla and an electric helper engine. Total output is 100kW and we couldn't ascertain torque. Transmission is a CVT through the front wheels. Battery is finally a lithium ion unit.How does it go?Slowly. Even in Sport mode. You have to exercise the right foot to get the Prius V up and running. Car has an annoying engine slur accompanying changes in "ratios". This dents fuel economy a tad. Handling is acceptable and ride quality is similar.Is it economical?We achieved 5.7-litres/100km with mostly highway driving—- a long way away from the 4.4-litres/100km claimed.Is it green?Doesn't make much carbon dioxide but vehicle manufacture wouldn't be too environmental, especially the battery.Is it safe?Yes, should rate five stars if crash tested. Has a useful pre-crash system like Mercedes-Benz that prepares the car for a collision if imminent. Has multiple air bags, stability control and strong chassis construction.Is it comfortable?Good in the front seats, pretty good in the middle row too which has individual  fore/aft adjustment. No power seat adjustment though. Rear pews are tight and difficult to access — for small kids only. Minimal luggage space with all seats up. Plenty of luxury kit to while away the time — premium audio, climate control though we couldn't find any rear set vents, good connectivity, comfy ride and seats. Plenty of steering wheel controls, radar cruise.What's it like to drive?Boring.Is it value for money?Not really when you can get into the lower spec' Prius V model for 11 grand less.Would we buy one?No we'd buy the new RAV4 every day.