Toyota is to introduce the cutting-edge technology of the Prius (which was voted both the North American and European Car of the Year 2005 late last year) with its its hybrid synergy drive on a small scale in South Africa to test the water.
Speaking at a recent media launch, Toyota South Africa president and CEO Johan van Zyl said: “With the full support of [the parent company] we feel the time is right for South African motorists to buy into the concept of eco-friendly vehicles — albeit on a small scale, initially.”
There is no doubt that if the vehicle is sensibly priced when it is finally launched on a large scale to the public, it will be hugely successful in the urban environment.
The Prius uses stored electrical energy for initial acceleration up to 45kph, at which point the hybrid drive system seamlessly adds the petrol engine element to the drive. Thereafter the Prius performs like any other vehicle in the compact sedan class, as the vehicle’s computer controls, distributes and collects energy in the most efficient manner possible without impeding performance.
With the latest evolution of the Prius, Toyota has gained significant improvement in performance that can be attributed to the ongoing development of the engine, battery and control technologies in the hybrid synergy drive system. The car matches power delivery to demand by drawing power from either the petrol or electric motors individually or in concert.Â
But how does it work?
At low speeds, the electric motor does all the work while the petrol motor remains unstarted and idle. As speed increases, the petrol motor automatically starts and takes over from the electric motor. It simultaneously drives the wheels as well as recharging the battery. If acceleration is required, both motors work in unison to provide maximum performance. When braking, energy is diverted from the brakes to assist charging. The petrol engine will also restart automatically if battery levels fall below a certain level.
The Prius is primarily designed as a city car and is at its best in an urban environment when it delivers on the promise of superb fuel efficiency with minimal emissions.
The flexibility of the hybrid synergy drive does, however, make the Prius suitable for open-road motoring and a superb cruise control system makes this a relaxed experience.
Significantly, the level of performance achieved by the Prius is complemented by a miserly overall fuel consumption of 4,3 litres per 100km as measured by Toyota engineers. In open-road cruising conditions this drops as low as 4,2 litres per 100km. In an urban operating environment, fuel consumption of less than five litres per 100km may be achieved. Tests conducted by local technical representatives produced an overall “practical” use: fuel consumption of 6,0 litres per 100km.
Importantly, the Prius has reduced CO2 emissions by 35%. It has a recyclability potential of about 90%.
Toyota’s use of an electric inverter air conditioner is a world first for a mass-produced vehicle.
This system provides cooling capacity even when the engine is stopped and operates continually at an optimised level totally independent of engine speed.
The shape provides for an exceptional aerodynamic performance with a drag coefficient of 0,26. This is achieved by the aero-efficient tear-drop body shape of the Prius and the improvements in air flow offered by aerodynamic aids placed in front of the wheels and a full underfloor cover to clean up the air flow under the car and reduce drag. Lightweight materials such as plastic and aluminium have also been used to reduce mass.
Prius will accelerate from standstill to 100kph in a claimed 10, 9 seconds, while the speedometer should nudge 170kph. Power is rated at 57kW from the 1 497cc petrol motor, produced at 5 000rpm, while the electric motor produces 50kW, almost from standstill.
Toyota South Africa will initially make the Prius available only on a full maintenance rental basis, with the rental administered by Toyota Financial Services. There will be no outright purchase option available from Prius dealers, of which there are only 12 throughout the country.
No initial deposit is payable (for those who qualify) and at the end of the 48-month rental period the vehicle reverts to Toyota South Africa. The monthly rental will be about R5 100 including VAT. This rental is linked to the prime lending rate and is based on a published recommended retail selling price of R269 000 including VAT.