I’d be much happier if Toyota stuck a more conventional instrument panel into its spacious Prius v hybrid rather than shifting everything to the centre of the dashboard.
I don’t understand the rationale behind this awkward positioning. Then again, I’m not an engineer — just a simple dude who asks why?
The hood shading the digital screen atop the centralized setup intruded into the field of vision of my vertically challenged better half. I didn’t encounter this shortcoming (excuse the pun) but I don’t find looking down and to the right to view gauges to be in any way more beneficial than simply glancing downward.
Centrally-positioned instruments may not make all drivers happy, especially shorter drivers who may find the height of the setup intruding into their field of vision.
Rob Rothwell, Driving
Symbol of dependability and economical awareness
The Prius v has many laudable virtues to discuss, but off the top I find it interesting how the ego-free Prius has become an international symbol of eco-awareness.
Celebrities wanting to appear connected with environmental stewardship have taken to arriving at the red carpet in a Prius rather than an exotic Italian. Folly for sure, but positive messaging nevertheless.
In my mind, a typical Prius owner rejects car culture, questions the true motives of government, and seeks function over fashion in clothing and footwear. In many ways, the Prius is a rolling billboard of those ideals.
Toyota’s long-serving Prius has proven its worth through millions of fuel-efficient kilometres accrued around the globe. In Vancouver — and many other cities in North America — the Prius serves as the backbone of the taxi industry, and if that’s not a testament to its dependability and frugality, I’m not sure what is.
2014 Toyota Prius V – Hybrid synergy Drive engine.
Rob Rothwell, Driving
Prius v ups the real estate of original Prius
Highly fuel-efficient vehicles are generally tight little tins squeezing occupants together in a manner best likened to the proverbial sardine can; not so with Prius v.
It accommodates five normal-sized adults with ease. Head and legroom up front and in the rear are substantial, and the absence of a transmission hump gives the Prius v a flat floor for rear-seat passengers. No need for the confused sot seated mid-ship to have a foot in each country.
The cargo hold also has generous proportions, thanks to the Prius v’s near-wagon-like architecture and its fold-flat rear seating. They combine to provide 943 litres of capacity, similar to that of some compact crossovers. When needed, the rear seat slides fore and aft to find the optimal balance between cargo space and rear seat legroom.
2014 Toyota Prius V – left front 3/4 view.
Rob Rothwell, Driving
Fuel-economy rating is impressive — real-world driving less so
Along with its airy, open feel, the Prius v rewards its driver with notably good fuel economy.
The vehicle is rated by EnerGuide Canada at just 4.3L/100km city and 4.8L/100km highway, though I didn’t see anything quite so attractive during my week of city driving.
The average fuel economy displayed among the plethora of data and specs available through the vehicle’s 6.1-inch touch screen never budged from 6.4L/100km. Given my driving style, that doesn’t seem too bad. A colleague that actually owns a Prius v reported an average of 5.2L/100km during a long road trip fully loaded with kids
and gear.
Typically, excellent fuel economy is accompanied by unexciting driving dynamics, and such is the case here. The Prius v is pleasant enough to administer, producing a reasonably smooth ride and little noise unless its gas engine is under strain when accelerating quickly or climbing steep hills.
Overall though, the hybrid power plant is well-mannered and powerful enough to meet needs.
The Prius v features several drive modes that allow the driver to contour its response toward power or economy, or pure electric propulsion; the latter limited to low speeds and short distances, making it suitable for the last stretch home on side streets.
The large cargo bay in the Prius v is great for carrying sports equipment and accommodating Costco runs.
Rob Rothwell, Driving
The Prius v wrap-up
The Prius v combines electrically-produced power with that developed by a 1.8L DOHC 4-cylinder engine to send a total of 134 horsepower to its front wheels. Don’t expect the two power sources to set the world ablaze. A deep dip into the throttle is necessary to move the Prius v with any sort of urgency, but speed is not this vehicle’s purpose. Moving people and their cargo with high levels of efficiency is the Prius v’s raison d’être, and it performs this function quite admirably.
I enjoyed time behind the wheel of this week’s tester, though wouldn’t be prepared to admit that to my high-octane friends. There’s something relaxing about the Prius v that comes over you when taking the wheel, which for me is conceived in the notion that driving a Prius is a humble act of car-culture defiance.
rgrothwell@telus.net
Specs
Overview: Spacious wagon-like hybrid with excellent fuel-economy
Pros: Plenty of cargo and passenger space and comfort, refined operation, easy on fuel
Cons: Centrally located instrument panel, uninspiring driving dynamics, occasional engine noise
Value for money: Fair to poor depending on option packages
What would I change? Adopt styling that’s more conventional
Type of vehicle: Mid-size 4-door wagon-like fuel-efficient hybrid
Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder plus electric propulsion
Power: Combined gas/electric Continuously-variable FWD
0-100 km/h: Patience required
Fuel economy rating: 4.3 / 4.8L / 100km city and highway
MSRP: Base $27,480, as tested $33,505 plus $1,620 freight and PDI
