The idea of buying a hybrid vehicle is a little scary. Everyone knows they emit less carbon dioxide than ordinary gas-fueled cars. Less carbon dioxide means slowing down global warming, which is a good thing. Sounds nice so far, right? But what do you know about hybrid cars? Do they save the owner money over the long run? How do they work? Keep reading to find out why the Toyota Prius is the car to drive.
A History of Progress
In 1997, The Toyota Prius became the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle; Toyota sold 18,000 that year. The next hybrid — which came from Honda — didn’t step onto the scene until 1999. The improvements to the Prius since its beginning are amazing. The sporty new design, multiple high-tech features, and Toyota Safety Sense make owning a better idea than ever.
Easy on Gas and Environmentally Friendly
It’s no secret that hybrid vehicles are good for the environment. It is the primary reason people are moving away from traditional gas-fueled cars. The Prius family of vehicles has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 11 million tons in the United States alone. This means Prius owners are helping the environment every day. The other top reason for buying hybrids is to save money on gasoline. Prius owners enjoy spending more time on the road and less time at the pump, with an EPA-estimated 58 miles per gallon. This is great news since gas prices are so unpredictable.
Comfortable and Spacious Interior
The four-door Toyota Prius hatchback offers 24.6 cubit feet of cargo space and more passenger room than before. The redesigned seating provides lots of comfort and a roomy interior. The deep side bolsters and 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support lets each driver customize his or her own comfort zone. The all-new suspension system produces the smoothest ride to date. A power moon roof and a 4.2-inch color dual high-resolution multi-informational display screen are among the desirable features available.
Smart Technology
The Smart Key System lets you lock and unlock the driver’s-side door with a touch of the handle and start the car with the touch of a button. Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) alerts the driver if it anticipates potential collisions with a stationary object while you’re parking. It also reduces power and applies the brakes. The Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) automatically controls the steering, guiding the car into an empty parking space. Smart-flow climate control adjusts to keep cabin temperatures consistent. A color Head-Up Display projects important information on the windshield so drivers can keep their eyes on the road.
Abundant Safety Features
Safety is paramount at Toyota, and the newly designed Prius is no exception. Toyota Safety Sense is an active safety package that constantly monitors and alerts drivers to potential hazards. Lane departure alert, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control are just some of the components of this comprehensive safety suite.
There is no shortage of attractive features available with the latest Prius models. The days of sacrificing the luxuries of regular gas-powered cars to help save the world are over.