Toyota Prius 2009-2016 Z5

Prius 2009-2016 Z5 Review

The hybrid car from Toyota Kirloskar Motors named Prius is available in two variants. Among them, Toyota Prius Z5 is a base level petrol trim, which comes fitted with an electric motor. Its 1.8-litre petrol engine has the ability to generate 97.8bhp power in combination with 142Nm torque output. Whereas, its electric motor features a sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery and boosts voltage up to a maximum of 650V. Best handling and stability is assured by its proficient suspension system, which includes gas filled shock absorbers as well. In terms of exteriors, it has a body colored bumper and projector type bright headlamps at front. Its side profile looks quite attractive with a set of 15 inch alloy wheels, whereas its rear end includes a stylish boot lid and a sporty spoiler along with a few other stunning features. On the other hand, its interiors are decorated in a splendid way with a two tone color scheme. Some of the aspects inside the cabin include an air conditioning unit, leather upholstered seats, instrument cluster, door trim pockets, assist grips and so on. Apart from all these, various safety aspects are also offered such as dual front SRS airbags, rear parking sensors, anti-lock braking system, door ajar warning lamp, as well as an engine immobilizer, which makes the drive quite safe.

Exteriors:

This sedan comes with a robust body structure that is equipped with various eye catching features. Starting with its rear end, it has a well designed tail light cluster integrated with LED tail lamps and turn indicators. Between these lamps is an expressive boot lid on which, the firm's emblem is neatly embossed. The windshield is pretty wide and comes along with a high mount stop lamp. Besides these, its rear end also has a well sculpted bumper and a roof mounted antenna as well. Turning to its side profile, it includes pronounced wheel arches that are equipped with a modish set of 15 inch alloy wheels. These are further covered with tubeless radial tyres which bear the size 195/65 R15. An expressive line that stretches along with its length further adds to its appearance. The glossy black B-pillars, external rear view mirrors and door handles are the other aspects it comes with. On the other hand, its frontage has a wide windscreen with a pair of wipers, while the body colored bumper is integrated with an air intake section. This is further surrounded by a couple of fog lamps. The radiator grille has the firm's insignia engraved in its center and it is flanked by projector type headlamps on either sides.

Interiors:

A spacious and beautifully designed internal section is one of the finest things about this sedan. The firm has decorated it elegantly with a dual tone color scheme, which is further complimented by chrome inserts on a few aspects. It comes fitted with well cushioned seats, which are covered with high quality leather upholstery. The front seats are integrated with head rests, while the rear one has split folding facility that helps to bring in more luggage. The stylish cockpit features a well designed dashboard that comes integrated with some equipments. These include a steering wheel, instrument cluster, and a center console that is fitted with a music system. Besides these, a few useful features are also offered like front and rear cup holders, pockets on door trims, assist grips, and a center console box with detachable upper tray as well.

Engine and Performance:

The manufacturer has incorporated it with a 1.8-litre petrol power plant that is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. This is a VVT-i mill that carries four cylinders, 16 valves and is integrated with an electronic fuel injection system. It generates a peak power of 97.8bhp at 5200rpm and yields torque of 142Nm at 4000rpm. This motor can return a maximum mileage of around 23.91 Kmpl, when driven on bigger roads. It displaces 1798cc and is paired with an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission gear box. On the other hand, it also comes with a magnet type electric motor featuring a sealed Ni-MH battery. It can give out a maximum voltage of 650V. This can produce 60kW maximum power and delivers 207Nm torque.

Braking and Handling:

It is equipped with a reliable braking system wherein, its front wheels are fitted with ventilated disc brakes and the rear ones get solid disc brakes. It also has anti lock braking system that further improves this mechanism. In terms of suspension, its front axle is affixed with a McPherson strut and a torsion beam is fitted on the rear one. These are further loaded with gas filled shock absorbers that aids in making the drive quite smooth. On the other hand, it is blessed with a power assisted steering system that helps in handling the vehicle effectively. It also supports the minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters besides giving proper response.

Comfort Features:

A number of comfort aspects are offered in this trim like a music system that features CD player and a radio tuner. It supports USB port, auxiliary input and Bluetooth connectivity as well. Also, it comes along with front and rear speakers, which offer an excellent listening experience. An air conditioning unit is installed in the cabin through which, the temperature inside can be set as per the requirement. It has head-up display as well that provides necessary information to the driver. Other aspects like the foldable rear seat, glove box, day and night inside rear view mirror, sunvisors, rear seat center armrest, remote trunk opener, accessory power outlet, air vents and a few other features further increases the level of comfort.

Safety Features:

In order to ensure protection of its passengers, the car maker has loaded it with some important security aspects. This list comprise of dual front SRS airbags, active headrests, crash safety body structure, crumple zones, and central locking system. Apart from these, it also includes anti lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, rear parking sensors, front and rear seat belts, door ajar warning lamp, child safety locks on rear doors, and engine immobilizer that adds to the safety quotient.

Pros:

1. Eye catching exteriors.
2. Spacious interiors with comfortable seating arrangement.

Cons:

1. There is scope for adding more features.
2. Rear head space can be further increased.