Toyota Prius 2009-2016 Z6

Prius 2009-2016 Z6 Review

Toyota Prius is the first hybrid car in India, which runs on both petrol engine and electric motor. Its top of the line variant Toyota Prius Z6 has striking interiors that is packed with advanced features. It has well cushioned leather upholstered seats that are reclining at front and foldable in the rear. A head-up display is also offered, which provides essential information to the driver. The aspects like JBL audio CD player, smart entry and start system, center meter display, power steering and several others, which ensures high level of convenience to its passengers. Look wise, this sedan is simply outstanding with a sleek body line and design elements. Its main attraction is the trendy headlight cluster that presents a clear view of the path ahead. Also, the set of 15 inch alloy wheels enhances the look of its side profile. Meanwhile, its rear end includes an integrated spoiler, well sculpted bumper and a wide windscreen. On the other hand, with vital aspects like its crash safety body, active headrests as well as airbags, it ensures better protection of its passengers. This vehicle is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol power plant that displaces 1798cc and has four cylinders. It is also fitted with an electric motor that gives out 60kW maximum power and 207Nm torque output.

Exteriors:

This sedan has a stylish front facade that features a bold radiator grille with a prominent insignia of the company mounted in its center. It is surrounded by a unique shaped headlight cluster, which is equipped with projector type headlamps and turn indicators. The large windscreen is equipped with a couple of wipers, while the body colored bumper comes fitted with an air dam. It is further flanked by a pair of bright fog lamps that gives a sporty appeal. The rear end is designed with a body colored bumper, while the boot lid comes with company's emblem on it. The windshield is integrated with a high mount stop lamp and the radiant tail light cluster has LED tail lamps. Besides these, an integrated spoiler and roof mounted antenna are also equipped in rear end. Coming to its side profile, it includes B-pillars, as well as body colored door handles. It has outside rear view mirrors that are electrically retractable and integrated with side turn indicators. Also, a set of 15 inch alloy wheels are fitted to its wheel arches. They come equipped with 195/65 R15 sized radial tubeless tyres, which offer strong grip and traction on all road conditions.

Interiors:

Its internal section is quite spacious and comes with a seating capacity of five people. It offers ample leg space along with sufficient head and shoulder room. The seats are very well cushioned and covered with premium leather upholstery. Its front seat backs have a slim design that aids in providing enough knee room for rear passengers. The cockpit looks quite elegant with a modish center console that is silver garnished and equipped with advanced music system. The center meter display is another aspect that displays switches, which are integrated into the steering wheel and offers great convenience to the driver. A few utility based aspects are also available like door trim pockets, cup and bottle holders, glove box compartment, center console box with detachable upper tray and so on. 

Engine and Performance:

In terms of technical specifications, it has a 1.8-litre, in-line petrol engine that has a total displacement capacity of 1798cc. It comes with four cylinders that are further fitted with 16 valves. This VVT-i mill is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. It is incorporated with an electronic fuel injection system and paired with electrically controlled continuously variable transmission gear box. The maximum power produced by it is 97.8bhp at 5200rpm, whereas its torque output comes to 142Nm at 4000rpm. When driven on bigger roads, it gives a fuel economy of nearly 23.91 Kmpl, which comes down to about 20 Kmpl within the city. The manufacturer has also offered it with an electric motor, which generates 60kW power and 207Nm torque output. It comes with a Ni-MH battery that gives 650V maximum voltage.

Braking and Handling:

It is incorporated with a proficient suspension system that helps in maintaining stability of vehicle at all times irrespective of road conditions. Its front axle is affixed with a McPherson strut, whereas the rear one is fitted with a torsion beam. Both these are further loaded with gas filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar that helps in making the drive smoother. The braking system is quite reliable wherein, ventilated disc brakes are fitted to its front wheels and solid disc brakes are used for the rear ones. Besides these, it is bestowed with a power assisted steering system that simplifies the efforts of driver especially on traffic filled roads.

Comfort Features:

A number of sophisticated aspects are available in this trim, which makes the drive quite comfortable for its passengers. Its interior dimensions are quite generous that helps in providing ample leg and head space. The air conditioning unit aids in creating a pleasant ambiance inside, whereas the music system guarantees best in-car entertainment. This audio unit has a CD player, eight speaker sound system and supports Bluetooth connectivity. Meanwhile, the head-up display provides necessary information to the driver, which is displayed on the windscreen. It is incorporated with reclining front seats, while the folding function of its rear seat aids in increasing boot space further. Apart from all these, it includes remote trunk opener, inside rear view mirror, retractable saddle type headrests, rear seat center armrest, sun visors with vanity mirror, and a few other aspects.

Safety Features:

This high end variant is loaded with various key aspects that enhance security for both vehicle and its passengers. These include anti lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, active head restraints, dual front SRS airbags along with side, curtain and driver knee airbags. In addition to these, the list further includes crash safety body structure with front and rear crumple zones, child proof locks on rear doors, door ajar warning lamp, traction control as well as vehicle stability systems.

Pros:

1. Mileage is rather satisfactory.

2. Stylish external look with remarkable features.

Cons:

1. Ground clearance dimension needs to improve.

2. More advanced aspects can be added.