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2010 Toyota Prius
The 2010 Toyota Prius is a re-designed hybrid version of the 2009 Prius. It is a third generation Prius that has remarkable improvements when compared to its predecessors. The car leaves an impression of ultra-efficiency and yet carries a touch of class. It has a sleek exterior coupled with an excellent interior finish. The heated leather seats provide added comfort and the solar sunroof ensures there is always a cool breeze on the inside of the car no matter what time of the day. The hatchback rear gives a streamlined and sporty appearance.
Major features
The 2010 Toyota Prius comes in a number of mildly distinct but largely similar models ranging from the Prius I to the Prius V. Among the 5 models, the Prius I will be the last to be released. A huge proportion of the equipment is standard in all models and these include a powerful six or eight-speaker sound system with a CD changer, 15 or 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition, automatic headlight system and cruise control. Other features include the rear view camera and the adjustable rear seats that can be moved to create more trunk space whenever required.
The Prius has over the years developed a reputation for its efficiency. Therefore, it comes as no real surprise to know that the most striking improvement is on its fuel efficiency. On average, the car can travel between 51 to 58 miles, per gallon of gasoline. Of course, the level of fuel efficiency is dependent on a number of factors including terrain and traffic speed (i.e. city versus highway driving). Overall, the 2010 Toyota Prius is still a major improvement to its predecessor that had a lower but still efficient average of 48 miles per gallon. The car has a very powerful engine that allows more effortless cruising. The stability and traction controls make it easier to drive at high speeds with less chances of losing control of the vehicle.
The car’s electric steering system makes it easier to navigate through different terrains. Furthermore, it has a state of the art navigation system that is voice-activated. The system is synchronized with real-time road traffic, making navigation a breeze. The main safety features of this car include front airbags, driver knee airbag and side curtain airbags. As one would expect, automatic stability, traction control and anti-lock disc brakes come as standard and collectively help to bring the vehicle to a stop in just 118 feet when moving at 60 miles per hour.
Areas of concern
The 2010 Toyota Prius has a few issues which some may consider significant while others may view as non-consequential. For instance, the rear seating arrangement has small legroom space, which can be very uncomfortable to passengers. This is contrary to the move by most manufacturers who are paying increasing focus on legroom on both front and rear seating. The headroom of the car is also marginally lower as compared to its predecessors.
The 2010 Prius also comes with a well-intentioned safety system that produces a beeping sound whenever any person in the car has not worn their seat belt. This is important but may be irritating in the event that the driver is just parking the car inside the garage. It might have been great if the beeping could be turned on or off at the driver’s discretion depending on circumstance.
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