Toyota Prius - Hybrid Car

Toyota Prius is now on sale in India. Toyota India launched the innovative full electric mid size hybrid car at the 11th Auto Expo in Delhi earlier this month. The Prius, launched internationally in 2001 is the world's first mass produced hybrid car. The primary source of power is a 80PS electric motor charged by a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. It also has a 1.8 litre 98PS gasoline engine as back up for when the charge in battery drops below a certain stipulated limit. The engine recharges the battery, assisted by the regenerative braking system. Once fully charged the car switches back to the electric motor to draw power for propulsion. Apart from this the car hosts quite a few innovations in engine operation and ergonomics to ensure silent and smooth operation for passenger comfort. The car is a result of Toyota's efforts for a clean source of energy to safeguard our eco system. It is available in two trims priced at Rs 26.55 and Rs 27.86 Lakhs.

The Prius will be manufactured by the Toyota's domestic arm. It is all set to come in as a CBU (Completely Built Unit). While the prices are still not clear, it is expected to be priced between Rs.18-22 lakhs. Because of as much as 114% import duties on CBUs, Toyota claims that the imports will at first, push up the price. Though there will be a demand for these vehicles mainly because of the technology, low emission norms and the great fuel efficiency but the volumes will be low, atleast initially.

Toyota is all set to launch its hybrid car, named Prius in India, in 2009. Hybrid cars are those cars which use both petrol and an electric motor to run. The hybrid vehicles are much more fuel efficient than vehicles which run on conventional fuel (petrol/ diesel). The emission levels are also much less which means they are environment-friendly.

Toyota Prius is a proper five-passenger, 4-door hatchback that teams a 4-cylinder engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 110 hp. Toyota's hybrid system allows Prius to run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging is required. Prius has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), electronic traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are included with Toyota's standard Star Safety System.

Price  Rs 26.55 / Rs 27.86 Lakhs (approx)