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Let me reiterate one more time; however, the base car is
an awesome car. You don’t need to go above the base to
get a loaded car. Of course Toyota does offer very
tempting add-ons.
The outside of this auto looks different, sleek and
high-tech.
Using the Smart Key System to open the doors I sat down
in the driver’s seat, which is like being 16 again –
it’s a brand new, revolutionary driving experience.
The Smart Key is like a mini-dvd that slides into a slot
and with the push of a button, the car starts.
At first you hear the engine idle, but then silence, as
the hybrid synergy drive remains ‘powered’ using
just stored electric power, or almost free energy.
The dashboard is a unique digital dash that features a
multifunction screen. In the loaded version, the
multifunction screen includes a voice-activated DVD
navigation system with hands-free phone capability via
Bluetooth technology. The steering wheel also
incorporates phone options; rear and front defrost,
aside from all the standards.
This car is elegantly and efficiently designed right
down to the glove-box. Or, excuse me, dual glove-boxes.
Driving is nice and smooth, and this car provides a
great drive, but the most notable aspect of driving this
machine is driving in slow traffic.
The car almost seems to float above the road as you
watch regenerative energy fill your hybrid battery pack
on your multi-screen monitor.
If you live in an urban area and commute in stop-and-go
traffic, this IS the car for you. In fact the Prius
actually achieves its best fuel-efficiency and greatest
pollution reduction during high traffic, when standard
autos achieve just the opposite.
The Prius also performs well on the highway, achieving
an EPA estimated 51 mpg – though EPA estimates are
out-dated for all cars, standard or hybrid. The EPA, for
example, estimates that the top speed limit cars will
drive is 55 mph on the highway. Still, your Prius will
still utilize much less gas than standard cars, while
significantly reducing pollution as well during highway,
or freeway driving.
Pulling back into the lot, I checked out the hatchback,
which is an extremely nice add-on to this vehicle. With
the backdoor open, and the seats folded down, and the
Prius hybrid offers an extensive amount of room for
transporting large and bulky items.
Additionally, when the seats are back in position, the
car easily accommodates four adults, or two adults and
three children.
Because the Prius is one of the most aerodynamically
advanced production vehicles, sun roofs are not an
option for this vehicle.
In Conclusion
I am hybrid vehicle advocate because of pollution,
global warming, environment, terrorism, and oil wars –
not to mention simple automotive evolution.
But even if these issues are not on your radar, this car
is still worth your consideration.
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