2004 Toyota Prius

Still on the agenda is this car's ability to drive on electric power only, internal combustion power only, or both propulsion systems, depending upon driving conditions. This is quite a bit different than Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system that always motivates by internal combustion with electric boost as needed. While the Prius is the only hybrid that operates in this way, this will change as other automakers' hybrids begin hitting the market as early as the end of this year.


The Hybrid Synergy Drive uses a new high power voltage converter, a higher speed generator, and a more powerful 50-kilowatt electric motor operating at up to 500 volts, a combination that provides about a 50 percent improvement over the previous hybrid iteration. This electric drive, in combination with the car's internal combustion engine, provides better low-end torque, and importantly, additional electric power that's available for electric-only operation. Overall, the car's acceleration is comparable to that of the four-cylinder Toyota Camry LE. The new powertrain also bumps the new Prius' fuel economy figure from the high-40 mpg mark to the best-in-class mid-50s, and further reduces emissions by 30 percent.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive system provides better low-end torque, and importantly, additional electric power that's available for electric-only operation.

Among the interesting features on the new Prius are throttle- and shift-by-wire control, the latter incorporating a dash-mounted joystick with tap-of-the-finger shifting. As a driver reaches for the door handle, the car's Smart Entry and Smart Start system senses a signal from a driver's key while still in his pocket and automatically unlocks the doors. Since security clearance has already been established, a driver can leave that key in his pocket and simply push a start button on the dash and drive away. Apparently, the age of the Jetsons has arrived.


Overall, the 2004 Prius is quite a step forward for Toyota that should find an increasing number of new car buyers stepping up to the hybrid plate. This is also a sure sign that the coming genre of hybrid vehicles destined for Toyota's new car showrooms will be stylish, user-friendly, and aimed at attracting the kind of mainstream buyers that will take hybrids from their current niche market to the mainstream. (www.toyota.com)