Coinciding with the launch of the all-new compact Prius c Toyota has rolled-out a facelifted 2012 Prius III lineup.
Now priced from $33,990 ($1,000 price cut) the new Toyota Prius III boasts styling changes, more equipment and improved ride/handling.
The new lineup is:
Toyota Prius $33,990 ($6,000 cheaper than the first Prius launched a decade ago)
Toyota Prius i-Tech $45,990
As well as the freshened looks, entry-grade Prius gains a reversing camera (6.1-inch screen), DRLs, power mirrors and the power-saving JBL eight-speaker audio system.
Range-topping Prius i-Tech scores 17-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, seven-inch colour screen, hard-drive satellite navigation, digital radio and leather trim.
On the styling front, the new Toyota Prius is identified by a more substantial-looking front end with a new bumper and larger grille. At the rear are new combination lamps.
The changes add 20mm to Prius’ overall length but the slippery body maintains its aerodynamically efficient Cd of 0.25.
Indie are new trim highlights, new front seats and a new centre console. The multi-information display is improved with sharper image resolution and new functions have been added including an ECO savings calculator (you punch-in the fuel price at the pump), monthly fuel consumption and a rolling five-month archive so you can measure fuel consumption changes.
Underneath, Toyota Prius has been made stiffer for improved driving dynamics and extra sound-proofing boosts refinement.
The petrol-electric Toyota Prius hybrid delivers 100kW of power, fuel consumption of 3.9l/100kms and exhaust C02 emissions of just 89g/km (the lowest in class).
