Toyota launches new fourth-generation Prius hybrid in India starting at Rs 38.96 lakhs

The Prius has been one of the most popular and oldest hybrids around and the fourth generation has made is way to India. Toyota announced its fourth generation Prius in the country at the 2016 Auto Expo and after almost a year, it has been launched with a price tag of Rs 38.96 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Announced only in the Z8 variant, it will be fully imported while bookings have already begun for the new hybrid. According to Toyota, the fourth generation Toyota Prius Hybrid comes with the new TNGA modular platform featuring a more rigid but a lighter chassis with improved centre of gravity. It is also said to be a fun car to drive, something which hasn’t been associated with the Prius.  Coming to the performance, there is a 1.8 litre petrol engine that produces 96.5 bhp of power at 5200 rpm and 142 Nm of torque. It is paired to an electric motor that offers 71 bhp of power and 163 Nm of torque. It comes with the eco-friendly Hybrid Synergy Drive system and offers a fuel efficiency figure of 26.27 kmpl (ARAI certified).  Features of the new Prius include LED headlamps, LED foglamps, cruise control, JBL speakers, heads up display, wireless charging, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, multi-function steering wheel and Smart Entry system for the driver and passenger with push start button. In terms of safety you get 7 airbags, seat-belt warning system for front and rear occupants; ABS, Brake Assist, EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control. Speaking at the launch, Toyota India - Managing Director, Akito Tachibana said, “India being a crucial market for us, we believe there is more to the market beyond just the numbers. We have taken good stock of our priorities for the road ahead and we do not want to make just more vehicles but also want to address other critical issues associated with energy, environment and safety. With an aim to contribute to resolution of social issues and sustainable growth of an automobile based society, we believe that environment-friendly vehicles will go a long way to remedy this. And Implementation of environmental measures is one of the most important management goals of Toyota worldwide. It is based on the same principle that Toyota today has more than 10 million happy customers driving Toyota hybrids and we would like to thank our customers who have encouraged our efforts of hybridisation. We are actively working to promote strong hybrid technology and other environment friendly vehicles based on our stance that environment friendly vehicles can have a positive impact on the environment only if they are used widely”.