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Ever drove a hybrid? No matter what the answer is, one can imagine that it is a very special experience. In my case, I can answer the initial question with "yes". Still, a strange sense of uncertainty swirled before the first ride on the Toyota Prius PHEV. What would I expect? But the compact one with the green conscience makes it easy for one to like it and manages to quickly forget the worries about the electrified future. Let's take a look at what makes the new Toyota Prius PHEV so special.
First of all, the term PHEV: The acronym stands for "Plug-In Electric Vehicle" and basically adorns hybrid vehicles whose drive battery can be externally charged. So you do not have to charge them by pure driving, but you can simply hang the vehicle - for example, overnight - in the garage at home. Or to a power connection, as it is called beautiful. The advantage is obvious: If you climb into the fully-charged Toyota Prius PHEV in the morning, you can first "empty" the battery before the burner is switched on - the emissions of the vehicle are then at zero. The range of the fully charged battery is over 50 kilometers, so that simple pendulum routes, which usually do not exceed this value, without annoying exhaust gases can be realized. If the battery is run empty, the Prius just add the gasoline engine so you do not have to be afraid of lying down. Especially since the battery is charged while driving.
Design - as usual
But in turn - let's look at the Japanese first from the outside. At first glance, it becomes clear that this is not a "conventional" vehicle. The front looks almost sinister and authoritarian with the standard LED headlights - it could almost be a fear and anxiety. Grimmig he looks, the Toyota Prius, but he means well and wants to save the world. You can tell his brother, the Toyota Prius without external charging function, more likely. The differs especially at the front of the PHEV. Both have in common their elongated silhouette with the sloping roof and the rising waistline. Not only does this seem unfamiliar, it also has a purpose: to keep the average fuel consumption as low as possible, the Prius has been aerodynamically designed. Thus, the plug-in hybrid with 0,25 shows the best CW value in its class.
It is really unusual at the stern: While the taillights still on the current Honda Civic Remember, at the rear window memories of the Peugeot RCZ and the 1980 years. The double curvature of the rear window evokes reminiscences of the French sports coupe, while their division is reminiscent of an early generation of the Honda CRX. The fact is that this dichotomy brings advantages. Due to the aerodynamic shape, the rear window is almost on the vehicle, so you can see relatively little to the rear. This is where the split comes into play, which makes maneuvering easier, because you can look unusually deep. This makes parking easier, with the standard rear-view camera providing even more relief. Parking sensors cost extra charge, but are hardly necessary in the light of the camera.
Without compromise: The spacey interior
And so we would already be in the interior. One expects an unusual inner life already at the sight of the exterior. And that's exactly how it is: the instruments are not behind the wheel, they are not split into two round tubes. The shift knob moves into the dashboard and is downright tiny, while the infotainment here dominates with an 8-inch display. Does that bother? Not at all!
The essential instruments are easy to read and are divided into a speedometer unit, a display for displaying the drive and consumption statistics, and a head-up display that is standard in even the smallest version. Unfortunately, it can not be combined with the solar roof. Otherwise you regulate the automatic climate quite simply on a separate panel on the dashboard, while the remaining functions are bundled in the infotainment. This too is easy to use - at least if you have already come into contact with modern devices. The only sticking point: A wheel for the adjustment of the volume is missing, so you can either decide about the multifunction steering wheel or the buttons on the infotainment itself louder or quieter. The multifunction steering wheel would also be good for labeled keys - here one initially suspects.
Otherwise, the Prius hardly noticeable: The space inside are good, drivers of any stature and size find space and can adjust everything to themselves. Even in the second row of seats, you can relax in a relaxed manner, if you do not have 2,0 Meter giants in the front. But at least we are talking about a compact model - there is no room for more Golf, Only a small bag more storage space offer the compact competitors: Due to the battery in the rear of the Toyota Prius PHEV here are 360 liter volume ready, while a Wolfsburg would offer about 20 liters more. Purchase decisive? Certainly not! So sponge it over.
Driving impressions: Gentle glides
Let's get to the driving impressions, because these are the ones who count the most. And to describe it in advance: sportiness is not the thing of the Toyota Prius PHEV, Although you can choose between the three driving modes Eco, Normal and Power, but dynamics never quite come up - not even by the red illuminated speedometer. So you remember the true virtues of the plug-in hybrids and try to get ahead as economically as possible. After all, you can develop real sportsmanship and become a veritable fuel saver thanks to the integrated points system. Depending on the driving style, the info display shows you how many of the possible 100 points you have just reached.
So: start the vehicle and .... And nothing! No starter organs, no combustion noise, nothing. This is not unusual in hybrids, but it is always a small change. A pleasant change. So it is called then selector lever on D and go. The maximum torque of the 142 Nm electric motor is immediately available and can force the PHEV forward if necessary. Up to 135 km / h you can drive purely electric - if the battery is charged. For a full charge you need about three hours and ten minutes with a conventional household power outlet. About the type II charging plug charges the battery with 3,3 kW instead of the usual 2,0 kW. This fully charges the battery in two hours.
And so it happens that you hardly need the petrol engine to drive. You roll quietly whirring and feel like you're rolling across the street with Starship Enterprise. Swimming in everyday traffic - especially in the tedious stop-and-go traffic - can be shaken from the sleeve. Only when the "gas" pedal comes in contact with the bottom plate, the 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine comes to life and jolts hard. Thanks to the planetary gear, the engine is kept permanently in the speed range, which is considered by the system to be ideal, but the noise thwarts any thought of a sporty driving style. So you get past a potential overtaking fast and glides back relaxed - and enjoys the ever-increasing score of the environmental savior ad.
This also fits the chassis design. She is extremely comfortable, but makes it unmistakably clear that turns are not the motto of the Toyota Prius. Fast highway turns lead to strong side tilt and raised eyebrows of the passengers. Again, it shows again that the Prius is more gentle glides than wild scoundrels. Added to this is the steering, which facilitates maneuvering in city traffic with its ease of movement. A targeted approach to curves, however, they like less.
The bottom line? You have to be able to afford eco
But is that surprising? Certainly not! The Prius PHEV is wonderfully relaxing and breaks with the almost set rule that every vehicle would have to win slalom races today. The opposite is the case: everyday life is stressful enough, why should one let oneself be tempted by his car to hectic? Toyota understood that and transferred it to the Prius. If you really want to have it dynamic, you should try with athletic ambition to consume as little as possible. The plug-in hybrid is quoted with 1,7 liters at the factory, while everyday life requires more than 3,3 liters in the case of restrained driving. If you stay within battery capacity and leave the top speed of 169 km / h to the brochure, it will make you and your green ego smile. And if it itches in the right foot: The acceleration at 100 km / h can be experienced purely electrically. The factory specification of 11,1 seconds feels even better, as it can assume the paper form - after all, the full electric power is immediately ready. Nevertheless, one should be aware that the Toyota Prius PHEV can only give full speed in parallel with both units.
In terms of price, the economic pleasure starts with at least 37.550 Euro - a rich set of full-LED headlamps, 8-inch infotainment and climate control already included. The extra charge for the solar model can save you more, the panel increases the electric range a maximum of five kilometers a day.