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Hybrid Vehicles
Published on December 17th, 2014
by Christopher DeMorro
6
Earlier this year it was rumored that the next-gen Toyota Prius had been delayed over MPG concerns, but a new report now suggests otherwise. According to Automotive News, the design of the 2016 Toyota Prius was changed at the last second, as the automaker seeks younger buyers. But could a more aggressive look backfire?
That doesn’t mean fuel economy will go down; quite the contrary, the 2016 Prius could get as much as 60 MPG, along with all-wheel drive and different battery options. But a new look described as a “fresh breeze” but Toyota executives will try to bring more emotion and strength to a car not known for either. The Toyota C-HR Concept is said to be a primary influence for the new Prius, which…isn’t exactly reassuring, to be honest.
Keep in mind, this is the same company that brought you the hydrogen-powered Mirai, which is not a pretty car in any sense of the word. A Prius is still a Prius at the end of the day, and a new look isn’t likely to change that when there are already so many other good-looking options. Toyota is going to try and make the Prius Plug-In more distinct looking, which I do think is a good idea…but I’m not sure a new look can change the image of a car that has come to define what a hybrid is.
You know what’s worse than a slow car? A slow car that pretends to be fast, which is the path I’m afraid the next Prius might take. The Toyota Prius didn’t become the best-selling green car in the world by looking pretty or going fast. It got there by offering the best fuel economy by a wide margin.
…then again, the most popular trade-in among Tesla buyers was the Toyota Prius. Is that because the Tesla is “greener” by being all-electric, or is it because it’s also a lot better looking? That’s up for somebody else to decide. There might not be a ton of overlap between Tesla and Prius drivers, but everybody can appreciate a sexy car like the Model S.
If the next Prius looks anything like the Mirai though, it could send buyers fleeing into the waiting arms of other automakers.
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About the Author
Christopher DeMorro A writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs, Chris can be found wrenching or writing- or esle, he’s running, because he’s one of those crazy people who gets enjoyment from running insane distances.
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If the Mirai is what Toyota president Akio Toyoda has in mind when he says that he wants to emphasize styling, this might be a good time to start unloading that Toyota stock you have been accumulating in your IRA.
“A slow car that pretends to be fast…” Oh, you mean the Honda CR-Z?
I have a soft spot for the CR-Z, especially now that you can get a supercharger with it
The supercharger kit makes it all better though!
I think the biggest issue with the Prius is that Toyota anticipated its buyers would be looking to save gas/money. Instead, they have one of the wealthiest demographics in the industry, and Toyota dealers are pushing HARD for more expensive Prii to sell.
The Tesla is just another “Look at me, I’m green!” car … and one that the Prius buyers can, by and large, easily afford.
Instead of going after younger buyers, Toyota should try going after smarter buyers. Peoples don’t buy Prii for some flashy, hipster gimmick. You could design the car to look like a freakin’ shoebox and the right people will still buy it.