Redesigned Toyota Prius gets uncovered early

AutoWeek magazine web site ^ | October 16, 2008 | Dale Jewett

[RayChuang88]

The camouflage on the new Prius has come off a little sooner than Toyota had planned.

We've known for quite a while that Toyota was going to bring the new Prius to the Detroit auto show next January. And there's been no shortage of spy shots of well-covered prototypes. But the new Prius has gone naked.

The fans at priuschat.com posted pix of what was claimed to be redesigned Prius. And guess what? Toyota PR confirms that the photos are legit, although they won't say anything else about them.

[RobRoy]

Looks like the old prius with a different nose.

The biggest problem I have with the styling of the prius is the “too small” tires and wheels look.

[RobRoy]

But then, I drive I Scion xB so maybe I have no styling taste...

[norraad]

how the heck do you fit in that ugly thing?

You don't, I haven't "fit" since the previous century, that's why I enjoy keeping a fleet of large American beauties up and running just to shove it in face of these monsters.

All the while being very comfy doin' it it roomy old world style.

I suggest everyone do the same.

It's actually cheaper than going into debt for crap, which the problem in the first place on all levels, n'est pas?

Please excuse my French.

[RayChuang88]

...and its still ugly!

Well, it is a case of function over form. Toyota designed the Prius like this for two reasons: 1) lower aerodynamic drag and 2) it allows for a true hatchback design, which means when you fold down the rear seats you get a BIG rear cargo space.

I've driven a 2008 Prius and it has surprising "pep," especially from standing start.

[Proud2BeRight]

Still an ugly ricegrinder.

[RayChuang88]

Here's the problem with those European diesel cars: they don't meet our emission control standards. European diesel-powered cars spew out quite a bit more NOx pollutants than gasoline-powered cars, and most of them lack diesel articulate filters, which means a lot of unhealthy diesel soot in the air (as the Swiss have found out especially in winter in their high-altitude Alpine valleys).

We can make diesel engines meet American emission control standards, but the emission control systems are complex and very costly--so much so that you'll be better off with a Toyota Prius or Honda's new Insight family car due next spring.

[CodeToad]

If I want gas mileage I’ll ride a motorcycle and not one of those pretent gas-sippers that waste as much gas as any cars does and pollutes the environment more than a Hummer. When I drive, I want comfort and safety, so I drive better vehicles.

[RayChuang88]

Look, if I really wanted to save gas I'll be travelling around in one of these:

KYMCO People S 125 scooter:

[JoJo Gunn]

They’re still plagiarizing the Aztek’s rear end, I see.

[SunTzuWu]

[Tatze]

I’m 6’4”, how the heck do you fit in that ugly thing?

I'm 6'4" and I fit fine in the current design Prius and surprisingly the Smart Car too. The Smart Car was a little tight.

[Fresh Wind]

Is a 4 (5 or 6) on the floor, with a grinning skull shift knob, too much to ask?

Not only isn't it too much to ask, any car that isn't available with a stick isn't worth considering at all.

*sigh* I am such a dinosaur.

See ya down at the tar pit!

[Andonius_99]

I’m 6’4”, how the heck do you fit in that ugly thing?

Like you do in any small car - one on each foot!