In the middle of March 2019, we reported the refreshed Toyota Prius had quietly arrived in South Africa. Now the local arm of the Japanese automaker has officially announced the launch of this updated hybrid.
While the press material lists a price of R486 000 (unchanged from the outgoing model), Toyota SA’s website shows a starting price of R490 200.
In addition to the styling changes (plus the addition of some 35 mm to its overall length and a switch to LED foglamps), Toyota South Africa Motors says the tweaked Prius gains improved ergonomics inside as well as changes to its interior trim.
The redesigned centre console incorporates two cupholders, seat heating switches and a newly added wireless smartphone charger, while the white colour of the console itself has been changed to piano black.
The updated model is furthermore available in two new exterior metallic paint finishes (“Fierce Red” and “Sky Blue”), alongside six other colours. The hybrid’s 15-inch alloys, meanwhile, now feature a new 10-spoke “aerodynamic silver cover”.
Under the bonnet, though, nothing’s changed, with the Prius still employing a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain that combines a 1,8-litre petrol engine with two motor generators (for a total system output of 100 kW). Toyota claims a combined fuel consumption of 3,7 L/100 km.
Standard features include keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a reversing camera, a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, a six-speaker touchscreen audio system and seven airbags.
The Prius is covered by a general warranty of three years or 100 000 km, with the hybrid battery warranty stretching to eight years or 195 000 km. A six-service/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) is also included.
