Although the first release of this vehicle wasn't a hit, Toyota decided to bring it here for the second time not just to boost sales but rather to push for an image they desire. For a price that hasn't beeb different than before, it gets more toys than ever.

Revisiting in what could be a game changer is Myk Belmonte's duty for today.

2009-2016 Toyota Prius

History
Once upon a time, there was a car named Toyota Prius whose original concept can be traced from an exhibit at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show which was followed by a testing a year later. The first generation model, which utilized a sedan body, went on sale in December 1997 in Japan which became the first mass market hybrid vehicle and worldwide launch happened at the turn of the millennium. Because of its popularity with environmentalists and became popular when fuel prices shot up, the Prius family was expanded to include a smaller version known as the Prius c (or Aqua in Japan), Prius V wagon, and the Prius plug-in hybrid.

Running on its third generation model, the XW30 Prius continued on with its hatchback body with a debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show and sales started in May 2009 for the Japanese market. There were 1,000 patents that had filed for this model and several changes for this model happened which includes a bump in engine displacement to 1.8 liters, a change of transaxle to THS III, and had used a new range of plant-derived ecological bioplastics extracted from the wood's cellulose with kenaf and ramie as its principal crops. Interestingly enough, this generation saw the launch of the full Prius family for worldwide consumption.

While the XW20 model was brought in for testing purposes, it was this model that had its official launch and was the first hybrid car to be sold here. While the motoring press jumped for joy, the regular folks cannot afford due to its prohibitive price no thanks to taxes. While it wasn't a big seller, we can now consider this one as a niche vehicle with a niche market.

Value and Costs
Priced at P2.2M when it was brand new, the Prius had only a few units sold throughout its life (estimates fall in less than 100 units or so) which means finding one at the used market could be difficult. If you want one, then you may have to shell out P800,000 for a decent unit.

Since this is a hybrid, fuel consumption is excellent and will beat out any vehicle sold in the market. When it comes to hybrid parts especially for the battery pack, you have to go to your nearest Toyota dealer for stocks or order online. A recall in February 2010 was issued to install a modified ABS management program due to reports of slight delay in braking by owners.

Exterior and Interior
Retaining its hatchback body and its familiar silhouette that we know since 2004, this generation gained cutting edge looks with lines that is meant to lower fuel consumption due to drag coefficient which Toyota painstakingly spent lots of hours on this aspect alone. In the end, you get something decent looking while saving more on the pump without being mistaken for a science project back in high school.

The interior is now more car than something science related (do we see a chemistry here?) since it is accommodating plus high quality materials greet occupants. The dashboard has a floating design reminiscent of the Swedish and the center display cluster is situated above which drivers can read vital statistics like if you are running on battery or gasoline. Lastly, a joystick inspired transmission shift remains there.

Engine
All Prius (or Prii as Toyota calls it as its plural form) models come with a 2ZR-FXE 1.8 gasoline which has 98hp at 5,200rpm and 142Nm at 4,000rpm on tap. Drive below 40km/h, you'll be treated to some sound of silence while going beyond that will have the conventional engine kick in. Utilizing an Atkison cycle, it prioritizes fuel consumption over optimal power and after all, this is a hybrid car. Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Ride transitions from electric power to conventional engine and so forth.

Driving Impressions
Yes, we have to admit this that you wouldn't be buying this beast to have fun. With two motors inside, it can carry you away with three power modes: EV for full electric mode with no noise, ECO mode for economy which adjusts the air-conditioning unit, and Power mode for more throttle response. It is one simple car to drive, no doubt. However, it is heavy and you'll feel this one you have lessen speed since the battery cells and regenerative braking system comes standard.

Verdict
While this vehicle had some good intentions, no tax exemptions for hybrids limited its appeal and it was a right car that went to a wrong market. At least, Filipinos became aware of the hybrid car and we wish to the Duterte administration to grant incentives for fuel saving cars since our planet is at stake.

The Good:

• Fuel friendly
• Spacious
• Refinement

March 24, 2014

What is the best tire for 2009 Toyota Prius? I live in Massachusetts and I've gone thru 2 sets of Integrity tires since 2010. Gas mileage is important to me but I’m only getting a year out of them and I average 15,000 miles per year. An economy car tire should last at least 40,000 miles or far longer with no compromise in performance or safety.
- Diane in Massachusetts

Hello Diane,

The bad news is the Integrity has a tread wear warranty of 6 years or 50,000 miles. If both of your 15,000 mile sets were replaced by the same shop and they, or Goodyear, didn't give you a warranty credit, I would ask them to provide you a new set of tires. If you have the documentation, Goodyear may provide assistance. It might be a long shot with the first set, but worth a try. This may obligate you to another set of Goodyears though. For future reference, 15,000 with even tread wear is absolutely inexcusable for anything but a high performance car tire or something else extreme such as track use or very poor roads.

The good news is there are better tires that cost less with superior performance and warranties. If you go on the long-established and popular website www.tirerack.com and search by your tire size of 185/65/15 you'll find a large selection of good tires. One of the top rated choices, for only $57 per tire and a tread wear warranty of 5 years or 70,000 miles with free replacement in the first three years if
the tread is worn down to 2/32", is the Firestone Precision Touring tire. It is an all-season tire which you need in your region. Fuel mileage differences between similar tires will be very small, and I don't recommend shopping on that criteria alone.

Since shipping may not be convenient for you, Tire Rack has recommended installers and tire shops usually will match the price to within $10 per tire or so to cover shipping.

Good luck on your next set, keep me posted!

Robert Eckaus
San Jose Cars Examiner