Al-Futtaim Motors Takes Lead in Hybrid Category with Launch of Toyota Prius

Al-Futtaim Motors, the sole distributor of Toyota in the UAE, has taken the lead in the hybrid category with the UAE launch of the fourth generation Toyota Prius, which is the most popular hybrid vehicle in the world. It was the first commercially produced hybrid (petrol-electric) vehicle in the world and since it was launched in 1997, more than 3.5 million cars have been delivered globally. The fourth generation of the car was first revealed in the GCC at the 13th Dubai International Motor Show in November 2015.

After almost two decades, the new Prius mode is notable for its bold new design, the fun element of the drive and its path-breaking environmentally-friendly performance. It has also improved tremendously with regard to the safety aspect and is a more compact model which is a lot lighter and has world class aerodynamics, while delivering an enhanced fuel efficiency of 26.1 Km/L.

Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Toyota at Al-Futtaim Motors, said that the launch of the Toyota Prius in the UAE is part of the company’s drive to empower a more sustainable environment and confirms to the UAE Government’s vision for a greener future.

Fitted with both a petrol engine and an electric motor, the Prius can be powered by the engine, the electric motor or a combination of both, automatically choosing the most efficient mode for the best mileage and lowest emissions. The car needs no external charging as converts the kinetic energy generated from braking into electricity, making it one of the best options to tackle the rising environmental issues in the region. The model will be targeted at the young trendsetters in the UAE who with a weakness for new and cool things. It also offers users the twin benefits of being environmentally ethical and having a wide array of technological features that are easy to understand and use.

The new Prius has been designed based on the concept of ‘Beautiful Hybrid’ and aims to deliver three types of joys to the customer: the Joy of Efficiency based on its fuel economy, the Joy of Ownership due to its external appeal and the Joy of Driving due to its fun-to-drive spirit.

Sporty, low-slung stance and distinctive exterior

The exterior has been redesigned to give the car a sporty outline while giving users ample room for head clearance. The fourth generation Prius retains the 2,700 mm wheelbase of the third generation Prius, but is 60 mm longer overall at 4,540 mm, 15 mm wider at 1,760 mm and 20mm lower for optimal comfort.

An advanced and warm interior

The comfortable interior is geared towards providing users with an easy ride in every sense of the word. There is plenty of room for five people and the new version comes with a larger boot and towing facility. The soft-touch materials, cool metallic finishes and signature Prius logos add elements of style to the interior.

The instrument panel, with its thin, horizontal design and smooth surfaces, consolidates operational areas near the driver and places information areas further away. The large color Head-Up Display projects many types of information – ranging from driver alerts to directions – on to the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight.

The Multi Information Display (MID) comes with an energy monitor for displaying the flow of energy that changes depending on driving conditions. An ECO Accelerator Guidance guides drivers on more eco-friendly use of the accelerator.

The convenient wireless charging system allows users to place a compatible device on the pad for charging, without any messy cables.

Superb driving dynamics with remarkable results in terms of engine performance and fuel economy

The Prius retains its 1.8-liter VVT-i equipped Atkinson cycle petrol engine (2ZR-FXE), but it has been completely revamped for improving the performance and fuel economy as well as reducing the size and weight of the car. The new engine achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of 40 percent―the world’s highest level in a mass-produced gasoline engine (as of October 2015, according to in-house research). Key components of the hybrid system―including the motors, transaxle, power control unit and hybrid batteries―are now smaller and lighter, improving fuel efficiency and making excellent use of space.

Toyota New Global Architecture improves safety, performance and comfort, and ensures a quiet drive

The new Prius has a lower center of gravity than the previous model giving it a higher degree of stability. The body is more rigid with the body torsional rigidity going up by more than 60 percent due to the employment of Laser Screw Welding. The all-new double wishbone rear suspension significantly improve ride comfort and handling stability and ride comfort. Noise and vibration levels are kept to a minimum due to higher rigidity and use of Laser Screw Welding.

Advanced safety technologies as standard signify comprehensive protection for passengers

The Prius comes with an impressive array of both active and passive standard features. These include 7 airbags to protect the driver and passengers, a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), active front head restraints, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) to warn drivers of vehicles on either side in the event of a lane change and Head Up Display. Other notable driver assist features include an Electronically Controlled Brake System with an innovative hydraulic booster, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC). The driver learns of low pressure in the tires through the Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS).