New Toyota Prius Arrives in the UAE

By: Mansoor A. Bukhari

February 27,2016

2 min read

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eco-friendly vehicles

car reviews

New Toyota Prius Arrives in the UAE

The iconic Toyota Prius has finally arrived in the UAE, thanks to Al-Futtaim Motors. This is the first Prius model to reach this region, even though it is the fourth generation. Launched in 1997, over 3.5 million units have been sold globally. Its introduction in the Middle East is expected to enhance its success, as the market here becomes more accustomed to hybrid vehicles and technology.

Features and Specifications of the Toyota Prius

For those unfamiliar, hybrid cars are designed to be fuel-efficient. The new Prius boasts an impressive fuel consumption rate of 3.83 liters per 100 kilometers. It is powered by a 1.8-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor to achieve this efficiency. The electric motor draws power from batteries, but since this is not a plug-in hybrid, it charges via the gasoline engine.

Design of the Toyota Prius

At first glance, the Prius's design stands out from typical car aesthetics. It has a futuristic look that may not appeal to everyone, but it is indeed more attractive than previous generations. Following Toyota's new design philosophy, this generation is longer by 60 mm, wider by 15 mm, and lower by 20 mm, despite having a shorter wheelbase.

Interior Space

The cabin comfortably seats five passengers and features a spacious trunk. Additionally, it comes equipped with a wireless charger. The top-spec model includes seven airbags, along with:

Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Traction Control (TRC)

Driving Performance

The Prius provides an exceptionally quiet driving experience; so quiet, in fact, that I could hear my own breathing. A digital display in the center shows various metrics, including your environmental savings. I have not had the chance to test the car extensively yet, so stay tuned for a complete driving review soon.