- Fuel-efficient and refined hybrid powertrain
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable ride
- Good visibility
- Small turning circle
- Limited power for overtaking
- Poor dynamics
- Sensitive brake pedal
- Foot-operated park brake
- Limited battery life
Overview
Released in October 2001, the Toyota XW10 Prius was a small hybrid-powered sedan. Manufactured in Japan, the Toyota Prius was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a permanent magnet AC electric motor which drew power from a 274-volt nickel-metal hydride battery. Power was directed via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to the front wheels.
The Prius was capable of running on its electric motor, petrol engine or both simultaneously. Generally, the petrol engine switched off at idle, but could remain on to recharge the batteries. The Prius also featured regenerative braking which enabled the vehicle to use the vehicle’s kinetic energy to recharge the batteries.
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the E120 Corolla sedan which it sold alongside, the XW10 Prius was 50 mm shorter (at 4315 mm), the same width (1695 mm), 15 mm taller (1485 mm) and had a 50 mm shorter wheelbase (2550 mm). The XW10 Prius was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.
| Details | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engine | 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol I4 (1NZ-FXE) |
CVT | 53 kW at 4500 rpm | 115 Nm at 4200 rpm |
| Permanent magnet AC electric motor | 274-volt nickel-metal hydride battery | 33 kW at 1050-5600 rpm | 350 Nm at 0-400 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Toyota XW10 Prius included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Features: XW10 Prius
Standard features for the Toyota XW10 Prius included 14-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. A touch-screen satellite navigation system was optional.
Related links
