The 2007 Toyota Prius adds standard driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags. A new Prius Touring Edition is added to the lineup featuring a European-tuned suspension and is distinguished by new 16-inch alloy wheels, larger rear spoiler High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and integrated fog lights.
The Toyota Prius is Toyota's gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle and was the first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid when it went on sale in Japan in 1997.
Prices start at $20,875 for the base model and go up to $25,940. The Prius demand has outpaced production, leaving some buyers waiting weeks or months for their chance to own a Prius.
Technology
In the new Prius, the electric motor can propel the car up to 25 miles per hour without any help from the engine. And that is all free energy, most of it stored while we were slowing down! The electric motor can also be used along with the engine to provide extra power when it is needed. This setup allows Toyota to use a smaller, more fuel efficient engine without compromising adequate acceleration. If the electric motor is able to handle the forward motion without the help of the gasoline engine, the computer shuts the engine off, at which time no gasoline is used at all.
The small 4 cylinder engine is noticeable whenever you accelerate, but is never obtrusive. You could hardly hear the engine at all during highway cruising. During stop and go city driving, the engine often shuts off and lets the electric motor do the job on its own. In the beginning, while you're familiarizing yourself with the differences, it becomes a bit unnerving when you stop at a light and you notice the engine shut off leaving you in total silence. In the past, that has always meant that you were in trouble. But you soon become used to it and enjoy watching the reaction of your passengers as you put the Prius through its paces.
The Prius is as easy to drive and is as comfortable as the more conventional Toyota Camry. At 175" vs. the Camry's 189" in length, the Prius is quite a bit smaller on the outside and is easier to slip into a parking space and maneuver around in traffic.
The central display has a number of functions, from a display that graphs your fuel usage as you drive to a graphical energy display that shows where the power is coming from and where it is going. This panel is also a touch screen and is used to control the sound system and climate controls. The controls for the sound system, climate control and optional navigation system are also duplicated on the steering wheel and are easy to use. The steering wheel controls are illuminated at night. Be careful in parking lots, however. When you are running on the electric motor alone, this car is so quiet on the outside, it is easy to sneak up on pedestrians and startle them. They won't hear you approaching. Hmm, perhaps a cowbell is in order.