Toyota Prius 2011

The Prius is a hybrid car manufactured in 1995 and released on the market in 97 in Japan making it the first mass produced hybrid vehicle in the world. The Hybrid car is one that supports Environmental conservation thus attaining the name a "Green car".

The car contributes to the hybrid market where the term "hybrid" refers to a vehicle that is powered using a combination of electric and conventional internal Combustion Engines.

  

Interior :

The interior of the Prius is also much improved with a more prominent, angled centre console and well laid out controls. Cabin space is generous for a car in the medium family class and the driving position is "airy" with good forward distance to the windscreen. Toyota have decided to drop the large multi function display of the Prius 2 and have integrated this function into the slim green digital instrument display tucked into the top of the dash. Information includes a 6 bar chart showing fuel consumption over the last 30 minutes, drive mode, speed, real-time mpg, fuel gauge and engine status.
The T3 version on test was not equipped with sat nav so below the instrument display is the CD player and the aircon controls (including automatic option). Below these, a very short and stubby drive-by-wire gear stick is set low on the console which extends out into the cabin. This is nicely in reach and allows the driver to easily select drive, reverse or brake modes. The latter is rarely used in normal driving and is designed for use on long descents to mimic the selection of a low-gear in a manual car.
Immediately above the gear stick are the 3 driving mode buttons (EV, ECO and Power) and the park lock. See the next section for more on driving modes.
The foot well is essentially unchanged with the quirky and intuitive foot-brake in the clutch position freeing up space between the front seats.
The adjustable HUD or "Head Up Display" is one of several useful driver aids in the new Prius. This projects key data such as speed, eco drive display and (where fitted) sat nav instructions as an image that appears to float in line of sight about half way down the bonnet. This really helps keep vision where it's most needed even if the main display speed indicator is just a short eye swivel to the left.
Another practical feature is the use of dial like touch tracer controls mounted on the steering wheel. These are also designed to help keep driver concentration on the road when performing functions such as tuning the radio or increasing the cabin temperature. A quick touch on one of these brings up an icon of the control near the digital speed display with an amber indicator on the particular function selected e.g. decrease temperature.

 Performance:

 On the face of it, there appears to be many positive aspects to this car. Not only is the new Toyota Prius mpg listed as 72 on an extra urban cycle but it can reach 60 mph in just over 10 seconds and has a low insurance group of 6/7. It's one of the safest cars in its class with a 5 star Euro NCAP rating and for UK buyers there is no congestion charge or road tax to pay. it has a 1,500cc gasoline engine and to anormal Ugandan will consume just as low as a Toyota Corolla 98 commonly known as "kikumi" 

Cost:

This car can fit comfortably in a middle class Ugandans wallet and will probably cost you not more than shs.24 million