The
next-generation Toyota Prius will retain the petrol hybrid
concept – but as well as being cleaner than the current
model, it’ll be a lot more sporty, says Toyota GM managing
director Miguel Fonseca.
Prius has undoubtedly been a massive success for Toyota – but it’s paid a price for that popularity in terms of a rather fuddy-duddy image. But that will change when the next-generation car is unveiled next year.
“It will be cleaner, with CO2 emissions below 100g/km,” Fonseca says. “We could have gone lower, but instead we have chosen to give the Prius better performance.”
Despite rival manufacturers’ moves toward diesel hybrids, Toyota believes the high price of diesel compared to petrol means it makes no sense to switch the fossil fuel. Of course, Prius’ two top markets are America and Japan – and diesel infrastructure is poorly developed in both.
Prius has undoubtedly been a massive success for Toyota – but it’s paid a price for that popularity in terms of a rather fuddy-duddy image. But that will change when the next-generation car is unveiled next year.
“It will be cleaner, with CO2 emissions below 100g/km,” Fonseca says. “We could have gone lower, but instead we have chosen to give the Prius better performance.”
Despite rival manufacturers’ moves toward diesel hybrids, Toyota believes the high price of diesel compared to petrol means it makes no sense to switch the fossil fuel. Of course, Prius’ two top markets are America and Japan – and diesel infrastructure is poorly developed in both.
