Grip has improved considerably, too. Pulling 0.90 g on our skidpad is genuinely spectacular. In the event you do not take a look at skidpad figures usually, the soar from 0.83 g may appear small, nevertheless it makes a distinction.
Is it any extra thrilling to drive?
The brand new Prius simply feels extra planted on the highway, although it is from sporty. It is extra composed, with much less roll and dive as you flip or brake. The steering, although fully devoid of suggestions, is gentle and comparatively fast. Driving the Prius by no means seems like work, and the additional energy means it now not seems like a rolling roadblock while you’re merging on the freeway. From our take a look at notes:
“The additional energy from the brand new engine is instantly obvious. The primary run was greater than 2 seconds faster than the final Prius, whereas the quickest run shaved off 3 full seconds off the outdated automobile’s 0 to 60 mph time. That is an enormous achievement, particularly contemplating the brand new automobile is simply as fuel-efficient as earlier than. It isn’t hot-hatch-quick, nevertheless it now not seems like a wimp while you flooring it. Sadly, the engine’s powerband and total really feel stay the identical, although loads of that has to do with the continued use of a CVT. With out gears, the engine principally revs to a excessive rpm and holds there. There is not any tach to see what the revs are, nevertheless it’s possible shut to six,000 rpm, the place the engine makes peak horsepower. It is loud, too, with a drone of an exhaust notice that is neither candy nor burly. The quickest run was achieved in Sport. Maintain the brake after which press the fuel to kick the engine on. Helps it off the road and shaves off just a few tenths.
“[Braking performance] is significantly better than earlier than in each side. Stops had been shorter and extra constant, and, surprisingly for a automobile with all-season tires, appeared to enhance a bit with some warmth within the tires. Usually, vehicles like this carry out finest on the primary cease, with distances regularly getting longer from there. Not so with the Prius, which helps encourage confidence. There is a average however acceptable quantity of brake dive, and the automobile feels steady throughout panic stops. The brake pedal feels agency and bites effectively, each points we have present in another hybrids. Due to how some hybrid brakes can work, the pedal can really feel tender and disconnected.
“Dealing with is vastly improved over the outdated automobile. Whereas the outdated automobile did not essentially deal with poorly, the brand new automobile feels way more buttoned-down and composed on the highway. The improved braking efficiency already gave me a sign as to how the Prius would carry out, however I am no much less impressed by the brand new automobile’s 0.90 g skidpad determine. It is no sizzling hatch, however there’s extra stability and fewer push on the restrict. You do not have to battle as exhausting to maintain the automobile’s nostril regular and tight across the skidpad. It nonetheless requires a little bit of sawing on the wheel and feathering of the accelerator, nevertheless it’s predictable and straightforward. Physique roll is average however acceptable. Stability management intervenes easily, so the automobile does not really feel jerky as the pc tries to kind issues out. You may disable it, and our greatest run was achieved with the system off. Steering does not present a lot in the best way of suggestions, however the small-diameter wheel helps make the Prius really feel a bit extra nimble. I simply want the driving place was higher, as I could not get the wheel positioned comfortably and nonetheless see the instrument cluster.”
