Toyota has introduced a revised version of its 4th-generation Prius petrol-electric hybrid compact car in South Africa. Herewith the model's specifications and price.

The Prius has the distinction of being the first hybrid vehicle to be offered for sale in South Africa (the 2nd-generation version of Toyota’s “Hybrid Pioneer” was introduced in the local market in 2005) and the 4th iteration (which arrived in 2016) introduced the Japanese firm’s New Global Architecture to the market, which also underpins the C-HR compact family car, newly-launched Corolla Hatch and its upcoming sedan sibling.

The revised combination-LED tail-light clusters emphasise the Prius's width.

The facelift serves to simplify and neaten the Prius’ exterior execution, update its lighting elements and introduce practical touches to the interior.

By virtue of its reshaped bumpers (note the revised lower intake at the front, with sunken LED fog lamps at either end), the Toyota’s 35-mm longer than its predecessor. Slimline headlamps – with bi-beam LED elements ­– are complemented by revised combination LED tail-light clusters. The 15-inch aluminium wheels have a redesigned 10-spoke silver covers and the model's available in 8 colours(Fierce Red and Sky Blue metallic are new).

The interior remains a study in futuristic cabin layout, the centre console is colour matched with the black leather trim.

Inside, the centre console, which incorporates 2 cupholders, seat heating switches and a new wireless smartphone charger, is no longer finished in that love-it-or-hate-it white “Bakelite-like” plastic… instead, it’s now Piano Black. The standard spec remains generous; features such as black leather upholstery, smart entry and keyless start, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a reverse-view camera, park distance control, a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, a 6-speaker touchscreen Bluetooth-enabled audio system and auto-dimming interior mirror are fitted.

The suite of safety systems includes 7 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction- and stability control, as well as ISOfix child seat anchors.

The centre console is finished in Piano Black and incorporates a wireless charging pad.

As for thepetrol-electric hybrid drivetrain (a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine combined with 2 motor generators and a nickel-metal hydride battery), that remains unchanged, although Toyota SA now quotes atotal system output of 100 kW (as opposed to 90 kW previously). The claimed fuel consumption figure for the combined cycle is 3.7 L/100 km, with CO2 emissions listed as 87 g/km. During our review of the pre-facelift model in 2016, we recordedan averagereturn of about 4.5 L/100 km (although the lowest figure we achieved at one point was 2.8 L/100 km).

Price and after-sales backup

The Prius Hybrid retails for R490 200, which includes a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (with intervals pegged at 15 000 km), a 3-year/100 000 km general manufacturerwarranty and a hybrid-battery warranty that's valid for 8 years or 195 000 km.

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Further Reading:

Toyota RAV4 (2019) Launch Review

Toyota RAV4 (2019) Specs & Price

Toyota Corolla Hatch (2019) Launch Review

Toyota Corolla Hatch (2019) Video Review

Toyota Prius Hybrid (2016) Review