Toyota Prius 'Best Engineered'
By: Jack Nerad for Driving Today
Date: 2004-06-20
The readers and editors of Automotive Engineering International (AEI) have selected the 2004 Toyota Prius as the "Best Engineered Vehicle of 2004." The new Prius was selected because "it blazes new trails in hybrid passenger car technology and engineering," according to the trade journal. The 2004 edition of the gasoline-electric hybrid-powered vehicle features significantly more power and performance than the previous model, as well as best-in-class fuel economy and emissions. It is also the first hybrid to provide room, comfort, and features of a midsize sedan.
The Prius's full hybrid system is capable of operating in gasoline or electric modes, or a combination of both, and produces more power from both the gasoline engine and the electric motor than did the earlier version. In addition to enhanced power, the Prius yields better fuel efficiency, with combined U.S. EPA highway/city mileage of 55 mpg, compared to 48 mpg for the previous generation.
Among the features that won the hearts and minds of AEI readership was the navigation system offering Bluetooth technology for hands-free communication using any cellular phone with built-in compatibility. The car's new "smart entry and start" option, which allows hands-free keyless entry and startup, is a first-ever in a Toyota Division vehicle. Also, to give owners additional peace of mind, hybrid-related components are covered under warranty for eight years/100,000 miles (that's 160,000 km or 156 dog-years).
In designing the Prius, Toyota engineers achieved a substantial weight reduction, while increasing size and interior volume. Because of this, the five-door liftback (hatchback) sedan has moved from the EPA's compact to mid-size class. This marks the second time that a Toyota Prius has received this honor. AEI's readers and editors also selected the 2001 Prius as the world's best-engineered passenger vehicle. In an unrelated contest, the 2004 model was also chosen as MotorTrend's 2004 Car of the Year.
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