At the recent Melbourne Motor Show, Toyota Australia displayed a new model Prius. This is a RHD model, and should be a pointer to what we will be offered when the new model is released here mid-year. Certainly, it should be identical externally and mechanically, but as yet we do not know the final equipment specifications of our models.

We do know, however, that where the US gets 4 different levels of model with differing levels of equipment in each, the Australian cars will stick to 2 models as before. It seems, though, that the current i-Tech should be renamed Hi-Tech with the level of equipment it will have as standard.

The Dark Grey featured is a new colour, with the current Pistachio Green and Light Crystal Blue colours being dropped in the new model, with a lighter Gold replacing the current Bronze. White, Silver, Wildfire Red, Dark Blue and Black remain in the range.

More information as it becomes available soon.

Below is a video and photos of the new Prius shown in Melbourne.

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Filed in: Technical

Full details on the new model 2009 Prius have been released by Toyota, although we will not see it in Australia until around August/September this year.

2009 Prius

As expected, the overall look is very much along the lines of the current NHW20, although most panels have been changed for a sleeker, slightly more angular look which has even better aerodynamics. The front is the most changed, there is a stronger body line crease, and the roofline has been re-profiled. The rear is also more angular, and has all-new tail lights. Two sizes and styles of alloy wheels are offered, a 15″ and a 17″. A moonroof  incorporating solar cells which power a ventilation system for cooling while the car is parked is also available. LED lights are now used for the low-beam headlights as well as the rear lights.

Mechanically, a new 1.8 litre petrol motor links with a redesigned and lighter Hybrid Synergy Drive to deliver more than 20% more power while using 10%  less fuel than the NHW20. The Prius petrol motor is the first to have a belt-less design, with the water pump now being electrically driven, as is the air-conditioning. The air-conditioning can now be turned on remotely from the key fob so the car is cool when you enter it. Main traction battery remains Nickel-metal Hydride in construction.

In some markets, park assist is offered, whereby the car literally parks itself. Prius cruise control now incorporates radar guidance. This can be shown on the dash display, but monitors the car’s distance from any objects ahead and adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from them.

2009 Prius interior

The Prius interior is new, with 9 airbags standard, and the previous central screen display incorporated into a flowing console extension linking the centre console and the dash proper. Energy monitoring, fuel consumption, and a range of other info displays can be selected in the main instrument display just below the windscreen. These displays are selected by thumb buttons on the new steering wheel. The new console also incorporates the navigation system (when fitted), climate control screen and controls, and the audio system screen and controls. It also houses the redesigned gear selector. An overhead console incorporates interior lights, moonroof controls (when fitted), and a button to activate Toyota’s SOS emergency assistance system. Seats are new, with more pronounced side bolsters and scalloped-out backs for more support and greater rear kneeroom. There is also more rear seat  headroom thanks to the new roof profile. Two gloveboxes are retained, along with the usual array of drink holders, bins etc, and an I-pod socket in the centre console. A lot of the plastics and seat materials used in the new Prius are plant-derived rather than using petroleum - thus extending the Green image.

It will be interesting to see what standard equipment Toyota Australia specifies for our market, and what optional accessories we are offered. Pricing, of course, will not be announced until just prior to release, so we have to wait for that. Hopefully the world economic crisis might have settled a little by then.

Enjoy the photo album of the new Prius, you can link to it here….

Photos of the 2009 Prius

Filed in: Technical

The Prius Club of Queensland will be an exhibitor at Greenfest to be held at Southbank in Brisbane from 10-12 October 2008. We will be participating in the Green Motor Show, which aims to demonstrate that carbon emissions can be successfully reduced with current and new technologies and that significant reductions in fuel consumption by motor vehicles can be achieved.

Come along and meet members of the Club who will be happy to discuss all aspects of owning and running the Prius. There are also a number of other attractions at Greenfest which will make for an enjoyable and informative family outing. Look for us near the fountains adjacent to the Performing Arts Complex by the river. Entry is free of charge.

For more information see the Greenfest website.

Filed in: General

On Sunday 17th August, 14 happy Members met to travel to George’s Seafood Restaurant on the Gold Coast for a seafood lunch feast. The traffic was moderate, but moving well on the M1, and we had a good drive down. On arrival, we were seated in a sunny spot out of the wind, and perused the extensive menu. Orders were taken, and some friendly chat whiled away the time until entrees appeared. Everyone seemed most interested in what the person next or across the table to them had ordered, but certainly did not neglect what was put in front of them.

Entrees dispatched, we waited (not long though, the service was very good) for the main courses to arrive. On seeing John’s dish of Barbequed Bugs, Ian commented “I wonder if there are any Bugs left in the sea after that plateful!”. It was certainly a good sized meal, and went down well. A couple of hardy souls had room for dessert afterwards (must be candidates for lap-band surgery after that meal) and tea/coffee finished off a very pleasant social lunch.

Fortunately, a shopping excursion through the adjoining centre didn’t bash the plastic too much and we all headed up the highway for home without incident.

Filed in: Trips

7 cars made the trip to Toowoomba on Saturday 19th July for a “Christmas in July” feast at Weis’ Restaurant. We left Brisbane’s outskirts at 10am in glorious winter sunshine, en route to our first stop at Spring Bluff railway station on the Murphy’s Creek road up the range to see what was normally a gardener’s delight. However, it was the wrong season and the place was deserted. After a short stop, we continued on up the range and in to Toowoomba for lunch. Weis’ was very cosy inside, keeping Toowoomba’s chilly breezes out and delicious cooking smells wafting about promising great food. We were not disappointed! Most of the group chose to graze from the never-ending smorgasbord of fresh seafood, soups, breads, salads and hot dishes. When appetites had been sated on that lot, you had to find room for a selection of scrumptious desserts! At least some tea or coffee helped wash it down.

When everyone had had their fill, we moved outside where some had to go home and the rest of our group decided to check out the great views from Picnic Point and it was such a fine, clear day you could almost see the Glasshouse Mountains. With everyone happy, we all (with the exception of Jenny, who was staying overnight) headed home after another great day.

Filed in: Trips

On a typically glorious Queensland winter’s day, five club members and their families met at the BP Roadhouse at Burpengary for the trip to Boreen Point on Lake Cootharaba. There had been a couple of late cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, but those who attended were looking forward to the day’s activities. We were pleased to welcome new members Keith and Sandra in their brand-new Prius. We headed north in convoy about 10.30am via the Sunshine Motorway. We diverted at Coolum so that we could enjoy the ocean views along the coastal route from Coolum to Noosa, then tracked inland along the shores of the Noosa River to Tewantin. Unfortunately the markets at the Tewantin Marina were quite crowded, so we parked near the town square where we met up with Rory, another club member who is lucky enough to live in the area. It was getting close to lunchtime, and even though Ian was in need of a caffeine hit we proceeded about another 20 minutes north to the Apollonian Hotel at Boreen Point.

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Filed in: Trips

How well do you know the Prius?

Try our interactive quiz and see how well you score.

Try the Quiz

Filed in: General

A standard Prius with racing modifications to wheels and suspension reaches a top speed of 210kph on the Bonneville Salt Flats. While we certainly don’t recommend trying this on the highway, it does demonstrate that power that can be achieved from Prius.

Click on the “Play” arrow at left to see the action. The video runs for about 3.5 minutes.

Filed in: General

The weather leading up to the weekend of 16/17 th February was anything but promising for our trip to the Stanthorpe area, but cleared up just in time for a great weekend.

7 cars met to leave from Brisbane, and we linked up with Darren and Elle at Aratula to make up our group of 8 Prii. First stop was Warwick for a quick coffee and make plans for a lunch stop before it was on to our first port of call at a winery. When we drove into the carpark, there was a tour bus there. Bugger! That meant a heap of people. On entering though, the bus mob were grazing on lunch, so we had the tasting area to ourselves. Justin and Micheala were introduced to the joys of wine while the rest of us enjoyed tasting (and buying a few bottles). Suitably satisfied, we had a quick nibble on some cheese to cleanse the palates, and it was on to lunch.

Lunch at the Big Apple was Italian-influenced, although their (large) home-made pies were excellent too, and everyone left happy. Castle Glen Winery was next on the road, where they have an amazing selection of liqueurs on offer, followed by a cheese factory just up the road. Everyone was stocking up with their preferred selections at each stop, and we moved on to another winery. Last stop of the day was to be a lavender farm, but a GPS aberration took us a very long way round via a creek crossing and some cattle-dodging. Sorry, folks! We eventually found the destination just as a shower and chilly breezes arrived. After everyone had bought their future presents etc, the rain had passed and we headed for our motel in Town, and a welcome cuppa before dinner.

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Filed in: Trips

It is no doubt just coincidence, but both times we have planned an event to the Sunshine Coast, it rains!! Regardless, 4 cars and their owners met at the Ettamogah Pub on Sunday 2nd December for a trip north. Due to Sue’s ‘flu bug, and the decreased numbers, we decided to change the plan for lunch from Boreen Point to a closer destination…the Ginger Factory at Yandina.

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Filed in: Trips