Toyota Australia has initiated a recall of all ZVW30 (Generation 3) Prius models sold in Australia from its launch in July 2009 until those with a February 2010 production date.

The recall is to apply a software modification to the ABS Braking System computer. This modification is to improve the response time (in milliseconds) of the ABS system engaging if either, or both, front driving wheels lose traction momentarily.

At no time is there any danger of the Prius braking system failing. The modification should take no more than 1 hour, and is obviously free of charge.

Owners can either wait until they receive their official notification letter from Toyota about the recall, or simply contact a Toyota Dealer of your choice to book your Prius in at a convenient time to have the modification applied. You will receive priority assistance by the service department at any Toyota Dealer.

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Our Club was given a preview of the new model Prius at Toyota’s Qld HQ on Monday 20th July. 31 Members and friends attended the night, which was hosted by Toyota’s head Hybrid Technical Trainer in Qld.

After parking in the secure carpark, the night started with a technical presentation in one of the lecture rooms where all the features of the new Prius were explained and shown on-screen. All questions about the car were answered in an easy-to-understand and sometimes humorous way. Everyone who attended the night left the room much more informed about the new features and equipment offered with the new model.

From the lecture room, everyone then moved to the inner sanctum…..Toyota’s technical training workshop where the technicians who work on your cars are trained. There were 2 new Prius there for everyone to play with, sit in, look over etc, as well as a gorgeous Lexus convertible (Lexus technicians are trained there, too), a Lexus 4WD and other assorted Toyotas.  Around the room were also assorted engines, transmissions, electrical components and other goodies which are used in making sure the technicians can find and fix faults which may crop up in customers’ cars.

The night ran about 1 hour over the expected time frame as everyone was having too much fun playing with the new cars and asking questions about them….not to mention the odd drool. All in all, a very interesting night where everyone learned a lot about the Generation III Prius. A big Thank You to Peter and Toyota Qld for a rare and very much appreciated opportunity.

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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.

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How well do you know the Prius?

Try our interactive quiz and see how well you score.

Try the Quiz

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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.

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