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Cheaper Prius Version Coming

by Jeremy Elton Jacquot, Los Angeles on 07.31.07
Cars & Transportation

toyota prius

In a move to make its flagship hybrid Prius more affordable to a greater market, Toyota plans on introducing a new "standard" version in 2008 with a base price of $20,950 — about 5.5% less than the cheapest 2007 model. So what features are being taken away for the new "standard" model? According to Toyota, equipment such as cruise control and heated rear view mirrors — which did come with the low-end 2007 model — will be optional this time around. No word on whether the car's fuel consumption will be affected.

On the other hand, the Japanese company is planning on raising the base sticker prices of the 2008 mid-sized and Touring models of the Prius by $150 each. Considering some dealerships are now offering discounts of up to $2,000 on common options packages in light of increasing competition from competitors, we're not sure how much this will help boost their bottom line.

Would such a price drop make you more willing to invest in a Prius next year (albeit a "standard" version)? Or would you rather get the plug-in version?

Via ::The Cincinnati Post: Toyota will offer a cheaper Prius (newspaper)

Comments (12)

The heated mirrors are probably something I could do without, but the cruise control is something I love about the Prius. Plus, it seems to get better milage than "human" acceleration.

Of course, I also like the backup camera, so I'd probably just end up buying the same package if I had to buy a Prius again.

Also, I think you accidentally spliced this with another article after the jump.

jump to top Tim says:

with that base price why not start the roll out of a corolla hybrid?

jump to top jason says:

Why not make a hybrid Corolla? Because hybrid drivers WANT to be seen driving a hybrid, and Prius does that. The Camry hybrid (and the Ford SUV hybrid) do not sell as well becuase they look just like internal combustion cars.

The new uber-Lexus I believe is only available as a hybrid, and will have the same snob appeal, except for the fact that it's HUGE, so not very green in that department.

jump to top rob says:

Actually, I want a plug-in Prius with a high-efficiency flex-fuel diesel engine.

With the roof solar panels as an option. (grin)

jump to top Michael Long [TypeKey Profile Page] says:

Will there be a body-style change for 2008?
Has gas mileage been announced?

jump to top ontario says:

@Jason: The Prius is actually about the same size as a Corolla (I think it uses the space better, and thus "feels" bigger), and at first Toyota was even thinking about calling the original version the "Prius Corolla." Making a hybrid system that fits inside the Corolla would get less milage, cost more R&D, and ultimately be redundant. After all, it's the same size, close price, better milage, more distinctive exterior, etc.

jump to top Tim says:

The Prius is actually about the same size as a Corolla (I think it uses the space better, and thus "feels" bigger)

No, it is bigger. Exterior dimensions are similar, but there's considerably more rear passenger space in the Prius. The Corolla and the Prius are in different EPA size classes because of this.

jump to top Anonymous says:

Until they make a convertible version they could cost 10 grand new and I wouldn't want one.

jump to top Griffin says:

It sounds Good. What is the reality of the battery life and cost issues I keep hearing about? This is causing me to hold back on getting one. Unproven tech with me footing the bill for R&D I do not like.

jump to top Zac says:

Does anyone know of any incentives they are going to offer soon? I missed out on the last deal they had on Prius - 1.9% apr!!!!

jump to top Sarah says:

Unproven tech with me footing the bill for R&D I do not like.

Unproven tech? It's been out for 10 years now (starting in Japan), and the R&D goes back years from that. They've put hundreds of thousands on the road, all without any battery problems.

Empty objection.

jump to top Anonymous says:

Exactly, where does all this FUD keep coming from?
Two different generations of Prius taxis have gone well over 200,000 miles plus all the 1,000,000+ other Prius drivers out there packing on the miles.

jump to top GRLT says:

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