Cheaper Prius Version Coming
by Jeremy Elton Jacquot, Los Angeles on 07.31.07
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)
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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.
with that base price why not start the roll out of a corolla hybrid?
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.
Actually, I want a plug-in Prius with a high-efficiency flex-fuel diesel engine.
With the roof solar panels as an option. (grin)
Will there be a body-style change for 2008?
Has gas mileage been announced?
@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.
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.
Until they make a convertible version they could cost 10 grand new and I wouldn't want one.
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.
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!!!!
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.
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.