Fourth gen (2016) Toyota Prius
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On other hand, we had article posted here few days ago about Toyota asking unprecedented overtime over the next 6 months to build up next Prius in Japanese factories... workers will have to work extra 2hrs per shift, as well as weekends and holidays to ensure enough supply of new model.
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When they refreshed the G2 in 2006 they replaced this metallic plastic with a grainy type plastic that wasn't as attractive IMHO.
I hated the car, but I give credit where its due.
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I don't agree. I too felt the materials in our 2004 G2 were better than those in the G3. The G2 had hard plastics obviously, but it also had very nice, high quality feeling and looking metallic plastic in the front dash covering as well as nice piano black high gloss console trim, etc.
When they refreshed the G2 in 2006 they replaced this metallic plastic with a grainy type plastic that wasn't as attractive IMHO.
I hated the car, but I give credit where its due.
When they refreshed the G2 in 2006 they replaced this metallic plastic with a grainy type plastic that wasn't as attractive IMHO.
I hated the car, but I give credit where its due.
Obviously, all of that was to keep price low due to powertrain that cost them a lot more than your typical petrol engine at the time.
Overall I liked G2 better than G3 in their times, G2 was like nothing else on the road. However it did have poor plastic, not just look and feel, but they were not wearing well.. in fact, all Toyota's designed in late 90's, early 2000's had same durability interior problems... later models might have looked as cheap or worse, but they held up better.
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What year was your G2? Was it after the refresh as I noted above?
Ours was an 04, we had it for 7 years and put 80,000 miles on it. Seat fabrics were as good as seat fabric is. They got dirty but cleaned up well. No plastic scratches or anything in ours.
Ours was an 04, we had it for 7 years and put 80,000 miles on it. Seat fabrics were as good as seat fabric is. They got dirty but cleaned up well. No plastic scratches or anything in ours.
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Also, quality and durability of new Toyotas is way better than back then... not just perception of quality (touch, thickness, etc) but real life durability. Fujio Cho messed it up, Wantabe made it better and Toyoda actually changed a lot of things internally. Every decision they make is only reflected after 3-4 years at least.
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But, to be honest, IMO, both the G2 and G3 were rather appliance-like, basic commuting machines, and not much fun to drive....as was also the G1.
Last edited by mmarshall; Sep 13, 2015 at 08:26 PM.
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Definitely have to agree with the comments here about a VW Jetta TDI being nicer to drive than a Prius. Not only are the Jetta's road manners in a completely different league, but, IMO, a lot of the materials inside and out on the 3Gen Prius feel cardboard-thin......that was not the case on the older, more solid-feeling 2Gen Prius.
When I had my RX in for a stereo install a Prius drove into the bay. I asked what was on deck for it. The installer surprisingly said sound deadening. I said "Aren't those super quiet cars?" Hre laughed. He replied that they get more Prius's in for sound deadening as Toyota pretty much has taken out all noise dampeners to save weight on the vehicle. Noisy car is the usual complaint of audio hounds. They do 6-10 a year.
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2016 Toyota Prius Brochure Reveals Factory JDM Tuning Kits
http://www.carscoops.com/2015/09/201...e-reveals.html
http://www.carscoops.com/2015/09/201...e-reveals.html
Toyota's Japanese arm is willing to provide the necessary add-ons to make it stand-out more. And who knows, maybe the optional bits will make the car look better.
Several body-enhancement accessories – specifically tailored by the brand's Modellista and Toyota Racing Development – including a wide array of rims, were spotted in a Prius JDM staff manual.
As it turns out, there are entire body kits offerings for the Japanese market version of the hybrid, making it look sharper. Toyota’s own TRD division provides a subtle package, including a center-mounted twin-exhaust complemented by a rear apron. There are two design options available for the front bumper, none of which too obvious; even the option with the LED daytime running lights seem subtle enough to pass unnoticed, although I can’t say the same about the Prius.
Naturally, all factory-grade visual enhancements are subtle, even though the wide selection of wheels varies in size, from 15 inch to 18, but the Prius can apparently also be equipped with Modellista bits and pieces. In fact, the Japanese tuner offers two specific body-kits, Icon style and Up-Grade style, each with its own unique approach and add-ons.
It’s not known if these enhancements will be available in other markets, or if they will remain JDM-exclusive.
Several body-enhancement accessories – specifically tailored by the brand's Modellista and Toyota Racing Development – including a wide array of rims, were spotted in a Prius JDM staff manual.
As it turns out, there are entire body kits offerings for the Japanese market version of the hybrid, making it look sharper. Toyota’s own TRD division provides a subtle package, including a center-mounted twin-exhaust complemented by a rear apron. There are two design options available for the front bumper, none of which too obvious; even the option with the LED daytime running lights seem subtle enough to pass unnoticed, although I can’t say the same about the Prius.
Naturally, all factory-grade visual enhancements are subtle, even though the wide selection of wheels varies in size, from 15 inch to 18, but the Prius can apparently also be equipped with Modellista bits and pieces. In fact, the Japanese tuner offers two specific body-kits, Icon style and Up-Grade style, each with its own unique approach and add-ons.
It’s not known if these enhancements will be available in other markets, or if they will remain JDM-exclusive.
