A new Toyota Prius for a new generation

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The Toyota Prius has a slick new look and an equally new sporty outlook on

The Toyota Prius has a slick new look and an equally new sporty outlook on

Sponsored by Toyota New Zealand

Toyota New Zealand

Say the word ‘hybrid’ to any New Zealander and the image that will form in their mind will almost inevitably be that of a Toyota Prius.

The Prius has become almost ubiquitous in New Zealand over the past 20-plus years, largely thanks to its typical Toyota reliability and dependability, while also being incredibly frugal.

Toyota Prius New Zealand

Although, very few people were prepared for the Prius’ transformation into a sleek – and, yes, even sexy – sporty sedan. The Prius looks, acts and feels like a sports car and its new looks have been recognised internationally, picking up the 2024 World Car Design of the Year, beating 70 other eligible competitors for the crown.

But now there are two new ingredients to throw into the mix when it comes to the Prius’ popularity – the new Toyota Prius is cool and is carrying future-focused tech. The introduction of the new 5th-generation Prius in 2023 saw Toyota shift the goalposts – after all, almost the entire Toyota range were now hybrid and the need for a specialist model was now diminished, so the Prius was free to become something new.

Toyota Prius New Zealand

The specifications are impressive, but the new Prius also has those fantastic new looks that are going to attract all the attention. The sleek silhouette may well be very aerodynamic (and an important part of the efficient hybrid equation), but it is now also very sexy, with strikingly athletic lines and a sporty stance.

While Toyota New Zealand removed the Prius from its new vehicle local line up in 2021, it has recently started offering the new Prius as a near-new, extremely low mileage used import via its Signature Class programme.

[digital description] The Toyota Prius has a slick new look and an equally new sporty outlook on

Available at Toyota Stores throughout the country, the new Prius lands in New Zealand in several variants, with a range of engines and drivetrains. Initially available in two grades (G and Z), the new Prius can be had in 2WD or E-four AWD, with a range-topping Z grade PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) also offering an electric experience. The Z grade retains the 2.0-litre engine and adds a larger battery and the ability to charge it from a three-pin plug in your home. It also offers the performance to back up the looks with its 164kW of power and 0 to 100km/h time of just 6.7 seconds.

The PHEV is available as a 2WD and the larger battery provides an electric-only range of between 87 and 105km (when on optional 17-inch wheels), providing even better fuel economy, particularly as the PHEV can cover most daily driving – including commuting and going shopping – using electricity alone.

[digital description] The Toyota Prius has a slick new look and an equally new sporty outlook on

Both grades feature a 2.0-litre petrol hybrid engine with the choice of 2WD or AWD, while the Z grade gets a shedload of extra equipment such as 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black exterior accents, power tailgate, a 360-degree panoramic camera, a wireless phone charger and a generous 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

All of this comes on top of the standard equipment offered in the G grade, and both include Toyota’s world-class Toyota Safety Sense package of driver assists and safety systems that includes such features as a pre-collision warning system with autonomous emergency braking, dynamic adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, road sign assist and automatic high beams.

Toyota Prius New Zealand

And Toyota has delivered the on-road prowess to back up the looks and power, with the new Prius sitting on the same Toyota new generation architecture platform as the Corolla (which also includes the GR Corolla hot hatch), offering sharp and responsive handling without compromising ride quality.

And now with the new 5th-generation iteration, the Prius is not only a world-changing passenger vehicle, but also a damn good looking one.

The new-generation Toyota Prius is available for test drives now at selected Toyota Stores, and each model comes with the extensive Signature Class package of 5 Years Warranty, 5 Years AA Roadservice, 5 Years WOFs and 5 Years Hybrid Battery warranty. See more at toyota.co.nz/used-vehicles/signature-class-prius/