 |
2003 Toyota Prius
The 2003 Toyota Prius is a revolutionary hybrid vehicle breaking records
for sales, establishing a standard for a new class and achieving record
breaking and segment leading sales in the process.
The 2003 Toyota Prius is a road-ready electric car that never needs to
be plugged in, can travel with zero emissions and, incidentally, minimal
noise, and achieves unheard of EPA fuel economy ratings, at least for
regular cars. In an energy crisis, your average muscle car may go faster
but it may not get as far at all. It has an EPA-estimated rating of 52
miles per gallon in city driving and 45 mpg on the highway and is certified
by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and by the EPA as a super
ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV). The Prius is no slow poke either,
achieving the speed limit in most places and, due to the electric motor
in primary control in urban situations, taking off with very high torque
from a standstill.
Available Models
The 2003 Toyota Prius comes in one version, a sub-compact four-door with
great styling, generous interior amenities, respectable power profile
and good handling capability because of its low center of gravity and
one hybrid engine choice.
Interior Features
This Prius has a single high trim level with automatic climate control
and options like an in-dash 6CD changer, cruise control and a satellite
navigation system. Power windows, door locks and steering, remote keyless
entry, and heated power mirrors are all standard features as well. These
are normally features only found on luxury cars or up-level trims but
with the Prius consumers benefit from its first time status.
In fact, the 2003 Toyota Prius is showing that comfort, convenience and
style do not have to suffer to save the planet.
Exterior Features
The 2003 Toyota Prius has distinctive and aerodynamic exterior styling
with alloy wheels, fully integrated fog lights and a rear spoiler to add
form and function enhancements.
Performance
A high efficiency 70-horsepower (at 4,500 rpm) 1.5-liter four-cylinder
gasoline-fuelled engine is teamed with a 44-horsepower permanent-magnet
electric motor to comprise the Prius powerplant. Electronic controls managed
by the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) uses either electricity or gasoline
or a combination of both to operate the vehicle in a power management
system invisible to the driver.
Regenerative braking system adds further system efficiency. The electric
motor converts heat generated by the brakes to kinetic energy and transforms
it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries. This is one reason
the Prius can achieve better fuel efficiency in urban driving than on
the highway, where braking is less frequent. As more braking power is
required, the computer phases in the regular brakes. The total result
is that the Prius has better fuel economy in the city than it has on the
highway.
Safety and Security
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes and an emergency inside trunk release
are standard contributions to the safety record of the Prius.
|
2003 Toyota Prius Highlights
The
Prius (the name comes from the Latin "to go before") never
needs to be plugged in for recharging. It has an EPA-estimated rating
of 52 miles per gallon in city driving and 45 mpg on the highway.
These seemingly "reversed" figures reflect the unique
powertrain that's optimized for maximum efficiency in the kind of
stop-and-go driving most commuters experience.
Prius'
powertrain teams a 70-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline-fueled
engine and a 44-horsepower permanent-magnet electric motor. The
electronic controls that make up the Toyota Hybrid System (THS)
allow Prius to operate on either electricity or gasoline, or a combination
of both. Sophisticated electronics keep the power management invisible
to the driver.
Offered
in a single, well-equipped trim level, the Prius features standard
automatic climate-control, power windows, door locks and mirrors,
an AM/FM/cassette stereo system and remote keyless entry with a
security system and engine immobilizer. Options include a DVD-based
navigation system, SRS side impact airbags, cruise control and daytime
running lights.
|
Get
a Free Price Quote on a 2003 Toyota Prius.
Although New-Cars.com checks with auto manufacturers and their representatives
to confirm the accuracy of the data, it makes no guarantee or warranty,
either expressed or implied with respect to the data presented here. All
specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice.
New-Cars.com Home
- Car Reviews - New
Car Price Quote - Privacy Policy
- Contact Us
Copyright © 2002 New-Cars.com

|
|