The Prius grows up

2010 Toyota Prius

Those that think the Prius is just for tree-hugging, green-thinking conservation advocates are in for a surprise.

You just might want it in your own driveway.

Really.

The Prius has evolved from being a hybrid car marketed to a small slice of the market to a gas-efficient family vehicle that can be outfitted as nicely as your favorite Lexus.

Really.

Not that the Prius did too shabby. It was the 13th most sold car in the U.S. in 2008.

The 2010 Prius has been totally redesigned by Toyota. Some of the more important and noticeable changes for this third generation model include more power, better fuel economy, enhanced steering feel, more conventional interior controls and sleeker styling.

This year’s Prius will have some competition from the Honda Insight, the new Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Nissan Alti ma Hybrid.

The Prius handily beats them in the mileage category.

This year’s Prius’ exterior design is a bit more subdued and doesn’t scream, “HYRBID,” as some past models did. Like the Insight, Fusion and Altima, the Prius looks like a small four-door sedan.

The 2010 Prius is a tad longer and wider than last year’s model, while the interior specs for headroom and legroom have been reduced a tad.

There’s a more powerful gasoline engine in this year’s Prius that allows a noticeable improvement in off-the-line acceleration. Top speeds on the highway seemed less strenuous.

A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combines with a pair of electric motors (one for propulsion, the other an electrical systems generator) through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. The result is a total system output of 134 horsepower.

A smaller electric motor contributes less torque to the overall powertrain formula, but it improves efficiency.

Through some other mechanical changes that I don’t really understand, Prius drivers get a jump in fuel economy, from 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway to this year’s 51/48 mpg.

This is the part of the comparison where the Prius blows competitors out the water: the mileage numbers.

The nearest competitor in mileage, is the Honda Insight, which gets 40/43 mpg. The new Fusion Hybrid is rated at 41/36 and tne new Altima Hybrid gets 35/33.

Besides, the mileage of the Prius, I think the next most important thing that will help Toyota sell their star hybrid is the versatility of the 2010 model.

It comes in a I, II, III, IV and V with the I model being a base discounted model. It’s not been released yet,but is scheduled to be below the II’s prices of $22,000.

The II and III model are adequately equipped and the IV and V are the “luxury” trims for the Prius with features like leather seating and heated seats.

The Prius can be loaded up with optional equipment, making it seem more like a Lexus than a Toyota. Prius shoppers can choose a moonroof, navigation system, upgraded audio equipment, Bluetooth capability, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision alert system, a lane departure warning system and automated self parking.

Everything you need for a great family car.

The III model Prius that I drove had a base price of $23,000.

Option-wise my test model had the solar roof package that includes a navigation system and, obviously, a moonroof and XM radio and ratcheted the price up to $28,921.

For those that poo-pooed the idea of the Prius as a family car in the past, Toyota has answered.

You should get ready to welcome the Prius to the family.