Redesigned Toyota Prius gets uncovered early

AutoWeek magazine web site ^ | October 16, 2008 | Dale Jewett

[RobRoy]

Looks like the old prius with a different nose.

The biggest problem I have with the styling of the prius is the “too small” tires and wheels look.

[RobRoy]

But then, I drive I Scion xB so maybe I have no styling taste...

[norraad]

how the heck do you fit in that ugly thing?

You don't, I haven't "fit" since the previous century, that's why I enjoy keeping a fleet of large American beauties up and running just to shove it in face of these monsters.

All the while being very comfy doin' it it roomy old world style.

I suggest everyone do the same.

It's actually cheaper than going into debt for crap, which the problem in the first place on all levels, n'est pas?

Please excuse my French.

[RayChuang88]

...and its still ugly!

Well, it is a case of function over form. Toyota designed the Prius like this for two reasons: 1) lower aerodynamic drag and 2) it allows for a true hatchback design, which means when you fold down the rear seats you get a BIG rear cargo space.

I've driven a 2008 Prius and it has surprising "pep," especially from standing start.

[Proud2BeRight]

Still an ugly ricegrinder.

[RayChuang88]

Here's the problem with those European diesel cars: they don't meet our emission control standards. European diesel-powered cars spew out quite a bit more NOx pollutants than gasoline-powered cars, and most of them lack diesel articulate filters, which means a lot of unhealthy diesel soot in the air (as the Swiss have found out especially in winter in their high-altitude Alpine valleys).

We can make diesel engines meet American emission control standards, but the emission control systems are complex and very costly--so much so that you'll be better off with a Toyota Prius or Honda's new Insight family car due next spring.

[CodeToad]

If I want gas mileage I’ll ride a motorcycle and not one of those pretent gas-sippers that waste as much gas as any cars does and pollutes the environment more than a Hummer. When I drive, I want comfort and safety, so I drive better vehicles.

[RayChuang88]

Look, if I really wanted to save gas I'll be travelling around in one of these:

KYMCO People S 125 scooter:

[JoJo Gunn]

They’re still plagiarizing the Aztek’s rear end, I see.

[SunTzuWu]

[Tatze]

I’m 6’4”, how the heck do you fit in that ugly thing?

I'm 6'4" and I fit fine in the current design Prius and surprisingly the Smart Car too. The Smart Car was a little tight.

[Fresh Wind]

Is a 4 (5 or 6) on the floor, with a grinning skull shift knob, too much to ask?

Not only isn't it too much to ask, any car that isn't available with a stick isn't worth considering at all.

*sigh* I am such a dinosaur.

See ya down at the tar pit!

[Andonius_99]

I’m 6’4”, how the heck do you fit in that ugly thing?

Like you do in any small car - one on each foot!