Will the next type of Toyota "Prius" appear next year?Focus on fuel economy, price, usability, Nani?Is the synonym for eco -car unchanged?

Prius, a pioneer of hybrid cars, has a model change next year?

　Six years have passed since the current model of the Toyota "Prius" appeared in 2015, and the rumors of the next model are almost heard.Hybrid cars have already passed since the first model appeared in 1997 as the world's first mass -produced hybrid vehicle in 1997, but how will the next Prius appear?。[Image] Super black ... See the cool "Prius"!(19 sheets)

How will the next model of Toyota "Prius" appear?

　The Prius, which was released in 2021, is the fourth generation that appeared in 2015. Six years have passed since the full model change, and it is expected that the next model will appear in 2022 if it goes well. Many users will be interested in the full model change of the Prius, which is synonymous with hybrid vehicles (HV). However, there is almost no official announcement about the next Prius from Toyota at this time. The history of the Prius can be said to be the history of hybrid vehicles, but now hybrid vehicles are now commonplace, and electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) have appeared. Under such circumstances, what kind of position and branding will the Prius, which are said to be "pioneers of hybrid cars" and "synonyms for hybrid cars", will stand and brand them in the future? Prius gave birth in 1997. The world's first mass -produced hybrid car, which appeared with the catch phrase "In the 21st century," was an innovative car with a compact body and a futuristic design. 28.At the time, the market for 0km / L (10.15 mode) was astonishing fuel efficiency at the time and a realistic price of 2.15 million yen, but the market was low for new hybrid cars. In some cases, the sales volume is not much compared to the second and subsequent Prius. However, the first Prius played a major role in building the foundation of the subsequent hybrid vehicles. The second -generation Prius, which appeared in 2003 based on the response that was grabbed by the first Prius, is exactly the ancestor of a hybrid car. The body size has become larger than the first generation, and it has been changed to a 5-door fast-back style, and the hybrid system, which is the heart, has evolved to "THS-II", and the current Prius concept has solidified. It is also a model. Fuel economy is 35.5km / L (10.15 mode) boasted the world's highest level of performance, and included the world's first technologies such as intelligent parking assists and electric inverter air conditioners.。With the growing interest in global environmental issues, the second -generation Prius will be released not only in Japan, but also in the United States, and will make the Prius known to the world.And the third -generation Prius, which appeared in 2009, can be called the second generation orthodox evolution, and has been finished in all aspects, surpassing the second generation, but accepted by the second -generation users without discomfort.I did it.The fuel efficiency is 38 due to the adoption of "THS-II with reduction mechanism".Improved to 0km / L (10.15 mode) and the engine is 1.The expansion to 8 liters will eliminate the lack of power that was an issue. In 2012, after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the AC power supply could be selected as optional, and a "Vehicle Power Connector" that can supply power to the home was also equipped, and the later hybrid vehicles showed how the hybrid vehicles were. 。 Overseas expansion has accelerated further, and the 3rd generation Prius, which has been sold in more than 80 countries over 80 countries over the second generation, and has become a record hit in many countries, the image of "hybrid car = Prius" will be firm. 。 In 2015, when a hybrid car has been established as a category and each company has a lineup, the fourth -generation Prius of the current model will appear. 40 as the first model that adopted "TNGA (= Toyota New Global Architecture)", a new car making system for Toyota.Not only the fuel efficiency of 8km / L (JC08 mode), but also all parts such as athletic performance and quietness have been improved. However, the 4th generation Prius does not record the recorded number of sales as much as the second or third generation. In 2021, the end of the model, sales have fallen about half of the previous year. Behind this is the circumstances of the Prius itself, such as avant -garde designs have caused pros and cons, but the larger factor is the external factor in which hybrid vehicles other than the Prius have been enhanced. For example, there are many rivals that set up hybrid vehicles only in Toyota, such as more compact "Aqua" and "Yaris" and popular SUVs "Yaris Cross" and "Harrier". In other words, the Prius built a category of hybrid vehicles, causing many rivals to appear, and the sarcastic situation is that the pioneer, the Prius seat, is threatened. As mentioned so far, the Prius has become a pioneer in hybrid cars, and has been reminded not only in Japan but also around the world. His achievements are not only that they have sold a large number, but also to bring users with the concept of "low fuel consumption", which is now commonplace. But now that low fuel consumption is not an absolute value. Unlike a quarter century ago when the Prius was released, the lineup of hybrid vehicles is now increasing significantly, and if you want fuel efficiency, there are options other than the Prius. In fact, as of November 2021, the catalog fuel economy (WLTC mode) is ranked first (36)..0km / l), 2nd place Aqua (35).8km / l), 3rd place is Prius (32.It is 1km / l). So, will the next Prius achieve overwhelming fuel consumption that surpass these rivals? In this regard, I am skeptical. Of course, by honeing your technology, you may be able to pursue fuel efficiency more than the current model. However, it is obvious that more compact yaris and aqua are more advantageous in terms of fuel economy, but they will be overtaken immediately. In addition, I think that the existing hybrid system that has already been polished so far does not expect dramatic fuel efficiency. In the first place, it may be unreasonable to pursue a slight catalog fuel economy in the recent automotive industry where the shift to PHEV and EVs is remarkable. Of course, the Prius, a pioneer in hybrid cars, feels that he should always provide new value. But that value is not just the catalog fuel economy value. What the Prius has provided to users so far is to make the concept of "eco" in the car. Furthermore, it is also important that many users actually purchase and have as much price, cruising range, and practicality that can be used. In other words, the essential value of the Prius is that many users provide the option of "eco -car" and democratize eco -cars.