My First Impressions

[asfafa]

Well, yesterday (Saturday), after sorting out the part exchange of my old car (good-bye to my Volvo S40!), the finance, and going over the basics of my Prius, I finally had my Prius after 4 months of waiting, after having ordered on July 1!

I drove a little cautiously from the safe confines of the Platinum Toyota centre in Bath out onto the roads. I was fully aware of the near-accidents that have accompanied the last two times I picked up a new car during the 14 years or so I have been driving.

I drove to the office car park which is only a few hundred yards away to have a proper test drive. I found the brakes to be a little sensitive compared to my Volvo, but it didn't take me very long to adjust. But that was it. I then headed home on my usual 16 mile commute, and realised that my Prius will be perfect for the journey!

On just that single trip yesterday, I was in Stealth Mode at around 31mph several times, re-charging while coasting and on downhills, and listening to the wonderful silence as I sat in a traffic jam and in roadworks. I was trying not to feel too smug or smile too much with other drivers around me, but I know I'm going to enjoy rush hour and gridlock much more now! From time to time, I was popping my head out of the window to hear the non-sound of the engine. I drive quite efficiently anyway, but I am sure that my Prius will teach me a few more tricks.

Some minor gripes and questions:

- the split view of the back will definitely take some getting used to. Every time I look in the rear view mirror, I have to tell myself that the boot (door) isn't up and causing the funny view.

- does anyone have or use screen protectors for the display? After only 30 miles in my Prius, the greasy fingerprints are quite prominent!

- it's a bit too easy to leave the car with the parking brake I find. It's probably how 5th Gear managed such a miserable MPG last week.

- the car engine is a little growly and noisy on hard acceleration, but acceptable. Again something to get used to.

- there was only 3 bars of petrol in the tank. It would have been nice of the dealers to have topped it up.

- The Parking Button and Parking Brake are not the same, I presume?

- It says in the manual, that 'during traffic jams, use the 'D' position. I presume it's okay to use the Parking Button, and then 'D' when it's okay to move off?

- I really like the digital dash and how far back it's set

- I had forgotten about the GAP warranty (which makes up for the depreciation in case of a total loss claim). I declined, but did anyone else take it up?

But has it been worth the wait? A most definite and resounding yes! Is it possible to feel a little emotional towards a car? ;)

I know the office will be asking me for a demo tomorrow!

:D

paul

[Braindead]

Hah! Sounds like you're going through what I wne through. :D

I was in Stealth Mode at around 31mph several times

You can get it in stealth mode up to around 50 going down hills! Not using the Stealth button, it just does it on it's own.

the split view of the back will definitely take some getting used to.

It does but it also has an advantage....it's at the hight of most headlights so you reduce the amount of glare you get fom cars following.

it's a bit too easy to leave the car with the parking brake

You soon pick up the habit. The whole starting and moving off procedure is so different....takes some getting used to.

the car engine is a little growly and noisy on hard acceleration

Agreed....I try not to accelerate hard. You get much better mpg that way.

The Parking Button and Parking Brake are not the same, I presume?

Foot parking brake is mechanical like a hand brake. The P button locks the gears. You can sometimes get an interesting rocking effect using the P button when you lift off the foot brake. You'll see what I'm on about when you do it. It also rolls an inch or two on the P button. I mostly use P button then flip to D when moving off. Only use the foot parking brake when parked.

It says in the manual, that 'during traffic jams, use the 'D' position. I presume it's okay to use the Parking Button, and then 'D' when it's okay to move off?

D or P is fine. They say not to use N as the Hybrid system isn't active in that state.

Enjoy it.....I still grin when I drive it

[asfafa]

Hi Malc

Thanks for your answers.

Just been for a night drive :)

I have a couple more observations which I hope you or someone else can verify:

- There's a point when your foot is on the accelerator where nothing appears/is happening on the energy (?) screen, between the regeneration (green flow) and the Battery powering the wheels (orange). Does this happen to anyone else?

- Also when applying the brake, if you lightly apply it, the car is stationary but the screen still says that Battery is still supplying power to the wheels. Only a firm push down on the brake pedal negates this. Again, does anyone also see this?

paul

[Braindead]

- There's a point when your foot is on the accelerator where nothing appears/is happening on the energy (?) screen, between the regeneration (green flow) and the battery powering the wheels (orange). Does this happen to anyone else?

Yep...they do that. I take it to mean it's freewheeling - i.e. no power from Battery to drive wheels but no kinetic energy used to generate power. This seems to happen when you have your foot on the throttle and are going slightly down hill.

- Also when applying the brake, if you lightly apply it, the car is stationary but the screen still says that battery is still supplying power to the wheels. Only a firm push down on the brake pedal negates this. Again, does anyone also see this?

Well spotted, they seem to do that also. Can't figure that one out - unless the car is being held by the motor rather than the brakes but I can't see an advantage to that. Oh well.

[gasman]

The power is being supplied to the moter when stationary as I understand it. Thats how it creeps when parking. Presumably if you stay stationary then the Battery must slowly drain?

[Braindead]

So Paul, one week in and how's it going?

[asfafa]

I'm still very happy with my purchase :) The novelty has worn off a bit but I do smile everytime I get into my car. I really enjoy my commutes to and from work. From time to time, I switch off the air con or radio to enjoy the silence of the car.

I was a little disappointed today when I had only travelled 440 (180 miles of it on free-flowing motorway) and the 'Add Fuel' warning came up. My MPG was 54 which is pretty good, but I expect that it'll take a few more tanks before the economy increases.

I've taken a few people for a little spin and they are pretty impressed. I have also seen people walk past my Prius parked in the office car park and give it a second look which makes me a little smug. I have already had someone ask if it needs to be plugged in :)

Any complaints? Not really. The boot light hasn't worked from day one, so I should pop into into the dealers to get it fixed. I would like it to be a llittle more zippier, but I don't drive fast and I don't floor it either, but sometimes I feel that I'm slowing everyone down. But yes, I am really happy.

[AlienEvo]

hah, thats awesome man, glad you like it

stealth mode eh? that sounds perfect for me coming back early morning and having to turn off lights, put it in neutral, turn off engine and coast home... interesting ......

[asfafa]

Result! My Powershift Grant arrived in the post today, less than two weeks after taking delivery of my Prius :D

[Braindead]

Well done! The icing on the cake!