this is a great idea. if toyota isn't bright enough to do it, maybe someone will have a mod. looks like this maybe the easiest center console to mod of all the generations.
If this is true, and assuming the Gen 4 Prius has 150hp (112kW) it will have a very similar power to weight ratio compared with a Mazda 3 (89W/kg vs 90W/kg). The Mazda 3 is Aussie spec 2.0L with 114kW. I think with the added torque, the Prius will probably a little faster, albeit negligible. The current Mazda 3 2.0L does 0-100 in low 9 seconds, maybe the gen 4 could do it in less than 9?
Information is ALWAYS part of the process when a next gen, or new vehicles arrives. And information always trickles out from various sources. People want it, ASAP even if that means a DAY before it officially get's announced. Human Nature. Sure, someday, not so far off, we'll have a commercially available Gen 4 Prius line, sitting on Toyota dealership lots, and everyone will have access to all available information as well as anecdotes from actual owners. And all this "speculation" and The Hunt For "Tell Us Anything" ends. But until then? I actually think it's part of the "fun" in the release of a new vehicle to scan the horizon for as much information as possible. The speculation and debate becomes part of the process that often builds interest and excitement in the new product. Auto Shows, observation, conversation, speculation...official Toyota informational/news releases, whatever the source...I personally use a Ouija Board, IMO it's all good.
The marriage of the Prius hybrid system and the Mazda 3 appeared to be a very good one, although the cargo room and split-folding rear seats suffered. I try not to look at the Mazda 3 too much, or worse, drive one. I live in fear of immediately trading my Prius v in everytime. But alas, as we look for a Camry hybrid replacement, I tend to go on those car-buying trips to kick the tires. Regardless of speed, the Mazda 3 is just so much better a car in all but one way (fuel efficiency), that it's hard to ignore the differences. We've also taken a Mazda 6 out for a couple of spins. Really, really nice car. That said, Toyota's reliability for us has been so good, it remains the only real reason we keep going back. At some point over the next year or so, the old 2007 Camry hybrid will probably leave us. Since I have no plans to get rid of my low mileage v, I doubt we'll be in the hybrid camp for the second car, unless a deal for the Avalon or Camry hybrid comes up that we can't pass up. Frankly, I wish a Mazda team had been subcontracted for the new Prius. But it will be interesting when real car guys get to test the actual 2016 Prius and see how it drives.
We are in exactly the same situation. If the Mazda 3 had more leg rooms and better FE, sure why not. But then again, Toyota's reliability is too good to give away. We had Mazda 626 and a 323, both had gearbox issues and some electronic gremlins. These new breed look the good, still the economy aren't there compared with the hybrids. As with the testing by "real car guy", I'm not holding my breath. They will still say it's slow and drive like a boat. They will still hate the Prius because if they don't, it will hurt their fuel and tire burning ego. SM-G900I ?
Where's the 12 volt battery, ie: Usual spot, under rear hatch floor, requiring more expensive, vented AGM type? Or: Engine bay, allowing cheaper regular battery? Considering the hatch floor is dropped a few inches, in models without spare tire: maybe there's no 12 volt battery under there? Did anyone spot it?
Will precollision system be able to stop the car completely like the eyesight? If so from what speed? Does LKA require constant hands on? Does the rear camera show steering path? What size is the fuel tank? What size is the HV battery? What voltage is the HV battery?
I rented a Mazda 3 for two weeks. Crappy car. Noisy, mushy steering, highly unpredictable throttle response, difficult to see the gauges, uncomfortable seats, lousy cargo room. When we flew back home to my waiting 2004 Prius, it was like a breath of fresh air. Vastly superior car. This comes from an owner of two Mazda vehicles.
What is going on here: This is the area where the exhaust pipe comes from the heat-shield covered, tunnel, forward to muffler (upper right.) That black dot and curious formed impression could be a sophisticated mount system but gosh, it sure looks . . . 'funny.' Then there is that 'brass-like' looking mount to the exhaust pipe. Huh? Eventually we'll find out so it is on my 'bucket list.' Bob Wilson
You nailed it. Tony sent me a clearer photo: The exhaust pipe mount is a little different from the usual welded tabs but I'm ok with it. Bob Wilson
Have to admit that I didn't see it and I don't remember hearing anyone else talking about it's location.
By "real car guys" I take it you mean people who are emotionally incapable of assessing or commenting on cars in a rational or balanced manner.
