Owner Review: Pioneering technology, stepping into the unknown, My 2011 Toyota Prius 1.8

** This article is published on WapCar Community, representing the opinion of users. Click the link below to enter the community for car enthusiasts in Malaysia
https://forum.wapcar.my/

Basic information of my car:

2011 Toyota Prius 1.8

Reasons why I bought this car

The fact that it comes with a hybrid system which will help in reducing the overall fuel consumption.

Car Selection Process

I had a budget of Below RM150k

Models that I’ve considered included : Neither, opted to buy because this is the first ever hybrid ever introduced in Malaysia before any brands.

Reasons why I chose this car

Refer to question no.2.

User experience

• I have already done 142400km.
• My average fuel consumption is 5.5 to 6.0L/100km

Other than the concern about the cost of hybrid battery replacement and maintenance, the regular maintenance fees are more or less like thhe other Toyota vehicles. Minor servicing should be around RM310 while major servicing could range between RM650 to RM2000 (depending on which spare parts have to be changed).

Pros of my car:

The car is very quiet most of the time. The engine noise only starts kicking in especially when recharging the battery. Cruising around 90 to 110km/h will give the best result not only to the fuel consumption, but also the insulation of sound when driving on a highway. Not so much of noise problem from the tyres unless the car speed exceeded 120km/h. One complete fuel refuelling (from empty to full tank) would give approximately 680 to 760km distance (Values might ranged subject to the quality of the fuel and the condition of your car).

Cons of my car:

• Lack of driving handling features including no lower gear shift options, no paddle shifters. Sometimes the automated CVT can mean higher fuel consumption on certain areas as you have no direct control on the gear selections to optimize your driving experience which could provide the optimum result.
• Undercarriage is very low. The bumper will hit it and the suspension will be affected if the vehicle is not slow enough. The problem is more evident when carrying 4 or 5 people in the car.

Ratings: 

Total Score: 4

Performance: 3

Quality & Features: 4

Space: 4

Ride Comfort: 4

Fuel Economy: 4

Price & Cost: 4

Summary :

The overall experience of driving this vehicle is quite a pleasant one. They have different driving feature types like EV, Eco mode and Power mode. The EV mode, however can only last up to 2km at most (from fully charged battery to 2 bars minimum as indicated in energy monitoring system). Eco mode is best when using in urban areas where traffic congestion will be a huge problem that will take up alot of fuel consumption in the process while the power mode will function at its optimum during the ultra-urban drive especially on a highway with no traffic congestion issues.

Lastly :

Changed suspension before. Cost aroundd RM3200. Hybrid battery replacement is RM6400, disposal fee is RM320.

Also this car does not have a lower gear shift option. They have B-gear which is meant to use the engine to reverse the torque of the tyres when moving down the slope, hence reducing the pressure on brakes when moving downward on a steep slope. For moving upwards of a steep slope, the only recommendation I could say is by using the power mode, not much options can be chosen.

Based on my estimation from my experience (not 100% accurate but the rates are dependent on the way you drive), I can sum up the fuel consumption by three different categories which are ultra-urban (highway), urban and mixed conditions.

Ultra urban - Around 3.7 to 5.2L/100km Urban - Around 5.5 to 8.2L/100km Mixed - Should fetch around 5.5 to 6.0L/100km

While the fuel consumption from the car brochure stated is only 2.6L/100km.

My overall fuel consumption for my Prius 1.8 (2011) is around 5.7 to 5.8L/100km.

📢📢Announcement:

After reading a countless number of Owner Review stories, are you interested in sharing your own story also? WapCar sincerely invites YOU to share the genuine feelings of your car!

You may receive special souvenirs from WapCar! Sign up now to know more! WapCar staff will contact you shortly after you sign up.