September 9, 2003. Copyright, 2003, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Handy hybrid Toyota Prius saves fuel and parks itself
By Neil Winton

LONDON, September 9, Graphic News:  The new Toyota Prius looks a bit racier than the model it replaces, but you would probably never guess that this car is way ahead of its time.

The five-seater family saloon is in fact a high technology powerhouse. It is a hybrid, with two engines Ð one running on gasoline, the other on electricity.

And the latest version of the Prius boasts another first Ð it can park itself. New models now offer an option called ÒIntelligent Park AssistÓ which uses a rear-facing TV camera and a computer program to help squeeze into a space only one metre (3.3ft) longer than the car. The driver stops next to the chosen space, indicates on a graphic display the location of the parking spot, then activates the parking system, releasing the foot brake and steering wheel.

The system costs about $1,980 (1,800 euros). Prius prices start at around $18,400 (16,600 euros).

According to Toyota, there are currently no plans to offer Intelligent Park Assist anywhere but in Japan. The system doesnÕt have a radar system to detect problems, like pedestrians suddenly getting in the way, and relies on driver intervention to stop the car.

The new Prius has an improved gasoline-electric engine with high efficiency and low emissions. The engine can produce up to 85 miles per gallon (36km per litre), better than both conventional petrol engines and the latest diesel engines. The hybrid engine is designed to use electricity for emission-free city driving and the petrol engine for higher speed use, with the electric motor also providing extra power when more acceleration is required. It generates energy during braking and coasting.

Toyota was the first company to offer a hybrid. Only Honda has followed. Hybrids are an interim step between the petrol engine and fuel cell power, which is likely to appear between five and 10 years from now. GM and Ford will be offering hybrid cars later this year.

The new Prius is on sale now in Japan, and will be available in Europe and the U.S. in 2004.
/ENDS