The generations of the Toyota Prius

The first generation Toyota Prius

1997: aerodynamic profile, curved roof and a drag coefficient of 0.29. The hybrid system of the first Prius combines a 1.5 litre VVT-i petrol engine with an electric motor.

The second generation Toyota Prius

2003: the second generation of Prius adopts a new Hybrid Synergy Drive system with many improvements of the engine and battery pack, and an electric motor that is over 50% more powerful. Quicker and cheaper, thanks to its fuel efficiency, the distance covered in electric mode increases to 2 km and CO2 emissions are reduced to 104 g/km, remarkable at the time.

The third generation Toyota Prius

2009: aiming for increased fuel efficiency at higher speeds and better torque efficiency at lower ones, for the third generation of the Prius Toyota decides to increase engine CC to 1.8 litres, whilst 90% of the hybrid system's components are re-designed to reduce weight and size.

The fourth generation Toyota Prius

2018: the current generation of the Toyota Prius, the fourth, makes its debut, presented to the public at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It's the first Toyota with the smart electronic all-wheel drive Hybrid AWD-i system. And for the first time, the headlights are equipped with bi-Led technology for improved visibility.