After unveiling the concept of its forthcoming global compact car Etios at the auto expo here, Japanese car major Toyota on Thursday announced the availability of its latest generation hybrid car ‘Prius’ in India, besides launching the CNG version of its popular sedan Corolla Altis.
Priced between Rs.26.55 lakh and Rs.27.86 lakh, the third generation Prius, which became the world’s first mass produced hybrid vehicle in 1997, comes with 1.8 litre petrol engine with a battery of 60 kilowatt. This will have three driving modes — Power mode, Eco mode and Electric vehicle mode (battery). Prius, which in Latin means ‘to go before,’ is ‘equipped with the latest version of its pioneering technology — Toyota Hybrid System II (also called Hybrid Synergy Drive) — that has achieved world-leading fuel efficiency.
“Through the launch of Prius, Toyota is keen to demonstrate its commitment to offer the latest eco-friendly automotive technology to its customers in India. Prius today is the most successful hybrid in the world with cumulative sales of nearly 15-lakh. We will continue to popularise environmental-friendly vehicles in India to further our efforts to help save the environment,” said Toyota Kirloskar Motor Deputy Managing Director Sandeep Singh.
“Prius will be imported as completely built-up unit from Japan. We have ordered 200 units for India that will be sold during March-December 2010, while the bookings have already started. Prius will be available only in 10 cities, including the metros and smaller cities like Chandigarh, Pune and Ahmedabad, while the waiting period for the hybrid will be about two months” Mr. Singh said.
