Toyota's green machine, the Prius, was launched in South Africa on Monday, but "owning" one will set you back just over R5 000 per month, with nothing really to show for it (other than the experience) after four years.

Toyota's green machine, the Prius, was launched in South Africa on Monday, but "owning" one will set you back just over R5 000 per month, with nothing really to show for it (other than the experience) after four years.

The second-generation Prius is marvelled at as the most eco-friendly mass-produced car in the world. Worldwide, more than 200 000 Prius' have been sold since it was first launched in 1997. However, Toyota SA said that while market research had indicated a high level of interest, locals remained wary of the alternative technology.

To establish a local base for the car, Toyota SA will initially not be selling it, but will offer it to would-be owners on a full maintenance rental basis over a period of four years. Linked to a selling price of R269 000, the monthly payments will amount to about R5 100.

First unveiled to the local public at the Auto Africa Expo last October, the 1,5-litre internal combustion/electric motor Prius has already won numerous awards, including the International Engine of the Year award last year. The panel of 56 motor journalists said the engine was "truly remarkable", and "raises the hybrid bar with a combination of better driveability, more technology, and more eco-friendliness".

On an incline or while negotiating fast-flowing traffic, the Prius' electric motor acts like a turbo, feeding its maximum output of 50 kW into the powertrain and giving the Prius an overall output of 82 kW and a combined torque of 478 N.m. In addition, the Prius, which is capable of a 160-km/h top speed and zero to 100 km/h time of 10,9 seconds, is said to consume an average of 4,2 litres per 100 km.

In EV (electric vehicle) driving mode, a driver can power the vehicle by using only the electric motor (resulting in zero emissions and very low noise levels). There is no need for charging the sophisticated battery pack from an external source - battery charging is incorporated into the overall electronic controls, using the petrol engine and regenerative braking as charging sources.

The Prius is said to rely entirely on an electric/electronic circuit to co-ordinate the power steering, braking, traction and vehicle stability control systems. In terms of safety the Prius was the first hybrid car to be submitted to the Euro NCAP test procedure and it scored a five-star safety rating.

Original article from Car