2008 Toyota Prius i-Tech Hybrid Review
February 6, 2009 by Matt Brogan
2008 Toyota Prius i-Tech Hybrid Review & Road Test
With the all-new Prius just around the corner, we thought we’d refresh our memories and take the 2008 model for one last spin.
Model Tested:
- 2008 Toyota NHW20R Prius i-Tech Hybrid, 1.5-litre, automatic, hatch – $46,900 (RRP)
Options:
- Metallic Paint $350 (Fitted)
Fuel Efficient; Manageable Size; Space & Flexibility
Price Tag; Dated Appearance; Lighter Steering Feel
CarAdvice Rating: 
The Prius is one of those cars that strikes a love-hate chord through motoring circles, and while we invite you to think what you will of the Prius’ environmental credentials, this review intends to focus on the car as transport.
On the surface, the Prius may not have changed a great deal since its reincarnation in 2004 (the original models from 1997 looking more like a Yaris sedan) but over the past decade the name Prius has become synonymous with green motoring, ingraining itself into popular culture as one of the hallmark mass-production vehicles of its type.
Placed somewhere between the Corolla and Camry in terms of size, the mid-sized hatch is a surprisingly flexible vehicle in terms of interior space with a fold flat floor offering cavernous cargo capacity and rear legroom that is more than adequate (boot space is 456-litres to window height with seats up).
In fact the entire cabin feels spacious, light and open, thanks mostly to a larger than usual glass area, and although it’s hardly exciting from an interior design aspect, it is well ordered, practical and simplistic, almost gainsaying the masses of technology hiding beneath.
Toyota’s acclaimed Hybrid Synergy Drive system powers the Prius by utilising a 57Kw/115Nm 1.5-litre, DOHC, four-cylinder petrol engine in unison with a 50kW/400Nm electric motor. The two power sources then combine through a single-speed, computer controlled planetary transmission to deliver seamless drive to the front wheels.
The resulting power output equates to approximately 82kW all told and though this might not seem a great deal from a car weighing 1325kg (tare), the acceleration is reasonably brisk with 0-100km/h dealt with in 10.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 165km/h.
Our week’s fuel use returned exactly 5.0-litres per 100km, 0.6-litres more than the ADR sticker claims, but still very frugal.
Handling is about what you’d expect from a weighty strut front/torsion beam rear mid-sized hatch – less than spectacular – with body roll and understeer evident on hard corners.
The power assisted rack and pinion steering is quite numb of feel and has far too much assistance that can mean vague feedback through more interesting corners, as well as a tendency for drivers to over input.
Once you’re accustom to this however it’s of no real consequence especially given the Prius’ intended purpose as an urban vehicle, though the absence of any reach adjustment in the steering column is an annoying oversight.
Ride is comfortable and smooth and the longer wheelbase certainly helps in settling bumps on rough roads. The weight is again quite evident here but in most circumstances it does not upset what is otherwise a pleasant ride.
Braking is ample in strength and the pedal feel adequate. Prius utilises four-wheel disc brakes with Electronic Brake Assist and Brake Force Distribution to provide safer emergency braking.
One peculiar note on braking is that part of the car’s regenerative phase takes place when stopping, which means you may hear a slight change in noise from the electric motor as it becomes a generator for the Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries.
To assist transmission braking, the gear lever can be placed in the ‘B’ position which increases the amount of engine resistance under deceleration, similar to the way a normal car would hold a lower gear. It can be handy when the vehicle is fully loaded but around town is of little use.
Prius can be used in EV (or electric vehicle) mode for a short amount of time meaning it will operate solely on electric power, which is great to limit fumes in underground car parks (though as it runs silent you will find you tend to startle pedestrians). This mode is short-lived however with a maximum range of two kilometres attainable, provided you don’t exceed 55km/h.
As far as equipment levels are concerned Prius offers a kit list that is almost expected as commonplace in an up-spec modern vehicle with smallish 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, touch screen satellite navigation, single zone climate control air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, keyless remote entry, cruise control, a high-spec JBL six-CD tuner with auxiliary interface, voice recognition Bluetooth compatibility, and leather trim all offered as standard.
Prius boasts a EuroNCAP safety rating of five-stars and is equipped with dual front, side and curtain airbags as well as standard Electronic Stability and Traction Control.
When all is said and done the Prius really is a nifty little car that people love to chat about, though it is very pricey given its place in the market.
Were it to be $10,000 less I’m sure the numbers of ‘Prii’ or is that ‘Priuses’ on the road would be even greater than they are now – which isn’t entirely a bad thing – for if this is the worst that comes from a shift to more environmentally sensitive motoring, then we haven’t too much to worry about.
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 1497cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
- Motor: Permanent Magnet Synchronous
- Power: 82kW (Combined)
- Torque: N/A
- Induction: Multi-Point/NiMH Battery
- Transmission: Single Speed Planetary
- Driven Wheels: Front
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
- Top Speed: 165km/h
- 0-100km/h: 10.9 seconds
- 0-400m: Not Tested
- CO2 Emissions: 106g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 4.4 litres/100km (ADR Combined)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 45 litres
- Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
- EuroNCAP Rating: Five Star
- Airbags: Dual Front, Side & Curtain
- Safety: ESP with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: Space Saver
- Tow Capacity: N/A
- Turning Circle: 10.2 metres
- Warranty: 3 year/100,000km
- Weight: 1325kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 15 x 6.0-inch
Road Test the Rivals:
Print it: 
If Toyota used a proper Series Hybrid set up and had a battery pack that could do more than 2km on electric only, I think the Prius wouldn’t cop a lot of the crap it does.
The huge premium for the Prius over cheaper turbo diesel European offerings that use less fuel is another factor.
It became the halo car for saving the planet, but really didn’t push the agenda far enough. It is a typical Toyota effort in that it was just good enough for the market at the time. Nearly all Toyotas suffer from this trait.
I think from a technology point of view I think it was a bit more than “just good enough for the market at the time”. No-one even came close to making a vehicle that could do what the Prius could do in 2004.
Just from a pure technology point of view. As for how it drives, it serves its purpose well as a daily commuter. Not spectacular, but it was never meant to be.
I’m surprised its ride was found to be comfortable, when I had one as a hire car (stupid company policy) I found the ride to be an amazing combination of both wallowy and bone jarring. That was two years ago though, they may have improved it since then.
I wouldn’t say no one came close to doing what the Prius did S. I mean, yes when it came out it was the best hybrid (fuel efficiency wise) out of a very small number of hybrids, but Euro manufacturers have made small diesels that are equally efficient (and better for long range highway drives) for a number of years.
The prius gained fame because of the positive media spotlight and because diesel is a dirty word in the minds of Americans and Australians. In europe the prius has been no-where near as successful as in the US, despite higher fuel prices.
negatives – price, image, driving enjoyment, interior, price, price, complete lack of power, price, better of with a diesel, its a toyota, price.
John T – I wasn’t talking about fuel economy in that comment. Just that from a technology standpoint the Prius is exceptional.
I see these tanks all the time!
A lot of the priuses I see on the roads seem to have rusty front wheels, but fine rear wheels. Does anyone know why this is? Do all priuses have alloys?
SUPERB vehicle, beats the haonda thingo by a generation if not more.
Very interested in a low mile 2nd handy.
The GLORY day was when drive..tv did a back to back test against a golf diesel, from melbourne to sydney, the Prius thrashed the golf [which RAN OUT OF FUEL] and we are talking about Hwy. test not city where the Prius is superior running on battery power only.
Back inya box golf/vw/GERMany!
Prius = WINNER
golf = LOSER
Cheers
F
The ‘diesel’ word has not come into play here. It should. Contemporary diesels ensure the petrol hybrid concept is dated.
Frugal, one you actually watch drive? Second, that test contradicts ever other Prius fuel economy test done with highway driving. My Subaru Liberty if I drive sanely can almost get from Melbourne to Sydney (about 50km short). Obviously its got a bigger tank, but still, it sounds like a typical drive test that reveals nothing. Are you sure the Golf was a diesel, and if it wasn’t, then how is it a surprise it lost? I know which one I’d rather drive, and given that even at the Prius’s peak, the Golf outsold it 3-1, I reckon most people agree with me.
You are turning into a Dingo/TP hybrid? Seems it.
The public trustee in Brisbane has about 10 of these for sale. Not i-tech models tho. They want about 20k for a 3 year old model with about 40k on the clock. Better than buying a new one i would think.
“It is a typical Toyota effort in that it was just good enough for the market at the time. Nearly all Toyotas suffer from this trait. ” – well thats how you maximise and sustain profitability, give the customers what they want but no more…, when the sales start to slump slightly boost it up by upgrade packages/deals whatsoever..
If you are looking for a comparable diesel, you can pick up a Peugeot 308 or a Citroen C4 1.6 diesel auto for $7K to $15K cheaper than the Prius. They are all similar in performance, size, economy, luxury and the two Frenchies are much more stylish and a better drive.
And to top it off the Frenchies don’t have a load of dirty batteries to dispose of at the end of their life.
Its all been said a million times, but I’ll have the 308 over this lump any day thanks!
Got from Coburg to Darlinghurst on 43 litres over the new year break. 2L TDI DSG with 17k on the clock. No special driving technique.
Phill, agree that diesels are a good alternative, however with the price of diesel often being 20 to 30% higher than ULP recently they are at a price disadvantage when you look at the cost per 100km, similarly an LPG powered hybrid would make both look “expensive” by comparison.
Oh yeah and a 1.9L diesel Golf would do the same.
FRUGAL_ONE, I would put a decent wager it would out perform a prius Melbourn To Sydney, easy.
My drive is a Skoda wagon.
Last time I paid for diesel it was about the same price as ULP.
My partner and I like the zen of the open road. The Skoda does what we expect of it. Range, with consideration to economy was a notion on purchase.
Phill, you either have cheap diesel or expensive ULP. Last week diesel cost me 144.9 yet ULP was down to 101.5 at the same servo. Usually the difference is 20-25 cpl. If they cost the same consistenty there’s no argument, but 9 times out of 10 in my area i’m usually looking at a 20% premium.
Jimbo, I agree. The Prius isn’t really made for long highway trips and you’ll find its consumption on such roads/speeds isn’t the best.
A turbo diesel with its high torque low down in the rev range should consume less fuel than a Prius from Melbourne to Sydney.
Let’s not forgot that this thing costs double the price compared to turbo diesel hatches with similar fuel consumption.
Even if diesel does cost a little more at the end of the day it will probably take millions of kilometers for the Prius to come out on top in overall cost since it costs an arm and a leg.
The Honda Insight should do well if they price it around $30,000 – $35,000. From what I’ve read, Toyota will keep the current Prius even when the new one comes out and sell it at a cheaper price to compete with the Insight.
Interesting times ahead price wise considering how bad the AUD is performing at the moment.
Hopefully the AUD starts improving by the end of the year after another mid year slump as predicted so we can get some decent prices on new models.
RACV cheapest petrol guide today:
ME: ULP 115.2. Diesel 115.5
MN: ULP 125.9. Diesel 116.9
MSE: ULP 114.9. Diesel 116.8
MW: ULP 119.9 Diesel 118.5
Take yourself for a drive of a contemporary diesel Dir1. You will the torque strangely alluring…
Yes, but historically diesel has always been quite a bit more expensive than petrol. All you diesel fans should know this quite well.
At the end of the day, hybrid vehicles represents a shift in motoring to more sustainable means whereas diesel is simply a very effective way to use as little fuel as possible. It does nothing for making alternative technologies more popular.
Phill, yep similar thing is happening in SA.
Diesel suddenly is price competative with ULP. WHY? What has suddenly happened to change the relative price of Diesel?
ULP goes up/down with the cycle and diesel is sitting in the middle, whereas in the recent past it has been as much as 30cpl dearer.
Hey Thommo,
The boffins would have us believe that China’s demand influenced rapid escalation of diesel over the last year of the boom (sigh). It is interesting to note that while the price of diesel escalated here in New Zealand the price remained roughly commensurate with the price of ULP.
I suspect oil company manipulation and an Australian Government regulating authority that was out to lunch.
Hi Yjs. Once the price of diesel was pegged below leaded petrol, remember the diesel Gemini (I liked the purple ones). Sounds good to me.
How can something that looks like that really get 3.5 stars out of 5? Shouldn’t 2.5 be average looking? It isn’t meant to look good, but it still less that average looking in my opinion, and an opinion I would believe would shared by many..
Phill, i am more than familiar with the driving characteristics of the modern turbo diesel and have no problem with them except that most of the time diesel costs more than ULP by a fair margin. No one can explain why today diesel costs less on average in Sydney than the average ULP price, yet last week there was a 20c + premium.
YJS, actually diesel was cheaper than petrol back in the 1980’s
RoFlmaTiC – you’ll find this is brake dust on the front alloys. Discs up front, drum brakes on the rear wheels.
When it comes to hybrids I’m not sure what the importance is of Diesel being more expensive than ULP and how this has changed in the past. Sure Diesel costs around 20 cents per litre more, on the flip side the Prius costs $7K to $15k more to begin with.
If it was just Petrol vs Diesel I would understand the relevance, but we are talking about a hybrids in this post and when it comes to cost the Diesel wins easily. And when it come to environmental impact Diesel also wins (batteries/carbon).
A comparo was done between a Prius and a Territory on dual fuel, and after they travelled the exact same run, the Territory worked out cheaper to run.
LPG is the only proven cost saving alternative.
The RACQ did a comparo between Diesel, Hybrid, and LPG, and LPG was the only one proved to be a worth while saver.
They used a petrol Civic Vs a Hybrid Civic (keep in mind that Honda doesnt charge the premium that the prius demands either)
A Petrol i30 Vs a Diesel i30
And a petrol Falcon Vs a LPG falcon.
they factored in everything including depreciation, fuel costs, insurance costs, servicing costs etc etc
The petrol Civic won
the petrol i30 won
and the LPG falcon won placing LPG as the only cost saving alternative to petrol
“Oh What A Ripoff”
Profit margin must be huge after such a long production run.
Buy a 2007 model at the auctions for 22k to 24k says it all really.
Best economy test was the one Top Gear did with one of these Fugly mobiles and an M3.
The Priarse had to go around a track as fast as it could for several laps while an M3 followed. The M3 used less fuel than the Priarse.
I think Fugal is fishing for a bite.LOL
THE INTERIOR IS JUST AS BAD AS THE EXTERIOR.
FUGAL U CAN GET DIESEL I30 MANUAL FOR 22K DRIVEAWAY IF U SHOP AT THE MOMENT.
The Priarse price is a joke!!!!Love the 80s styling.LOL
“while we invite you to think what you will of the Prius’ environmental credentials, this review intends to focus on the car as transport.”
What a ridiculous statement.
How does this sound?
“while we invite you to think what you will of the WRXs performance credentials, this review intends to focus on the car as transport.”
No serious journalist would make such a statement.
Come on Matt, Be prepared to alter your article so you don’t sound so foolish.
10years after the Prius, the Euro car companies are releasing hybrid cars. Now that says something.
Realcars: ” Buy a 2007 model at the auctions for 22k to 24k says it all really.”
Doesnt this scenario apply to ALL mass produced cars at the moment? If you are trying to discredit the Prius on this basis, you could do the same to any other vehicle you care to compare it to. The resale on VE Omegas is far worse.
In my opinion the Toyoda Priass has become a complete waste of energy and space, big (T) stands for TeRD.
STILL LOOKS VERY VERY UGLY, ESPECIALLY THE FRONT END YUKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK, TOYODA ARE KING’S OF WHITEGOOD CRAP.
Dingo,
ever heard of real world driving “champ”???
The test was also conducted through a good mix of suburbia.
Even if it wasnt, its fair enough saying the prius would perform better in the city, and fair enough, but do you suggest owning a city car and a hwy car???
whats the point of a vehicle that cant meet a compromise??
Oh and i think some manufacturers may argue that toyota has the best hybrid tech.
Even Gm’s volt seems a far better proposition than any toyota or lexus offering, plus its actually got some style to boot.
Im sure BMW will also argue that toyota doesnt have better tech than them.
Even hyundai!!!!! Yes Hyundai have a nice bit of tech on their books that will out gun toyota
Oh,
and above all that, the other manufacturers i mentioned dont charge a Prius style premium
JJT the Priarse I believe is 12 years old so Toyota charging this much for such old tech is a blatant ripoff IMO and that goes without mentioning the outdated styling.
Reckon there would be as much if not more margin in a Priarse than the now defunct Aurion TuRD that started life as a 75k offering and was advertised bearly 12 months later in runout TuRD mode for 55k.
Credit to Toyota marketing and merchandising Gurus that’s for sure for getting away with it.
DLR1 really.
2 year old Omega 20k at auction and 32k new.GOOD CONDITION,COLOUR ETC
2 year old Prius 23k at auction and 46k new.GOOD CONDITION,COLOUR PREFERABLY GREEN.LOL THOUGH STILL FUGLY.
Both with 40,000klms and the Prius mostly less.
The old Commodore looks pretty good to me by comparison.
But u sound like one of those people that think they can own a Toyota and turn a profit down the track.LOL
JJT given that average new car ownership is less than five years the numbers just don’t stack up even compared to a Corolla!
….and the Corolla is a far better car than a Prius(apart from the lack of ESP until recently).LOL
Toyota, uses more precious metals, resources to build expensive battery powered cars.
Mazda, uses 70% less precious metals, less resources to build catalytic converter thats more efficient than a contemparary converter.
In my view Mazda are the more environmentally responsible company, WITHOUT SHOVING IT DOWN OUR THROATS AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY!
P.S. Even Mazda see hybrid tech as a stop-gap solution.
Local servo was selling diesel only 9c dearer than ULP 2 days ago, think somebody was asleep at the till.LOL
Hybid tech thus far in human evolution is a wank for posers. Nothing more.Show me a plugin hybrid with an inboard combustion motor to charge the batteries as needed and electric only drive then I might change my mind.
If u can buy a better car in a Corolla and never recoup the extra outlay over the ownership cycle then why would u buy a Prius other than to pose as a “pretend” greeny.
Whenever you brake, the energy gets dissipated as heat in the brakes. What hybrid do is to convert that energy into drive energy and use it to propel the car. It’s sort of like “free” energy and that can only be a good thing.
at the end of the day….. vw gold 1.9 tdi, or audi a3 1.9tdie offer a better consumption rate and even in the govt’s “greenguide” they rate the two vw group diesels as a “greener” alternative.
Why would you buys this?? its ugly, its slow and it does nothing for the environment but make you feel good!!!
buy a diesel, vw, ford, mazda, and holden all import a great diesel that would smoke the prius and make a better mark on the environment!!!
J.J.T.,
I wasnt talking to you, i was talking to Dingo ;)
but it seems like you are a lost cause aswell
realcars, i totally agree with your last post
Andrew J.J.T is Dingo………hes been reported AGAIN!
Toyota sells the Prius at an expensive price because they CAN.
What company with a duty to its shareholders to maximise profits would do otherwise?
Maybe if the other manufacturers (aside from Honda) got their act together and finally release a hybrid to compete with the prius then Toyota will lower their prices to respond.
REgarding your proposal realcars, such a car would only provide marginal fuel savings over the system in the prius, except it would mean the car would have far less peak power and would be very sluggish (on current technology).
BM,
you didnt pick up on that bit of sarcasm then hey???
Correct me if i am wrong (don’t bother, i’m not)
Didnt toyota invest in diesel tech by investing in another company called Isuzu????
its like saying im investing in a cure for cancer because i made a donation
Im sure any break throughs in a cure cant be contributed to me directly