2012 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius continues to lead the market for hybrid automobiles that it started 15 years ago. With its 50-MPG fuel economy rating, Prius is the most fuel-efficient gas-powered passenger car available in the U.S. today. Prius offers its stellar fuel economy in a versatile five-passenger package that is recognized as a midsize car by the EPA. Since 2000, Toyota has sold over one million Prius models in the U.S.

The third-generation Prius, which was all-new for the 2010 model year, gains updated headlamps and tail lamps, plus a new front fascia and bumper for 2012. The Prius Two gains new 15-inch wheel covers for 2012 and standard LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The Prius Three adds a standard three-door Smart Key entry system, and the Prius Four features standard auto on/off headlamps. The Prius Four also provides enhanced comfort with new SofTex-trimmed seats and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat.

There's big news for the 2012 Prius in the audio/infotainment area, with new standard systems for Prius Two, Three and Four models. The Prius Two, features a new Display Audio touch-screen system with a 6.1-inch screen. The AM/FM CD player unit offers MP3/WMA playback capability with six speakers, a USB port for iPod connectivity, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and audio streaming. The display also provides vehicle information and allows the driver to customize vehicle settings.

The Prius Three adds navigation and Entune, plus an integrated backup camera display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability, HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, advanced voice recognition and text-to-speech with programmed and customizable text responses. The Toyota Entune system is a collection of popular mobile applications and data services, with three years of complimentary access. Once a smart phone is connected to the vehicle using Bluetooth wireless technology or a USB cable, Entune's features are operated using the vehicle's controls or, for some services, by voice recognition. Entune offers mobile apps for Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, and Pandora. Entune data services include a fuel price guide, sports scores, stocks, traffic and weather.

For 2012, the Prius Four includes that system plus eight JBL GreenEdge speakers and an eight-channel JBL amplifier. GreenEdge technology significantly reduces electric draw on the vehicle, which can help enhance fuel economy. When the Deluxe Solar Roof Package is ordered for the Prius Four, that system is further upgraded with a Head-up Display and Premium HDD Navigation System, which uses an exclusive seven-inch touch-screen with split-screen capability.

The Solar Roof Packages continue to offer the world's first sliding glass moonroof packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a ventilation system. The solar powered ventilation system helps reduce the interior air temperature when parked directly in the sun. Cool-down time is shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning. The available remote air conditioning system was the first in the world to function on battery-power alone, and it allows remote operation so the driver can cool the interior temperature for comfort before getting into the car.

The top-of-line Prius Five model's Advanced Technology Package for 2012 includes the Premium HDD Navigation System, plus the Head-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System and Lane Keep Assist. The Pre-Collision System retracts the front seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when it determines that a crash is unavoidable. Lane Keep Assist can help the driver stay within the lane.

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