It's possible to option the Prius up further with an impressive sounding 6-speaker JBL audio system, a convenient garage door opener, and an even more convenient 'smart key' system that lets the driver unlock the car's door just by touching the inside of the door handle, and then turn on the engine without using the key, as long as the smart key fob is in the driver's possession. Additionally this upgraded package includes safety enhancements such as Vehicle Stability Control, front seat-mounted and side-curtain airbags, an anti-theft system, and fog lamps. Altogether a fully optioned Prius will just top $34K. Again, despite premium brand features and the best fuel economy and emission standards in the class, well within the budget of the majority of midsize car buyers.

The centrally mounted digital instrumentation is easy to read while the high quality switchgear is very well laid out. (Photo: Toyota)

Ergonomically, the new car's instrumentation and switchgear is very well laid out. The latter includes a stubby 'by-wire' actuated gearshift lever mounted on the dash instead of the lower console, similar in execution to BMW's new 7-Series drive system. The new Prius' instrumentation follows the previous version's centrally mounted digital gauge cluster, but the entire unit is now much wider, offering more information overall. Most importantly, primary gauges are at the unit's extreme left, almost directly in front of the driver. Compared to other center gauge packages I found viewing the Prius' speedometer and surrounding readouts much easier.

Toyota's new Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) operates in either gasoline or electric modes, or when optimal power is required both power sources are pulled into operation. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

During a drive through Southern California's winding mountain passes I noticed that speed ramps up quicker than in earlier models, thanks to a completely revised gasoline-electric full hybrid drivetrain. Full hybrid? Unlike Honda's hybrid, Toyota's new Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) operates in either gasoline or electric modes, or when optimal power is required both power sources are pulled into operation. It incorporates a 50-kilowatt drive-motor that is 50% more powerful than the drive-motor used in last year's Prius, now good for up to 500 volts.