Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) unveils today, June 19, the Prius, which is the first hybrid vehicle available in the Philippines.

The Prius, which is considered as the global pioneer of hybrid technology, has sold more than 1.25 million units since its debut in 1997.

The Toyota Prius will be launched tonight during formal ceremonies to be held at the Rockwell Tent in Makati City.

The Philippine launch coincides with the global launch of the all-new Prius which is now a 3rd generation model.

At the heart of the Prius is Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD), which makes it able to run on gasoline engine, electric motor or both, as directed by the intelligent energy-management system.

Currently, the Prius holds the record for having the world’s highest fuel efficiency, having achieved a consumption record of 38 kilometers per liter of gasoline while having “a power output similar to a 2.4-liter engine.”

Aside from having an excellent fuel efficiency rating, the Prius is also well known for emitting cleaner emissions.

The hybrid car starts off with the vehicle running solely on electric power. As it gains speed, both the electric motor and the gas engine drive the wheels to achieve smooth acceleration.

An intelligent management system controls both the motor and the engine for high performance. The vehicle can also run solely on the electric motor at slow-cruising speeds.

The Prius also makes use of the regenerative-breaking system that allows the motor-generator to recharge itself by converting kinetic energy into stored electric energy, which would be used later on, as the vehicle starts to move again. Furthermore, the engine shuts down when the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

The system conserves fuel and minimizes CO2 emissions by limiting engine operation.

Aside from its standard hybrid setting, the new Prius also comes with three alternative driving modes.

The Eco Mode helps drivers achieve their best mileage with emphasis on fuel efficiency.

The Eco-Drive Monitor on the central instrument panel monitors driving manner and displays the Hybrid System Indicator, which shows status of accelerator operation and energy regeneration.

The Power Mode offers more agile driving due to more reactive accelerator response.

The EV (Electric Vehicle) Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds, if conditions permit. This results to quiet, smooth and zero-emission operation.

The all-new Prius now has a newly developed 1.8-liter gasoline engine that reduces rpm and lowers fuel consumption at high speeds. The ample output and torque result to improved overall performance and economy.

In addition to this, the Prius employs Toyota’s first electric-powered water pump which contributes to the engine’s efficiency, requiring no belts under its hood for better fuel economy and less maintenance.

Some of the Prius’ new features include a more efficient engine, more powerful high-speed motor, smaller parts to make the car lighter and a much improved reduction gear that give more torque.

The power control unit uses a boost converter to raise the system voltage to a maximum of 650V, despite the overall reduction of the hybrid battery’s size.

Moreover, the uses of sound-absorbing and vibration-controlling materials, and the adoption of a high-rigidity body, help further minimize noise in the cabin.

The high-output nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery is now more compact and strategically tucked in the rear area to maximize cargo space.

The Prius retails for P2.25 million and is available in Abyss Green Metallic, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Red Mica Metallic and Dark Blue Mica.

It will be on display at major Toyota dealerships in Metro Manila as well as in Cebu City and Davao City.

The Prius comes with a 100,000 kilometer or three-year warranty.