Prius 2010 is a great Photographer mobile

Product: 2010 Toyota Prius IV 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

OVERALL RATING:
Performance – 8
Comfort – 8
Fuel Economy – 10
Fun-to-Drive – 9
Interior Design – 10
Exterior Design – 10
Build Quality – 10
Reliability – 10

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

I have to admit that at first, there was great uncertainty whether the drive will be sufficient. I only say this because at the time of my test drive while on “ECO” mode at a residential stop sign the pick up was toooooooooo slow… The acceleration was tooooo slow. When i discovered there is a “Power” mode button, a sense of relief surfaced. After a few more minutes driving around Santa Monica experimenting with all the modes, I surely became a little more comfortable with the 2010 Prius.

After the test drive, I didn’t purchase the vehicle right away. I needed to research it a bit more but I was certain the Prius would be my next vehicle.

A few days later, I received a call from a dealer that my 2010 Prius IV arrived earlier than expected. Therefore, I immediately drove to the dealership to pick up my new baby.

The 2010 Prius is a sweat ride indeed. After only two days of ownership, I couldn’t  resist to take some preliminary pictures which you can view below. Yes, I had to take the pictures because you know how fast the paint gets ruined.

The following day is when I dug deeper into the inner and outer  workings of the 2010 Prius IV in more detail.

Let’s first take a peak at the muscle of the Prius for more details under the hood check out

Yes, this is a 1.8 liter Hybrid Synergy Drive engine opposed to last years 1.5 liters. You will also notice that there are no belts under the hood. To the right of this new engine is the electric motor that is helping us get an EPA MPG of 50 Highway and city. I just learned to hypermile and I get an average 72 MPG each day with the “ECO mode” setting to and from work.

Now let’s check out the revamped “control center”. let’s go left to right only calling out the “cool” features. I know you don’t care about how to use the windshield wipers etc..

So let’s first check out the very cool and button filled steering wheel. The details of the steering wheel that first stood out are the two touch tracers. One on the left and one on the right side. The left side touch tracer when touched displays a hologram of sorts of the touch tracer button configuration on the Heads Up Display that details controls for the stereo volume. This is a great design to keep the drivers eyes looking straight ahead at the road. Below the left tracer, you will find the handsfree buttons. To the right of the steering wheel, you will find the touch tracer buttons that control the Trip display, air circulation and temperature adjust settings.

Now lets check out the main center console. First you will notice that the Fuel, MPH and MPG is now at the top center console opposed to off to the side from previous generations of the Prius.  I found this center console to add an enjoyable element to my morning commutes. I find myself each day trying to top the previous days MPG average. A boring commute because of the Prius is now an enjoyable trek to work. Yes, I did say enjoyable. It also feels good in the pocket when gas is only necessary at most twice a month. My goal is to go one full month with just one gas fill.

Instead of proceeding going over the remaining details of the Prius via text, I thought a video would be more enjoyable. Therefore, I’ve created a video which showcases the Prius at its best.

AFTER A WEEK OF NORMAL USE:

I am in LOVE.. Yes! I said it! The 2010 Prius is a great ride. As i said earlier, it is never a dull ride to any destination.

I fell even more in love when I drove the 2010 Prius to San Francisco and only filled up 3 times for the entire trip which averaged about 56 mpg.  I was also surprised with the handling along the curvy roads of PCH.

PHOTOGRAPHER FOCUSED MODIFICATIONS:
Check back soon for a real life photography use review.

FAVORITE FEATURES:
Steering wheel touch tracers
HUD
Voice command for various tasks (Phone calls, Change radio music stations etc..)
Navigation
EV, Eco and Power mode buttons
Lumbar support

SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS:
Able to use backup camera while moving forward. Not important but would be cool to have active when back space is covered to the top.
Sunroof included without solar package
Lifetime Live Traffic
Air vents behind center compartment.

CONCLUSION:
If you are green friendly, like to save money and a photographer that requires space for all the gear, then the 2010 Prius IV is the vehicle for you. Use the money saved from the reduced gas trips for compact flash cards or anything photography.