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Toyota and Citroen raise quality in their latest models
publication date: Jan 21, 2012
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author/source: Robin Roberts
As Toyota plans to
introduce full hybrid technology across its core model range, it continues to
refine the quality, performance and owner-appeal of Prius, still the world's
best-known and best-selling hybrid vehicle.
With over 20,000
sales in the UK to its credit since its launch in 2009, the third-generation
Prius has been made an even stronger proposition. |  | As ever, the appeal of Prius
is underpinned by its outstanding efficiency: in its latest guise it continues
to deliver 89g/km CO2 emissions - the lowest level in its class
- and combined cycle fuel economy of 72.4mpg (the figures for models running on
17-inch wheels remain 92g/km and 70.6mpg).
The new year brings
improvements inside and out. The front of the car has been given a new look, in
line with Toyota's new design approach, while in the cabin there are new front
seats, new upholstery and new soft-touch surfaces that combine to give a higher
quality feel.
Equipment levels
have been raised, notably with the introduction as standard on all grades of
the Toyota Touch touchscreen control system. The advanced Toyota Touch & Go
Plus multimedia and navigation system is a standard feature on Prius T Spirit
and an option onT3 & T4.
This brings with it
Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, USB port and an on-board connectivity feature
that allows access to a raft of on-line information services sourced through
Google Local Search using a compatible mobile phone.
Extra stiffness in
the bodyshell and changes to the suspension and steering column have increased
comfort and steering feel.
UK sales of the
revised model range will begin in March, with on-the-road prices from £21,350.
Later in the year Prius will grow, with the introduction of the ultra-efficient
Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Prius+, the world's first seven-seat full hybrid MPV. | | | Citroën has introduced DS3 Ultra Prestige to its UK
range just months after the model premiered at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show to
celebrate DS3's ongoing sales success.
Powered by a punchy
THP 155 petrol engine or a fuel and CO2 efficient e-HDi 110 diesel
with Stop & Start, prices start from £20,700 and DS3 Ultra Prestige's front
seats are fitted with ‘watchstrap' design seat upholstery in ‘Club' leather. |  | The leather itself is of a quality typically reserved for handcrafted ‘made to
order' creations. A mark of the
model's exceptional quality, the front seats also sport a ‘crescendo' colour
effect that is entirely new to the automotive sector.
Inspired by the world of
fashion - and made using a process specially created for Ultra Prestige - the
colour of the leather on the front seats gradually changes from white at the
top of the seat back to black on the seat base.
The dashboard strip
is covered in ‘Alpine' white leather, embossed with the DS signature. The
colour of the dials also matches the white of the interior detailing. There are
ultra-thick protective mats, braided with double top-stitching in contrasting
colours. As an extra touch of luxury, leather trim is also fitted to the door
panels and central armrest.
The DS3 THP 155
6-speed manual petrol is £20,700 and the
diesel DS3 e-HDi 110 Airdream 6-speed manual
costs £20,900. |
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