Being green has not been easy, but in the past few years it has become extremely difficult. Few people are purchasing hybrid cars, considering the dropping prices of fuel and increasing demand for SUVs. The green car consumers’ segment dropped by 18% in 2015, regardless of having a 4% increase in the number of new car buyers. Toyota Prius, which has attained much success actually did better compared to most hybrid and electric cars. This year, the Prius is down by 17% compared to Lexus CT, which also went down and Ford-C-Max dropped by 23%. The interest of shoppers in green cars has gradually dropped according to AT Kelly Blue Book.

Perhaps the launch of the new Toyota Prius will change the situation. Earlier this week, Toyota unveiled its new hybrid car in Las Vegas. The new Prius has a number of upgrades ranging from enhanced driving dynamics to great fuel efficiency. In terms of size, the new Prius’ body is larger, with a novel exterior design. The new look represents a dramatic change in the car since its 2^nd generation model’s debut in 2003. Despite the change in physical looks, the car is clearly a Toyota Prius. The change is probably an advantage because the sales made by Toyota are 15,000 to 20,000 units per month, even with low volumes in the previous year. These sales are much higher compared to those of Volkswagen Jetta, Subaru Impreza, Mazda 3 and Kia Soul. This confirms an ongoing customer interest in the Prius regardless of America’s surging interest in SUVs and the low gas prices.

Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) has been utilized by 2016’s Prius’ new look. Some of the benefits derived from this technology include a lowered gravity center, double rear suspension, both necessary for giving the car better handling and riding characteristics. Toyota has claimed that the new Prius will have a 10% increase in fuel efficiency. The advanced technology of Toyota Safety Sense will also be featured in the new Toyota Prius. This will include lane departure alert, radar cruise monitor, pre-collision system to detect pedestrians and automated high beams. The safety pedigree of the new Prius will further be enhanced by exterior lighting utilizing LED technology.

It has also been confirmed that the new Prius has improved seat comfort, especially with respect to lateral support. This is in combination to upgraded visibility and control placement. At the dash’s center is the gauge, whose display is now brighter with full color. Considering these improvement, the new Prius may turn out to be one of the best-selling vehicles countrywide.