It was just a flash in the mirror, far behind, but the red bullet approached quickly, cutting through traffic like a shark through shoals of baitfish. As the unrecognized but purposeful shape came closer and flew past at a more than respectable velocity, with associate editor Joe "Leadfoot" DeMatio at the wheel, it was revealed to be the new Toyota Prius, seen and summarily dismissed at recent auto shows. That was a big mistake.
The second-generation Prius is an important car. It is still typically Toyota bland, but no awkward styling lines are embossed on its steel skin. Overall form was definitely honed aerodynamically, and it has real presence on the road, unlike the clumsy first iteration of Toyota's "clean" economy car. Its real-world performance is more than simply "acceptable (for other people)," the rating we gave the first Prius. From behind, the backlight split horizontally by a spoiler, the double-bubble transverse roof section, and the huge taillights give the car an especially dynamic air.
What is important is not the styling but that this is the first ever hybrid powertrain car that real people are likely to buy because they want it for itself, not for ideological reasons. Some of us at Automobile Magazine believe that internal combustion engines providing power for electric traction motors represent the real Car of the Future. Our Design of the Year is here now, it looks good, and it works.
1Not quite a monovolume form but not far off. Excellent aerodynamic penetration.
2Sharpely sloped windshield helps aerodynamics, is not as bad for visibility as some minivans because it is closer to the eye. Note straight A-pillar.
3Roof fairly flat but contoured side to side, mild form of old Zagato double-bubble roof on Abarths and Alfas. Looks good from behind.
4Spoiler helpful in drag reduction, gives impression of sportiness.
5Second backlight on vertical section recalls Honda CRX, not a bad refernce.
6Odd surface developments result in hightlight that rises from front wheelhouse to high point at door, then falls toward bottom of taillight.
7Indentation stiffens door panel, provides visual accent, cuts apparent height of flat sides.
8Triangular rearmost side window does not do much for visibility, but it has racy profile and makes rear-seat area luminous.
9Transparent taillight housings sparkle nicely, look good on red cars, as they do not disappear.
10Massive plastic panel has hard edge halfway up from bottom, where it turns out, both effects to reduce visual height.