The 2001 Toyota Prius, the world's first production hybrid car, had arrived, and it would profoundly change the trajectory of automotive propulsion evolution.

Over the next two decades, Toyota would go on to sell more than 6 million Prius vehicles worldwide and more than 3.6 million total hybrid models (including Lexus) in the US. Toyota Prius sales in the US reached 1.9 million through 2019, and the model name became synonymous with hybrid technology. (The original Prius went into production for the Japanese market in 1997.)

And so, Toyota is marking the special anniversary of the groundbreaking Prius, the foundational car of its global hybrid leadership, by offering the Prius 2020 Edition for model year 2021. Toyota will offer 2,020 of these special models, based on the well-equipped XLE FWD grade. Available in a choice of Supersonic Red or the new Wind Chill Pearl, the 2020 Edition features striking black exterior trim and unique features, including a color-keyed rear spoiler.

The 2020 Edition model includes black inserts for the 17-inch alloy wheels, blackout headlight components and trim, B-pillars and mirror housings. Unique to the Prius 2020 Edition are a ‘2020’ insignia key glove/fob and floor mats, as well as black shift knob and interior A-pillar trim and smoked HVAC vents.

The overall look is both sporty and elegant, with just a touch of mischief. But there's nothing mischievous about a car rated at a manufacturer preliminary-estimated 54 city MPG / 50 highway MPG / 52 combined MPG and equipped as standard with one of the auto industry's most advanced driver-assist safety systems.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0

The Prius, which already had Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) standard, steps up to the more capable TSS 2.0 for 2021. This latest version of the critical safety system includes: Pre-Collision System with Low-Light Pedestrian Detection; Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Bicyclist Detection; Lane Departure Alert; Automatic High Beams and Road Sign Assist.

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is designed to offer automatic braking capability, under certain conditions, should the driver not react in time in an emergency situation. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Intelligent Parking Assist are also standard.

Also for 2021, all but the Prius Limited add Android Auto compatibility. (Apple CarPlay compatibility was already standard on 2020 Prius models.)

The Prius mission was right in its name; it is Latin for “first” or “original,” and can also mean “to go before.” Now, look at all the hybrids that have come since.

The Prius is one of 10 Toyota hybrid models, and one of 11 electrified vehicles with Mirai, a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), available for 2021. Others include the first-ever Corolla Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime.

The Shape of Progress

The unique design cheats the wind with an ultra-low 0.24 coefficient of drag. An automatic grille shutter reduces aerodynamic drag by closing when airflow to the radiator is not needed.

Standard Bi-LED headlamps and LED rear combination lamps not only provide better light than halogens, but they also reduce energy consumption and give a longer service life. A full-width glass panel beneath the rear spoiler aids rearward visibility while also serving as a distinctive Prius design feature.

The foundation of Prius efficiency is the Toyota Hybrid System II. It operates much in the same fashion as the original hybrid system in the 2001 Prius, but is more compact, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient. In the Prius, the system combines the output of a high-efficiency 1.8-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with that of two motor-generators through an electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The advanced Power Control Unit is the key to extracting the greatest efficiency from the powertrain. In most situations, the Prius launches on battery power alone and then seamlessly starts the gas engine and blends its output once underway, turning it off when its power is not needed.

Thanks to ultra-low internal friction and efficient combustion, the Prius gasoline engine exceeds 40 percent thermal efficiency. The air conditioning system, which uses a quiet electric compressor, works intelligently to maximize energy efficiency, with the Smart-flow (S-FLOW) mode directing airflow only to seated occupants to conserve energy.

The Prius XLE grade on which the 2020 Edition model is based comes standard with 17-in. alloy wheels, Safety Connect; heated, SofTex-trimmed 8-way power driver's seat; SofTex-trimmed heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; 3-door Smart Key system with Push Button Start; remote illuminated entry, rear wiper, and Qi wireless phone charging tray that accommodates larger phones.

The standard Toyota Audio system includes a 7-in. touch-screen display; 6 speakers; Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility; auxiliary audio jack, one USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and two 2.1-amp USB charge ports; advanced voice recognition; Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming; Siri Eyes Free, and an integrated backup camera display.

All Prius models share the familiar central screen interface, a signature feature in every Prius since the original. The 4.2-in. color Dual Multi-Information Display with customizable screens includes Energy Monitor and Hybrid System Indicator with Eco Score, Eco Savings Record, Drive Monitor, Eco Wallet, and Eco Diary features, plus displays for climate control, driver support systems, audio system content, and the navigation system.

First Generation - A Huge Leap in Fuel Efficiency

That original Prius combined output of a 70-hp gas engine and 44-hp electric drive motor. A second electric motor-generator served as the starter for the gas engine and also generated electricity for the drive motor and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack.

The first Prius achieved EPA estimated 42 city MPG / 41 highway MPG / 41 combined MPG. The higher figure for city driving reflected the hybrid powertrain making greatest use of the battery and electric motor in urban driving. The first Prius also used an auto stop/start system to shut off the gas engine at stoplights under certain circumstances. Such systems have since become commonplace, including for non-hybrids.

Second-Generation: A Huge Leap in Everything

A new brake-by-wire system improved regeneration and brake feel. A new air conditioning system used an electric compressor, which allowed it to operate without the gas engine running. Even with its gain in power and larger body for the second-generation model, its combined fuel economy jumped by 12 percent to 46 MPG.

Third Generation: 50 MPG and a New Family

The Prius marked its 10th anniversary in the US with an all-new third generation model, gaining more power and higher fuel efficiency. Its 50 combined MPG was a new milestone. This generation also brought new models, including the first Prius Plug-in Hybrid, a new compact Prius c for under USD 20,000 and a new, larger Prius v with crossover-like room and versatility. Prius models began offering Pre-Collision Braking and other advanced safety tech.

Fourth Generation: More Choices, Higher Efficiency

Based on the Toyota New Global Architecture-K platform (TNGA-K), the fourth-generation Prius is the most efficient and quietest in its history. The fourth-gen Prius introduced the top-of-line Prius Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the Prius L ECO, and the Prius AWD-e model with all-wheel drive. (MT)

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Matthew Bowden is concluding a successful four-year tenure as Director of Škoda UK, departing to assume the role of Head of International Sales for Škoda Auto. Under his leadership, the UK market achieved significant growth, rising to become the brand's third largest global market and consistently exceeding performance records while maintaining a market share beyond four percent.

His successor, Eric Boutin, will join the Volkswagen Group UK board of management as Director of Škoda UK in the first quarter of 2026. Boutin brings extensive international experience from pivotal markets including Canada, China and United States. He is currently responsible for Škoda Auto's global customer experience programme, with direct oversight of the worldwide retail network and omnichannel integration, and is spearheading the brand's overarching customer centricity transformation.

This strategic leadership transition aims to leverage Bowden's commercial acumen on a global scale while injecting Boutin's specialised customer-focused expertise into the UK operations.

Damien O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group UK, said, “Matthew has made a significant contribution towards Škoda’s evolution and growth over the past four years. I’m grateful for all he’s done for the brand and the Group and wish him well in his new role. I’m looking forward to welcoming Eric to the UK board of management and am sure his global experience and customer focus will support the brand’s future ambitions and Human Touch proposition.”

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Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has revealed that it will launch the XUV 7XO, which is based on the XUV 700, on 05 January 2026. A premium SUV segment vehicle, the XUV 7XO, the company claims, will be a gamechanger. Said to have been crafted to inspire and engineered to excite, combining the proven strengths of the XUV700 with superior design, technology, comfort and performance, the XUV 7XO is expected to be a feature a fascia with the new signature grille design and '7'-shape sleeker LED head lamps. 
Claimed to draw an amount of design and styling details from the new seven-seater electric SUV the company introduced recently, the XUV 7XO is expected to built on the technologies that made the XUV 700 a competitively priced tech savvy SUV with monocoque construction and an option of an AWD. As an ICE vehicle the 7XO is expected to further the gamut of features found on the XUV 700, including the ADAS Level 2 suite. 

The XUV 7XO is expected to replace the XUV 700 over a period of time if not immediately. 

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BMW India has enhanced its top-selling premium electric vehicle, the locally produced iX1 Long Wheelbase, with a new exterior colour and expanded upholstery selections, available for booking nationwide. The model now presents a fresh Night Dusk Blue metallic paint, deepening its sophisticated and commanding aesthetic alongside existing shades like Carbon Black and Mineral White. Inside, the cabin gains two new sustainably sourced vegan leather options: Veganza Smoke White + Atlas Grey dual tone and Veganza Castanea. These are distinguished by a premium 3D stitching pattern, emphasising both craftsmanship and modern, eco-conscious luxury.

A defining interior design philosophy, the 'Cocooning Effect’, extends the chosen upholstery colour cohesively across the cabin. This approach envelops the door panels, dashboard and speaker mesh, creating a harmonious and immersive environment that is both plush and visually continuous. The iX1 LWB’s interior is characterised by a spacious, modern design that merges innovative functionality with superior materials.

As the brand’s highest-selling electric model, the iX1 has been pivotal to BMW’s leadership in India’s luxury EV segment. The company has consistently adapted the vehicle to market preferences, introducing features like the Surround View Camera and now refreshing its colour and trim options. In under a year, it has become the best-selling electric vehicle in its premium category.

The vehicle combines practicality with sustainability, boasting segment-leading dimensions that make it one of the longest five-seater SUVs in India. Its bold exterior stance is matched by advanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. This integrated drive unit delivers 204 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, powered by a 66.4 kWh battery capable of up to 531 kilometres on a single charge. Features like adaptive recuperation and one-pedal driving further enhance efficiency and convenience, solidifying its position as a comprehensive premium electric package.

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In what may come as a surprise to many, the made-in-India Hyundai Grand i10 has scored a zero star rating for adult occupant protection in Global NCAP’s #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign.

While the model did score three stars for child occupant protection, the test identified shortcomings in adult occupant protection, which resulted in a risk of life-threatening injuries. The Indian-built model was tested as part of the campaign and the results are valid for South Africa.

The Hyundai’s standard safety equipment includes driver and passenger frontal airbags, but none for side body or head protection, and no Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

The crash test report noted the following:

• Weak protection was concerning for the driver’s chest in the frontal impact test.
• The side impact test indicated a high risk of non-recoverable chest injuries, leading to a strong probability of life-threatening injuries for the adult occupant. Maximum allowed injury levels in a body region such as the chest were exceeded, resulting in zero points for adult occupant protection.
• In the frontal impact test, the bodyshell and footwell were rated as unstable and could not withstand further loading.
• There was no standard side body or head protection, and the Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) was only for the driver.
• There was no standard ESC.

Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer, Global NCAP, said, “It is unacceptable to see the continued double standard on safety in low and middle-income countries. Democratising vehicle safety in Africa is a Global NCAP priority, and consumers deserve safer vehicles regardless of where in the world they live.”

Bobby Ramagwede, CEO, Automobile Association of South Africa, said, “These results are deeply concerning and highlight a continuing pattern in which vehicles sold in Africa do not meet the same safety standards applied in other regions. South African motorists deserve better. The Hyundai Grand i10’s zero-star rating reinforces the urgent need for manufacturers to commit to equal safety for all markets. This result underlines why Africa urgently needs stronger regulatory standards and greater manufacturer accountability. The AA believes no vehicle should be sold here without side protection systems and Electronic Stability Control as standard. Safety should never be optional, and certainly not reserved for markets outside Africa.”

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