Safety
Whether you're just ducking round the corner, or setting out on the great Australian road trip, when you get behind the wheel there's simply nothing more important than knowing you're safe. As well as an already impressive host of passive and active safety features, Prius features an impressive array of safety features powered by ingenious technology, all designed to make sure you arrive at your destination safely, wherever that may be.
Dynamic radar cruise control system++
Radar Cruise Control maintains a preset following distance between you and the car in front. Using a range of built in sensors the system continually monitors the speed of the car ahead and automatically adjusts the speed of the Prius accordingly. When there's no car in front, dynamic radar acts like normal cruise control, keeping you at a regular preset speed.
Pre-collision safety system#
Smart enough to warn you if an accident is likely. Quick enough to take action if it's unavoidable.
Using sensors in the front emblem, the system calculates the distance and relative speed of the car in front and will warn you if an accident is likely - so you can slow down. If an accident becomes unavoidable the system snaps into action - the brake is applied and seatbelts are tightened - reducing the impact on the car and the people inside it.
Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA)+++
Parking isn't always easy but with Intelligent Parking Assist+++, Prius does the hard work for you.
Intelligent Parking Assist makes parking easy. Pull alongside a space, hit the button, and a sensor will measure the target area. Check it's safe to go, take your hands off the wheel and let the Prius do the rest. You'll just need to softly tread on the brake at the right moment. It works for both parallel and perpendicular parking.
Emergency brake signal
An emergency brake signal warns the driver behind you and could save you both from a potential collision.
Emergency brake signals can dramatically cut the chances of a rear-end collision. That's why they come standard in a Prius. If you have to brake suddenly, the traffic behind you is alerted by flashing brakelights. Research shows that this can improve reaction times in drivers by around 50%.
Seven SRS airbags
Standard on every Prius is a formidable airbag system - protecting all occupants should an accident be unavoidable.
Inside a Prius, the driver and passengers are surrounded by seven airbags to help protect and cushion them in the event of an emergency. This includes driver and front passenger airbags, driver's knee airbag, front & rear curtain airbags and front driver & passenger side airbags.
Brake by wire technology
Prius features ingenius Brake by wire technology for improved braking control and performance. The system balances braking force between all four wheels and includes ABS and BA technologies.
The Prius Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) balances the braking force between all four wheels - keeping you in control in slippery conditions or when braking heavily. Brake Assist (BA) adds extra force to the brake in an emergency.
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRC)
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRC) is a system that anticipates and controls skidding when cornering.
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) stops you slipping if you lose traction around a corner. Traction Control (TRC) ensures the Prius grips the road - providing better manoeuvrability when accelerating, turning or braking.