Fashion police call out a celebrity who wears the same item around the same time as another celebrity, labeling their decision a major fault pas. While test driving the Toyota 2015 Prius Five model, I eyed a lot of like-minded drivers sporting the same one in the same color, Nautical Blue Metallic. I won’t critique my co-conspirators in style. Good taste is good taste.
This model, featuring a Hybrid Synergy Drive system and 1.8L DOHC 16V VVT-i 4-cylinder engine, can be powered by the engine, the electric motor or a combination of both, and will automatically choose the most efficient mode for the best gas mileage.
Attractive features, include two glove compartments – one for car stuff (insurance papers and manuals) and one for your stuff (everything under the sun.) You can place things under the bridge that is designed to connect the console armrest with the dashboard. Somehow it creates the illusion where “hide in plain sight” meets “out of sight, out of mind.” On one hand, it’s no secret that you can tuck items there. On the other, you may forget that they are there.
Heads up. This model, with a panoramic view moon roof, also features a shift knob and parking brake button closer to the dashboard instead of the floor. With this placement, shifting gears becomes effortless and encourages you to look forward, keeping your eyes on the road. Maneuvering a computer mouse takes more energy. What? No upper body workout required to shift gears? Save your strength for the gym.
This tear-drop shaped hybrid icon with 17” alloy wheels and P215/45 R17 tires leaves little to be desired. However, drivers need to employ a strategy that is wise with any car, but in particular for this model. Approach dips in the road cautiously to avoid scraping the front bumper.
At the end of the day, when I saw another driver in the same Prius I may have channeled the fashion police, imagined us in our cars side by side and asked: ‘Who wore it best?’
My vote: ‘me.’
