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11th September 2012
Beachcomber Shows off Toyota Prius Hybrid
Micah G. George

The Toyota Prius Hybrid phenomena could very well hit Saint Lucia at the turn of the New Year following a demonstration by Beachcomber, Toyota’s dealership in Saint Lucia.

Beachcomber yesterday showed off a prototype of the hybrid at its headquarters in Vide Boutielle to the media and other persons of interest.

The car which has gain popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in the United States of America, will not be on sale in Saint Lucia in the immediate future.

David Deveaux, Beachcomber’s Managing Director explained that the car which was shown off to the public yesterday will be driven throughout the country collecting data about the condition through which it will be tested. Toyota then will make whatever adjustments needed to fit the Saint Lucian context after which the vehicle will be made available to Saint Lucians.

Deveaux hopes that the car will be offer to Saint Lucians either at the end of this year or early next year.

The VOICE learned that several persons have already placed their names down for a Prius as soon as Beachcomber announces that the car is available.

The Toyota Prius is an exceptionally efficient car.

As explained by the Shane Wells, Service Manager at Beachcomber, the vehicle has two engines, an electrical engine and a gas operated engine. The life span of the 200 volt battery is between 10 – 15 years and although he was not certain of the mileage per gallon of gas in respect of the Saint Lucian terrain, he said that in places like the United States for instance one can get 51 - 52 miles on the gallon with a Prius.

This car with its ultra-high mileage and what Beachcomber believes would be reasonably priced when it comes on the local market could make it a popular item on Saint Lucia roads.
 
 

The fact that the Prius’ interior is roomy and has the space of a midsize car and stylish as well with ports to accommodate a number of todays’ electrical gadgets like ipods, flash drives, SD cards, etc., and with a driving experience – one cannot hear the engine while driving, feeling a kick, more like a jerk when the gas engine shudders on, could create quite a stir among those who eventually gets to own one.

The instrument panel is stylishly designed with a resolution that is neither low nor high, at least from this reporter’s view point. The nature of the displays on the instrument panel goes well with the stylish design of the interior.

This reporter did not get the opportunity to sit behind the steering wheel and drive the vehicle therefore he can’t say anything about the braking system, how fast or slow it would power into speed when the accelerator is pressed, nor could he share any light about how driving one feels.

The car however is self-sustainable in that the 200 volt battery recharges itself. It is totally electrical however the gas engine kicks in at some point. The extremely short ride this reporter received going in a circle on the asphalted surface in front Beachcomber’s Headquarters revealed that the car, despite its size, could deliver a high ride quality, and an impressively quiet one.

The sound system, although loud, could be improved upon. However, all in all, for a car of that size, it boasts a formidable punch. However, its design calls for a finer tuning of the sound system.

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