Combination of fuel efficiency and safety make Prius an ideal choice for Canadian drivers

May 27, 2011 –The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced that the 2011 Toyota Prius hybrid has earned a “Top Safety Pick” award. Combining the best fuel efficiency of any midsize vehicle on the market today with award-winning safety performance makes the Toyota Prius a top choice for today’s driver.

The “Top Safety Pick” is the highest safety designation awarded by the IIHS.  To qualify for the award, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of “good” in the IIHS’ front, side, rollover, and rear impact evaluations and be equipped with electronic stability control.  The announcement was released on the IIHS website www.iihs.org. The IIHS is an independent non-profit research and communications organization funded by auto insurance companies.  

All Toyota models meet or exceed the requirements of all U.S. and Canadian safety standards.

Every 2011 Toyota Prius features seven standard airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, as well as active front headrests with whiplash protection. In addition, all 2011 Toyota Prius models come standard equipped with the Star Safety System. This integration of active safety features is designed to protect occupants by helping drivers avoid accidents in the first place. The Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

The most fuel-efficient midsize vehicle in Canada, the Toyota Prius has won the ecoENERGY award each year since the model was introduced in the 2001 model year. With Prius as the top-selling hybrid in Canada, Toyota Canada’s eight hybrid models together account for over 60 per cent of all hybrid sales in Canada. Featuring Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, the 2011 Prius delivers a combined fuel consumption rating of just 3.8L/100km (3.7L/100km city / 4.0L/100km highway) plus a Tier 2 Bin 3 emissions rating. To find more information about Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, customers are encouraged to visit the Hallmark Toyota showroom.