17s for Prius

JUST as Toyota promised at the launch of its third-generation Prius last July, a 17-inch alloy wheel option is now available for the Japanese giant’s hybrid hero.

The larger wheels replace the pioneering petrol-electric car’s standard 15-inch alloys with wheel covers, and are now available as part of an options pack for the entry-level Prius that also includes satellite-navigation and Toyota Intelligent Park Assist self-parking system.

While the option pack costs an extra $5400, bringing the price of the standard Prius ($39,900) to $45,500, buyers of the flagship Prius i-Tech can save $1500 by opting for 17-inch wheels instead of a sunroof.

The top-shelf i-Tech added a number of extras over the standard Prius, including a ‘solar moonroof’, for $52,000 – representing a $12,100 premium.

Now Prius i-Tech buyers can swap the moonroof for 17-inch alloys for the same price, or pay $53,500 to keep the moonroof and 15-inch wheels, which in effect represents a $1500 price increase for the Prius i-Tech.

Toyota says the 17-inch Prius wheels come with larger low-rolling-resistance tyres that improve grip levels over the narrower standard tyre, but admits they reduce the car’s aerodynamic – and therefore fuel – efficiency. Rather than a full-size spare wheel/tyre, they are also augmented by a space-saver spare.

2010 Toyota Prius pricing:
Prius (15-inch alloys with wheel cover)	$39,900
Prius (17-inch alloy wheels, sat-nav and IPA)	$45,500
Prius i-Tech (15-inch alloys with wheel cover)	$53,500
Prius i-Tech (17-inch alloy wheels, no m/roof)	$52,000