[Doug Clvoer]

Hi All

I pick up my new Prius II tomorrow. One of the first in NZ (we had no general sale of Prius I here).

I am interested in the use of the B function on the transmission. When in B can you still touch the accelerator without going out of it or compromising the regenerative function? I ask this because we have a lot of winding roads in NZ and while the overall slope may be downwards a little power coming out of corners is useful for controlled cornering.

kind regards

 

[moocatdog]

Re: New prius II owner in New Zealand: Question about the &q

Hi All

I pick up my new Prius II tomorrow. One of the first in NZ (we had no general sale of Prius I here).

I am interested in the use of the B function on the transmission. When in B can you still touch the accelerator without going out of it or compromising the regenerative function? I ask this because we have a lot of winding roads in NZ and while the overall slope may be downwards a little power coming out of corners is useful for controlled cornering.

kind regards

Doug,
Congratulations on getting your new car. Hope you like yours as much as I do mine. Others here can give you all the technical details about the "B" position, including when, why and how you should use it. The short answer to your question is, Yes.
My dream is to runaway to NZ someday. Should I do it?
Moo

 

[Doug Clvoer]

Visiting NZ

Dear moocatdog

Thanks for that info. With regards to visiting NZ - I'm biased but it is a beautiful country. Best time to visit probably our late fall (March/ April). NZ has more geography packed into a small area than most other places in the world ranging from sub tropical to sub Antarctic, beachs to mountains. It sort of looks like Middle Earth.

I am not sure when Hertz of Avis NZ will have the Prius to rent as they are only bringing in 20 a month due to the worldwide shortage. I got up the waiting list by going to the launch and grovelling to the CEO of Toyota NZ.

Cheers

 

[RSnyder]

Hi Doug,
Pressing the accelerator cancels B mode temporarily in order to power the wheels. It immediately goes back into B mode when you release the accelerator. B mode saves on brakes during steep decents. It usually produces worse consumption (MPG) than D mode because it dumps energy by spinning the unfueled gasoline engine. Use it for safety where you would use 2 or 1 on more common automatics.