Mario James, Gleaner Writer

The Toyota Prius at Toyota Jamaica on Thursday, September 9. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Toyota Jamaica is currently testing a Prius. Hybrid technology, while fresh to the local new-car market, has been an easy sell in used-car circles for some time. "The switchboard at T-Jam has been besieged with Prius enquiries since the gas crunch," one staffer said.

Marketing manager Howard Foster is playing his cards close to his chest, refusing to even hint at a roll-out date for their groundbreaking product. He was able to say, however, that it "... has the acceleration of a [new] 2.4 Camry." Hybrids are cars that use both gasolene and electric power in a supplemental fashion, the electric motor used in low-power applications. Toyota's venerable 1500 cc inline four provides additional power when it is needed.

unique charging system

The two power-trains are inter-connected. Prius uses a unique charging system to charge its battery under braking and in free-wheeling (coasting) conditions. With a combined 110 hp on tap, and the instant on effect of the electric motors, the 2.4 Camry comparison might not be far-fetched. Official Toyota websites have listed the Prius at 46 mpg, but according to Foster, the tests on some runs have returned 70 mpg!

The model tested does not sport the house adapter, and mum's the word on whether the models for sale will have it. While Toyota Jamaica officials have zipped their lips on the asking price for their new baby, research by Automotives have indicated that Prius should sell for J$3.1 million. Testing on the gas-sipping mid-size should end next week.