Don’t Let the 2021 Toyota Prius 2020 Edition Confuse You

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Toyota Prius has long been one of the more popular Toyota models. In fact, even Consumer Reports loves them and has given their stamp of approval to almost every model year. The Prius is also historically a very reliable car.

So to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Prius, Toyota came out with a special model that might confuse you. Even if you are one of the people who think the Prius just looks too weird, it is still worth it to check out the 2020 Edition of the 2021 Toyota Prius. Yep, we said it was confusing.

The 2020 Edition of the 2021 Toyota Prius

No, the 2020 edition is not just a 2020 Toyota Prius being passed off as a 2021 Toyota Prius. It is a special 2021 model to celebrate 20 years of Prius. If you are confused, you are not alone.

Car and Driver reported on “Toyota’s OG hybrid” and admitted it was a very confusing name. They categorized it as essentially an appearance package for 2021 Prius’ XLE FWD trim, but it does have some unique touches celebrating the 20th anniversary.

A special anniversary model

Besides an interesting name that will be sure to spark conversation, this model also has some other cool features. The floor mats and key fobs will all have “2020 Edition” written on them and only 2,020 units were made.

You can get one in either Supersonic Red or Wind Chill White, but both feature black trim for wheels, mirrors, and several interior components, among other things. Plus, the model sports a darkened headlight trim and a rear spoiler in whichever body color you choose.

The 2021 Toyota Prius

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The hybrid powertrain does not offer the best acceleration, with a reported 0-60 mph of 10.8 seconds. Its big selling point, particularly to hybrid buyers, is the EPA-estimated 50 mpg fuel economy.

It does provide a pretty comfortable ride, switching smoothly between gas power and electric power. The standard trim features front-wheel drive; however, there is an AWD option available. The interior did not have many changes, though the Prius recently got an upgraded interior.

Push-button start, a six-way manual-adjust driver’s seat, and Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard on every trim. Each trim comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, except for the Limited trim level, which has an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen.

The 2021 model does get some other upgrades, including more safety features. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard, and in addition to previous driver-assist features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert with low-light pedestrian detection, and radar cruise control, they have also added enhanced bicyclist detection and road-sign recognition.

Higher trims also include blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. Every trim level also comes standard with a three-year trial of Toyota Safety Connect, which has an emergency assistance button and other safety services.

The 2021 Prius received a 9.5/10 safety rating from U.S. News, which is based on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test ratings and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety ratings.

If you are looking for a new hybrid that is reliable and unique, this model might be a good choice. Even though the name is slightly confusing, the 2021 Toyota Prius 2020 Edition celebrates an impressive 20 years since the Prius came on the scene.

And it might look a little odd, but it has moved from a boring look to a futuristic, spaceship look, but that just adds to the unique factor. Plus, the name alone is going to be a fantastic conversation starter. 

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Are Three-door Hatchbacks Being Phased Out?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Global three-door hatchback sales are at an all-time low. Sales of this body style have been dwindling for decades. Much like manual transmissions, manufacturers have been backing away from hatchback production. Sales will ultimately decide the fate of this often-overlooked class.

Volkswagen Golf 5 | Sean Gallup via Getty Images

Why the European market matters for hatchbacks

It’s no secret that each market has best selling body styles. In China, Sedans dominate car sales. Crossovers are the most popular in the United States. In Europe, SUVs are the most popular vehicle class on the market.

Traditionally, three-door hatchbacks have sold best on the European market. Relying on one global region is a big vulnerability. There have always been hatchback enthusiasts in every market, but these niche sales aren’t enough to support an entire product line.

SUVs have become more popular in Europe. According to JATO Automotive Dynamics, SUV registrations in Europe are at an all-time high, representing 44% of the market. The trend proves that European drivers are willing to buy more expensive vehicles with higher emissions.

An increase in size meant a decrease in popularity

A white Hyundai Veloster three door hatchback
Hyundai Veloster hatchback | Mark Elias/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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Traditionally, European drivers have favored smaller cars. Historical roadways are narrow and difficult to navigate in a larger vehicle. These markets have favored vehicles with the most available fuel economy, meaning bigger was not better.

Hatchbacks have been getting wider and heavier, making them harder to drive on tighter roads. The average width and weight of passenger vehicles have increased drastically over the last two decades. This is to comply with ever-stricter safety regulations. Cars are bigger to keep people safer.

Increased passenger comfort is also at play. Compact cars have frequently been criticized for feeling claustrophobic. Adding more breathing room makes them more appealing to buyers looking for comfort. Hatchback drivers have preferred agility and handling over cargo space for years.

If size and maneuverability have kept European buyers from hatchbacks, why have larger SUVs become more popular? The answer is likely complex. SUVs are known for comfort and luxury. Hatchbacks have traditionally been more austere. A Renaissance of feature-rich hatchbacks could turn the tide.

Hope on the horizon

A yellow FIat 500 three door hatchback
Fiat 500. Artist | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images

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It’s not over for the hatchback. It holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts across the world. European sales could increase. Automotive trends are constantly in flux.

Automakers are sure to begin producing smaller cars. As crash safety technology improves, designs will be further streamlined. Increasing safety without adding considerable size is an inevitability. Global regulations on emissions are getting stricter every year. Cars will have to become smaller to comply.

Several major automakers have pledged to phase out the production of gasoline-powered cars. Wider vehicles are less aerodynamic, and energy efficiency is the EV maker’s enemy. European officials have taken notice of the traffic issues wider cars are causing. The demand for smaller cars is coming.

If hatchback designs get smaller, European buyers could be coaxed back from more expensive SUVs. Interior features and comforts could level the playing field further. The three-door hatchback has a shaky future, but it could still make a comeback.

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The Electric Caterham Seven Is Coming, but Will the US Get It?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When a Miata just isn’t simple enough, enthusiasts turn to the Caterham Seven. It’s arguably one of the best-known kit cars, distilling everything that makes sports cars fun in a build-it-yourself package. But its internal-combustion powerplants mean the Seven could one day be forced off the road. However, the latest news from the company suggests the simplistic roadster might be getting future-proofed. That’s right, there’s an electric Caterham Seven on the horizon.

The company’s new owners want to make a proper electric Caterham Seven

Caterham Seven 620R | Caterham

Like all kit cars, the US-market Caterham Seven is delivered without the powertrain installed. But while you can technically swap in any engine and transmission that will fit, Caterham does supply buyers with both.

The current lineup includes a selection of Ford four-cylinder engines, ranging from a 135-hp 1.6-liter engine to a 310-hp 2.0-liter supercharged one. Considering the heaviest Seven weighs about 1345 pounds fully fueled, that’s typically more than sufficient. And the ICE selection isn’t going away, Caterham’s new owners, VT Holdings, claim, Driving.ca reports. At least, not immediately.

These ICE models, though, will soon have an EV stablemate. Like several other prominent car brands, Caterham is making an electric model, Autoblog reports. This news follows the growing trend of governments banning or promising to ban sales of ICE vehicles in the next few years. To keep selling Sevens in the UK and around the world, Caterham has to go electric.

However, the as-yet-unnamed electric Caterham Seven will stay true to the brand’s core values and identity, Autocar reports. That means prioritizing low curb weight, fun handling, and speed.

To that effect, the Seven EV’s suspension will be redesigned around the mass of the battery pack and motor(s). And Caterham may sell the EV without features like regenerative braking to further decrease weight, InsideEVs points out. Plus, the company claims the electric Seven could match the range-topping 620R’s performance level, DriveTribe reports. That means a 0-60 mph time of around 2.8 seconds.

Will an electric Caterham Seven make its way to the US?

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Some fans of Caterham’s more simplistic models haven’t taken to the idea of an electric Seven very well, Hagerty reports. Especially since, despite manual-transmission EVs being a thing, the initial prototype appears to be a ‘two-pedal’ car.

However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time a company has made an EV in the style of the Seven. Bulgarian firm Kinetik used a Seven chassis to make the electric 07, Autoblog points out. And there’s also the Blaze EV Classic, which is like a shrunken-down Seven.

A silver Blaze EV Classic by a stone-lined garage
Blaze EV Classic | Blaze

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But will Caterham offer the electric Seven in the US? As long as the battery pack and motors meet EPA regulations, it’s possible. True, the US is a fairly small Caterham market: the company sold 21 cars here in 2019, Road & Track reports. However, as more states start to plan bans on ICE car sales, the company will either have to exit the US or bring over its EV. And based on how high VT Holdings values Caterham, Hagerty reports, the former option doesn’t seem likely.

How much will it cost if and when it gets here?

The rear 3/4 view of a blue-and-orange Caterham Seven 620R
Caterham Seven 620R rear 3/4 | Caterham

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As of this writing, Caterham hasn’t released any pricing or availability details on the electric Seven. The company is still finalizing suppliers for the car’s battery packs and motors, Autoblog reports. For comparison, the cheapest model, the Seven 270, starts at $37,900; the Seven 620 starts at $65,900.

Several sources pegged 2023 as a potential public unveiling date. That year marks the company’s 50th anniversary. But customer deliveries might not start until 2026, Autoblog muses.

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Avoid These Mini Cooper Model Years if You Want a Good Car

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you have the Mini Cooper on your mind, you’re not alone. This popular model continues to impress with its economy size, stylish personality, and super-quick dynamics. Over the decades, the Mini Cooper has also been reliable and adaptable based on consumer preferences. But before you buy, especially if you’re considering a used model, there are a few model years to avoid. For anyone serious about buying a reliable car, steer clear of these Mini Cooper models.

These are the Mini Cooper model years to avoid

Copilotsearch.com highlights some of the worst model years for the Mini Cooper Countryman, including 2011, 2012, and 2013. The team cites many of the problems as concerning safety hazards, like fires and engine failures. But those aren’t the only Mini Coopers to avoid.

Consumer Reports surveys indicate many of the various Mini Cooper models displayed issues across a broader timeline. Some of the lowest predicted reliability scores suggest 2006 through 2012 are the worst years for the Mini Cooper. And to be safe, there were problematic models in the earlier 2000s, as well.

The common Mini Cooper problems

Avoiding the 2000 through the 2013 model years might be the smartest car-buying move. The problems documented over the years are potentially concerning. And while most of these vehicles tend to be reliable, for owners of those model year cars, engine problems, cooling issues, and even electrical failures were common.

AxleAddict.com shares the five most prevalent Mini Cooper problems. First and second-generation models were prone to clutch failures. First-gen Mini Coopers experienced significant transmission malfunctions as well. Other common complaints included leaking water pumps, radiator issues, and electric power steering pump problems. Several of these listed concerns led to recalls or lawsuits.

Some of the best model years

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Don’t let those troublesome model years deter you from buying a used Mini Cooper. There are plenty of model years that proved reliable. Consumer Reports surveys show dependability ratings increasing in more recent years, signifying maturity.

Any 2015 or newer Mini Cooper actually earns above-average reliability ratings. And there was a redesign in 2014 that lasted through 2020, meaning those years also feature the more modern design and styling.

What’s new for the 2021 Mini Cooper?

You might decide to avoid used car issues altogether and buy a new 2021 model this year. You won’t be disappointed with what Edmunds calls a clever blend of “quickness and fuel efficiency.” And the configuration options seem endless with five core trims for the Mini Hardtop, gas-powered, two-door.

And there are then sub-trims from there, including the Classic, the Oxford Edition, the Signature, and the Iconic. Choosing your best features gets even easier with even more packages and add-on amenities too.

In addition to being bigger and offering more options, the 2021 Mini Cooper offers a few other perks this year. The new limited-production GP level trim harnesses 301 hp.

During Edmunds’ testing, this powerhouse went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The manual transmission is back, after its brief hiatus as well. The sport-tuned suspension is lower, the chassis reinforced, and the brakes more powerful too.

There isn’t a vehicle on the market that didn’t at one time have a bad year or two. This crossover is no different. With its many variations over the years, there are bound to be some concerns along the way.

If you’re buying a used model, maybe stay away from the 2000s through 2012 model years. Instead, check out some of the more recent, more reliable models. Or you could just buy new altogether and drive home the 2021 Mini Cooper with a shiny new warranty.

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