Hi Bill
Thanks for the response. We pay for unleaded - which in a particular area is
the only octane sold there, and price is set up by the Government for each
area - coastal or high altitude - about US$0.90 per litre = * 3.785 to get
to US Gallons makes it round $3.40 a US Gallon.  No one is allowed to
discount petrol [gas] and all garages/stations are full service - no self
service is allowed.

The Prius has about 80% of the zip of the Audi, and really that is all one
needs. Burning rubber is not my style, but overtaking & snapping into a gap
in tight traffic in the Prius is pretty good. I really miss the auto central
locking when starting to drive, the beep when activating the central locking
from the remote, and the lack of a parking voucher band on the drivers
sunvisor. Not having the 2 trip timers feature is not a great loss.
Otherwise I'm thrilled.

The Prius' here also have no factory options for navigation nor cell phone
kits. I'm awaiting to see if  Toyota authorise an aftermarket Bluetooth kit
I've ordered via the dealer.
Peter

   "Peter Fleming" <info@aisa.co.za> wrote in message news:d0jpel$rnr$1@ctb-nnrp2.saix.net...
   Hi to the group,
   I have followed your group avidly since January this year.
   Just to let you all know that Toyota has just launched the Prius here - with about 12 units a month coming into the country and not sold but leased for 48 months. Also it is a condition that any damage caused by driving on unpaved roads is not covered by the 48 month 120000 km [75000 mile] full maintenance warranty. [Fuel & tyres not covered]  South Africa has many rural unpaved roads. The Lexus section of the dealership handles Prius clients. Also only 12 dealers countrywide are authorised to handle. Toyota is the major auto player in this country. We have a total population of around 45 million people.

    I had mine delivered last week - Bronze mica metallic colour. Possibly the first officially registered in the country. Details are different to USA models, and no option packages are offered. We have the EV switch fitted, and 7 spoke alloy wheels with an overlay. Only done 500 km so will report on fuel consumption etc. In Johannesburg we are at nearly 6000 feet altitude, and it goes really well. I gave up a 2001 Audi A4 1.8T Multitronic to have the Prius, and find while different - I am very pleased with the Prius.

   Peter F

   Hi Peter,

   What does gas where you live?  Here in the north-central U. S. it is running around $2.00 USD for 87 octane.  Is it as fun to drive as was your Audi?

   Bill

Thanks
I am in the process of joining. Peter