Toyota Expands Prius Family With Debut of Prius v

New full hybrid MPV unveiled at Detroit motor show

KEY POINTS

• World debut of Prius v at North American International Auto Show in Detroit
• Five-seat MPV bodystyle
• Full hybrid model, powered by Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive
• 50 per cent more interior space than Prius hatchback
• 970 litres of loadspace behind rear seats
• To be launched in the USA this summer
• Expected best fuel economy ratings of any SUV, crossover or estate car on US market

Toyota marks the next evolution of Prius with the world debut of Prius v at the North American International Auto Show. Due for market launch in the USA this summer, it is a full hybrid MPV-style model designed to bring the benefits of Toyota’s world-leading Hybrid Synergy to Drive to a new market segment.

Prius v – v for versatility – uses the same platform and full hybrid powertrain as the current generation Prius hatchback, with a more flexible design to meet the needs of growing families with active lifestyles. Featuring a spacious interior within a compact exterior, it offers more than 50 per cent more interior cargo space than its sister model.

Toyota has achieved a successful balance between spaciousness, refined style and smooth aerodynamics: Prius v has a low, 0.29 coefficient of drag, which has been achieved without compromising its convenient packaging. Its design is new from the ground up, with a shape that has evolved from Prius, rather than simply being an elongated version of the existing car.

The exterior styling is sleek, rounded and bold, with an extended roofline that allows the vehicle to retain Prius’s symbolic triangular silhouette. The trapezoidal front-end treatment features sharp-edged headlamps, wind-slipping aero corners and an enlarged lower air intake for improved aerodynamics and cooling. The rear styling is highlighted by a smart tailgate and a roof spoiler designed to improve the flow of air away from the back of the vehicle.

Inside the cabin design is spacious and flexible to meet the demands of modern active families. A high seating position supports overall comfort and good visibility, with ample headroom and an impressive 965mm couple distance that delivers good legroom for rear seat passengers.

The low- wide-opening rear hatch allows for easy loading, with 970 litres of loadspace behind the rear seats – more space than in some compact SUV models.

The second row seats have slide adjustment, making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, and can be reclined through 45 degrees. The 60:40 split-folding function adds to the flexibility of the interior, while the front passenger seat can also be folded flat to allow longer items to be carried.

Prius v will be available with a new Toyota-developed resin panoramic sunroof that marks an 18kg weight saving compared to glass roofs of the same size, while giving excellent heat insulation performance.

In spite of its size, Prius is expected to achieve the best fuel efficiency of any SUV, crossover or estate on the US market and produce 66 per cent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average US new vehicle.

Prius v will share many of the advanced, user-friendly technologies that feature in Prius hatchback, including Normal, Power, Eco and EV driving modes, push button start and e-CVT electronic gear shift.

Prius v will be one of the first Toyota models to offer a new multimedia system that links with the owner’s mobile phone to give enhanced, integrated and wireless upgradeable navigation entertainment and information services.

Bob Carter, Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager, said: “Prius v is an all-new dedicated hybrid vehicle, and all future Prius family members will be as well. They will share common Prius attributes, but will be unique, with a special appeal to different buyers.”

Prius v is joined on the Toyota stand at Detroit by Prius c, a concept city car designed and engineered for outstanding fuel efficiency in a compact package, and Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

ENDS