TOYOTA has refined the styling and performance of its latest Prius hybrid model, which has topped the 20,000 sales figure since its launch in 2009.
In its latest guise the Prius continues to deliver 89g/km of CO2 emissions – the lowest in its class – and combined cycle fuel economy of 72.4mpg.
But the springtime sees improvements both inside and out – the car’s front now featuring a re-designed bumper, larger front grille and clear lens headlamps.
The LED daytime running lights have been relocated in the bumper beneath the turn indicators, while the fog lights move to within the lower grille.
T Spirit models now use LED headlamps, too, which come with a washer system, while all versions gain new power-folding heated door mirrors.
The styling changes add an extra 20mm to the car’s length, though the wheelbase and aerodynamic performance are unchanged.
Inside, the Prius’ cabin features new front seats and upholstery plus soft-touch surfaces to give a higher quality feel.
Equipment levels have also been raised, with the Toyota Touch touchscreen control system now standard on all models and the advanced Touch & Go Plus multimedia and navigation set-up as standard on Prius T Spirit and an option on T3 and T4.
Extra stiffness in the bodyshell and changes to the suspension and steering column have increased comfort and steering feel.
Sales of the revised model range begin in March, with prices from £21,350 for the T3 model rising to £24,620 for the flagship T Spirit.
Later in the year the range will expand with the arrival of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Prius+, the world’s first seven-seat full hybrid MPV.