VERSATILITY is the name of the game for a brand new version of the Toyota Prius which has made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Due to be launched in the USA this summer – although there’s no word yet of when, of if, it will arrive in the UK - the Prius v hybrid is described as an MPV-style model designed to bring the benefits of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy to Drive to a new market segment.
Prius v – the v stands for versatility – uses the same platform and powertrain as the current generation Prius hatchback but offers more than 50 per cent more interior cargo space than its sister model.
The design is new from the ground up, with a shape that has evolved from the original Prius, rather than simply being an elongated version of the existing car, says Toyota.
The cabin design features a high seating position with second row seats which have slide adjustment 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.
There’s a low, wide-opening rear hatch to allow for easy loading, with 970 litres of loadspace behind the rear seats – more space than in some compact SUV models, according to Toyota.
The Prius v 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.
And it 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.