Toyota USA has expanded its Prius lineup to three production vehicles, with more on the way. The major launch is the new Prius wagon, called Prius v (for versatility). The Prius v uses the platform and hybrid drivetrain of the third-generation Prius hatchback in a new large wagon configuration. The expanded dimensions allow for greater passenger room, as well as 50 percent more cargo space than the Prius. Contrary to expectations of a seven-seater, the Prius v seats only five. It checks in at 4615mm long x 1775mm wide x 1574mm tall (vs Prius 4460mm x 1745mm x 1480mm).
The exterior styling is similar to the Prius’ and is optimized for aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, it’s also a familiar tale. The rear seats slide and split-fold, while the front passenger seat can fold flat. A new feature is a plastic Panoramic View moonroof, which saves weight from a conventional glass roof. It also carries Toyota’s Entune multimedia system, which links with mobile phone apps to provide music streaming and news such as weather, traffic, and stock information.
Being a heavier vehicle, the Prius v also loses some km for its liters, registering at 17 km/liter versus 21 km/liter for the Prius. Toyota touts this as still the best of any SUV or wagon on the US market, with less emissions to boot.
Toyota also showed a plug-in version of the Prius, which can travel by electric power for up to 20 km. It recharges in less than 2 hours on a 220V outlet. Significantly, it marks the first time that Toyota has used lithium-ion batteries in a production model. Then there’s the Prius c concept, which will be developed into a 2012 city car. Interestingly, its interior controls include an all-purpose joystick that looks similar to an Alpine audio control that seemed so high-tech so many years ago.
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