Spacious Toyota Prius V launched
12.01.2011 - Andy Goodwin
(6)
The roomy Toyota Prius V has been unveiled at the Detroit motor show, giving families more space than in previous Prius models.
It's taller and longer than the Prius hathcback, making it a five-seat mini-MPV to rival the Ford C-Max and Volkswagen Golf Plus.
Toyota claims the Prius V has 50 per cent more interior room than the standard Prius hatchback, with 970 litres of luggage space behind the rear seats.
Most of its extra space has been liberated by a taller roofline, which extends further back over the boot. This allows for a higher seating position inside, with increased legroom for occupants.
The rear seats can slide to increase legroom or boot space, and the backrest can recline through 45 degrees. They also split and fold 60:40, for loading longer items.
Its hybrid technology is shared with the Prius hatchback, so there's a 1.8-litre petrol engine coupled with an electric motor. Emissions won't be as low as the hatchback's 92g/km, but will hopefully be under 100g/km, giving free road tax and exemption from London's Congestion Charge.
The Prius V will also get two new Toyota innovations, the first being a resin panoramic sunroof 18kg lighter than a standard glass version. It will also feature a new multimedia system which interacts with the driver's mobile phone to offer telephone, navigation and entertainment services.
Going on sale in the USA this summer, the Prius V is expected in the UK early next year. Prices are expected to be several thousand pounds higher than the equivalent Prius hathcback, which costs £20-24k.
