Until now the word ‘Prius’, as in ‘Toyota’, has been a single model, now in its third generation; it is now to become a brand after Toyota Motor Sales USA had the honour of the global unveiling of a new ‘family’ of vehicles at the Detroit show.
The current third-generation Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) were joined by the new Prius v midsize hybrid-electric vehicle and the Prius c concept, “broadening the appeal of Prius to all ages and lifestyles”, according to the automaker.
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“With the expansion of the Prius family, a new evolution of vehicles will further increase the acceptance of hybrids with Prius’ same core values of high fuel economy, low emissions, proven technology and environmental stewardship,” Toyota said in a statement.
“This is no ordinary family. It’s a modern family with a Prius for everyone,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “The Prius v is an all-new dedicated hybrid vehicle, and all future Prius family members will be as well. They will all share common Prius attributes but will be unique, with a special appeal to different buyers.”
The Prius, a midsize liftback for its second and third generations, has accounted for more than 955,000 sales in the US since it was introduced in 2000 [the first generation was a sedan originally launched in Japan in 1997]. The third-generation Prius, which reached dealerships in June 2009, has continued the hybrid’s heritage of exceptional fuel economy and low emissions, while becoming the third-best selling Toyota passenger car in the US.
The Prius has also been a technological flagship vehicle, offering new features to the Toyota brand like touch tracer display, solar powered ventilation, smart key system with push button start, lane keep assist, an advanced parking guidance system and LED headlamps.
The new Prius v, for versatility, will meet the needs of growing families with active lifestyles, according to Toyotam as it has over 50% more interior cargo space than the current hatchback.
It is a new vehicle designed from the ground up, with a shape that evolved from the hatchback rather than being an elongated version.
Comfortable interior space and good visibility has been assisted by a high seating position, ample head room, and an impressive 38-inch couple distance, providing generous rear legroom. A low, wide-opening rear hatch reveals 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, making it the most spacious dedicated hybrid vehicle on the market and better than some compact SUVs.
Comfortable seating for five is specifically designed for young families. Sliding second row seats allow for easier entrance and exit and rear storage flexibility with a 45-degree recline for greater comfort. The 60/40 split, folding rear seats present four different seat arrangements that provide excellent usability for passengers and luggage, while a fold-flat front-passenger seat allows for extremely long cargo.
Also available, and a Toyota first, is a resin panoramic view sunroof with power retractable sun shades that provides an open atmosphere in the cabin with a 40-percent reduction in weight as compared to conventional glass roofs of the same size, and excellent heat insulation performance.
Up front, instrument-panel controls, including a single-dial air-conditioning control and a centre-mounted digital combination meter, provide an advanced look and user-friendliness.
Despite the spaciousness of a family friendly midsize vehicle, the Prius v will deliver estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 42 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 40 mpg combined, the best fuel economy ratings of any SUV, crossover, or wagon on the market. It will also emit 66% fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.
Like the current generation Prius, the Prius v is a showcase of technology that will include many of the same standard features. Four driving modes (normal, power, Eco and EV) satisfy a variety of road conditions and driver preferences. A smart key with push button start, electronic shift lever, hill start assist and a back-up camera are standard. Available options include LED headlamps, radar cruise control with pre-collision system (PCS) and advanced parking guidance system.
For a high level of safety, there are seven airbags, a high-strength cabin and an energy-absorbing body structure with impact beams, cross members and leg absorption pads. New driver and front passenger seat design helps lessen possible whiplash injury during a collision.
Prius v will be one of the first Toyotas with the NEW Entune multimedia system which works with a mobile phone to provide fully integrated and wireless upgradeable navigation, entertainment and information.
Entune introduces support for engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, news and sports.
It also offers a huge selection of music options including iheartradio’s 750+ stations, Pandora’s personalised music, the driver’s personal songs from portable media players and iPods (via USB or Bluetooth audio streaming), and over 170 stations from XM satellite radio.
It also has a claimed a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system said to eliminate the need to memorise thousands of voice commands.
Entune will also allow for audio read-back and replay capabilities for text messages, with the ability to respond by pre-set ‘quick reply messages’.
The 2012 Prius v will go on sale in the US in late summer 2011.
While the current Prius has ushered hybrid technology into the mainstream, and the Prius v will provide the additional room and versatility for active families, compact shoppers are interested in a smaller hybrid at an entry price point and with superior fuel economy, Toyota said. The Prius c Concept, with c for ‘city’-centric vehicle, will appeal to young singles and couples who want an eco-sensitive, high-mileage, fun-to-drive Prius.
This dynamic vehicle with urban appeal will pursue outstanding fuel efficiency in a compact package, while also providing a spacious interior. It will include many advanced technology features, including some offered on the current Prius.
“Prius c Concept is the inspiration for an additional Prius family member that will come to market in the first half of 2012 as the most value-oriented hybrid in the US market with the highest mileage of any ‘cordless’ hybrid, Toyota said.
Also shown was the Prius Plug-in Hybrid which can be driven approximately 13 miles on battery power at speeds up to 60 mph. Its compact lithium-ion battery provides less weight and a quicker recharging time, taking three hours on 110 volts and 1.7 hours on 220 volts. It can be ‘topped off’ anytime with a convenient short charge.
After the EV power is depleted, the Plug-in performs like any third-generation Prius.
“Unlike pure EVs, it will be a seamless transition for consumers, with the only difference from a regular Prius is that it can be plugged in at convenient intervals,” Toyota said.
About 150 cars are on a demonstration programme in several US cities and the on-sale target is the first half of 2012.
The plug-in will be initially offered in 14 west and east coast states (Arizona, California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Virginia and New Hampshire) where nearly 60% of all Prius models are currently sold. Availability in all remaining states will be a year later.
“When it comes to market, the Prius Plug-in will represent the most eco-sensitive and advanced choice within the Prius brand of products,” Toyota added.
