Available in 2-Row 5-Seater and 3-Row 7-Seater Configurations

This new version of the Prius, previously unveiled as the "Prius v," "Prius+," and the concept model "Prius c Concept" at this year's Detroit and Geneva Motor Shows, has been eagerly anticipated. Although its release was postponed due to the Great East Japan Earthquake, it has finally made its grand debut.

The new model launched this time is named "Priusα." While inheriting the design of the current "Prius," the Priusα is slightly larger, measuring 4,615mm in length, 1,775mm in width, and 1,575mm in height, compared to the Prius's 4,460mm length, 1,745mm width, and 1,490mm height. It features Toyota's first large panoramic roof made of resin, creating a spacious and open cabin.

Two seat types are available to accommodate diverse lifestyles: a 5-seater with two rows and a 7-seater with three rows. The elevated seating position ensures excellent visibility, and the luggage space in the 2-row model is a generous 535 liters, enhancing usability. The 3-row model utilizes a newly adopted compact lithium-ion battery instead of the conventional nickel-metal hydride battery, enabling seating for seven. This configuration offers a practical luggage space of 200 liters. For comparison, the current Prius has a luggage capacity of 445 liters.

The power unit is a hybrid system equipped with a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle engine that enhances thermal efficiency by employing a larger expansion ratio than compression ratio. The engine's maximum output is 73kW (99ps) at 5,200rpm, with a maximum torque of 142Nm (14.5kgm) at 4,000rpm. The motor delivers a maximum output of 60kW (82ps) and a maximum torque of 207Nm (21.1kgm). The total system output is 100kW (136ps), which is unchanged from the standard Prius.

Regarding environmental performance, which is of keen interest, the fuel economy is 26.2 km/ℓ in JC08 mode, with CO2 emissions of 89g/km. While these figures are undoubtedly top-class in their segment, the increased vehicle weight results in a decrease in fuel economy by 4.2 km/ℓ and an increase in CO2 emissions by 13g/km compared to the standard Prius.

The color options include eight choices: Super White, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Black, Red Mica Metallic, Clear Stream Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica. The price starts at 2.35 million yen for the "L Selection" (5-seater) base S grade. Despite the significant increase in practicality, the price is kept to a modest 300,000 yen increase over the base price of the standard Prius.

Furthermore, starting from the summer of this year, Toyota plans to launch the "Prius v" in North America, based on the 2-row seat "Priusα," and the "Prius+" in Europe in 2012, based on the 3-row seat model.

Perhaps due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake, hybrid vehicles are once again drawing significant attention. In this context, the launch of the Priusα is welcome news for families with children and those who wish to enjoy leisure activities by car.

TOYOTA Priusα│TOYOTA PRIUS ALPHA
Body Dimensions│Length 4,615 × Width 1,775 × Height 1,575mm
Wheelbase│2,780mm
Vehicle Weight (5-seater)│1,470kg
Vehicle Weight (7-seater)│1,480kg
Engine│1.8-liter inline-4
Max Output (Engine)│73kW (99ps)/5,200rpm
Max Output (Motor)│60kW (82ps)
Max Torque (Engine)│142Nm (14.5kgm)/4,000rpm
Max Torque (Motor)│207Nm (21.1kgm)
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy│26.2km/ℓ
JC08 Mode CO2 Emissions│89g/km
Drivetrain│FF
Price│2.35 million to 3.305 million yen