Toyota launches new Prius

Toyota has announced the launch of the Prius α in Japan. It has been derived from the third generation Prius and is available with two interior configurations - five seats in two rows or seven seats over three rows called the Prius +.

The Prius + is the first car to offer 7 seats and a hybrid power train in Europe. It will be launched at this year's Frankfurt motor show before going on sale in early 2012. The Prius + has been designed from the ground up, rather than merely being an elongated version of the standard Prius.

Toyota says this new seating layout is made possible by a new lithium ion battery pack that is located in the centre console. This type of battery is a first for Toyota in a non plug in hybrid and should spell the future for the brand. It will be mated to Toyota's existing 1.8 litre 4 cylinder engine.

The Prius + will feature an extended roofline with a panoramic roof and a low drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd. The new car will also retain the distinctive triangle silhouette of the original Prius. The new 7 seat Prius + will also be longer, wider and higher than the standard Prius, while the wheelbase will be extended by 80mm.

Toyota has bestowed the interior with a new sense of spaciousness, defined by a  new centre console, centre cluster and instrument panel linked to concave door trim. This is accentuated by the large resin panoramic sunroof which is 40% lighter than its glass equivalent.

The 7 seat format features three independent second row folding seats and a 50:50 split/folding third tier which has also been raised for increased visibility.

While carrying seven passengers the Prius + provides 200 litres of boot space, rising to 535 litres with the third row stowed. Storage flexibility is enhanced by large and small storage trays located beneath the luggage deck.

Toyota aims not only to maintain their environmental credibility with the new model but also create a new best seller. To date over 2.2 million Prius variants have been sold, justifying its own stand alone model range when the Prius + and plug in hybrid become available in 2012.