Toyota primes Prius+ for summer launch

Toyota continues the expansion its hybrid technology into new areas of the market with the launch this summer of Prius+, Europe’s first full hybrid seven-seat MPV. The ground-breaking new model, which combines traditional people carrier practicality with ultra-efficient performance, is also the first mainstream Toyota hybrid to use a lighter and more compact lithium-ion battery pack.
 
Thanks to the exceptional efficiency of its Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, its light weight and wind-cheating aerodynamics, Prius+ in T4 trim produces 96g/km, making it the only seven-seat model on the UK market to come in below the 100g/km CO2threshold for zero road tax and London congestion charge exemption; output from the T Spirit is 101g/km. Fuel economy adds to Prius+ attractive total ownership cost: official figures are 68.9mpg for the T4 and 64.2mpg for the T Spirit.
 
Installing the slim lithium-ion battery neatly within the centre console avoids any intrusion on the space available for rear seat passengers and for load carrying. Five separate folding rear seats are provided and with all of these in place there is 200 litres of luggage space; with the third row stowed, this figure rises to 505 litres.
 
Grades
 
Prius+ is available in two grades – T4 and T Spirit.

Colours and trims
 
Seven exterior colours are available for Prius+: Pure White and Astral Black (solid); Decuma Grey, Tyrol Silver, Vermilion Red and Orion Blue (metallics); and White Pearl (pearlescent). The T4 grade comes with Hayama grey cloth upholstery, with Nagara black leather fitted to the T Spirit.