| Also called | Toyota Prius α (Japan) Toyota Prius + (Europe) |
|---|---|
| Production | May 2011–present |
| Model years | 2012–present |
| Class | Compact MPV |
| Body style | 5-door minivan/station wagon |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Engine |
Gasoline engine: 1.8 L 2ZR-FXE I4 Dual VVT-i (Atkinson cycle) Power: 98 hp (73 kW; 99 PS) @ 5200 rpm Torque: 105 lb·ft (142 N·m) 105 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Hybrid system total: 134 hp (100 kW; 136 PS)[1] |
| Transmission | 1-speed planetary gear |
| Wheelbase | 2,778.759 mm (109.4 in) |
| Length | 4,615.179 mm (181.7 in) |
| Width | 1,775.46 mm (69.9 in) |
| Height | 1,574.8 mm (62.0 in) |
| Related | Toyota Prius (XW30) |
The Toyota Prius v, also named Prius α in Japan, and Prius + in Europe, is a full hybrid gasoline-electric compact MPV/station wagon produced by Toyota Motor Corporation introduced in Japan in May 2011 and in the U.S. in October 2011. It is scheduled to be released in the European market by mid 2012.[2] The Prius v was unveiled at the January 2011 North American International Auto Show alongside the Prius c Concept, and it is the first Prius variant to be spun off from the Prius platform.[3][4] According to Toyota the "v" stands for "versatility."[5][6] The Prius α is offered in the Japanese market with a nickel-metal hydride battery at a price of ¥2.35 million (US$29,000), and the lithium-ion battery version is expected to sell for ¥3 million (US$37,000).[2] The Prius v base price in the U.S. starts at US$26,400 and is offered only with a nickel-metal hydride battery.[7][8]
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The Prius v styling looks like a European-style small minivan and has a 0.29 drag coefficient with a shape that evolved from the Prius. The exterior styling is rounded with an extended roofline that allows the vehicle to retain the triangular silhouette symbolic of Prius. Other differences are the trapezoidal-shaped front with sharp-edged headlamps and wind-slipping aero corners for improved aerodynamics, as well as an enlarged under grille. The rear styling has a specially designed roof spoiler that improves air flow.[1]
The interior cargo space is more than 50% larger than the 2010 Toyota Prius, 5 inches (130 mm) longer and 1 inch (25 mm) wider, providing 34.3 cubic feet (970 L) of cargo space behind the rear seats; it also offers 38 inches (970 mm) of rear leg room, and more head height.[3][9]
The Toyota Prius v includes many of the same standard features of the 2010 Prius, with four driving modes: Normal, Power, Eco and EV; smart key with push button start, an electronic shift lever, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and a back-up camera. Available options include energy-efficient LED headlamps, dynamic radar cruise control with a Pre-Collision System (PCS), and advanced parking guidance system.[1] The Prius v has several technical advancements including Toyota's new Toyota Entune Multimedia System and a panoramic sunroof made of lightweight-resin, 40% lighter than a glass roof of the same size.[9][10] Entune will premiere on the 2012 Toyota Prius v.[11]
The Prius v powertrain uses the same 1.8 liter Atkinson cycle gasoline inline-four engine used in the conventional Prius, a 60KWh traction motor, and shares the Prius’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system and the same 201 volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack.[3][9][12]
Toyota introduced some refinements unique to the Prius v powertrain. These refinements include a new "Pitch and Bounce" motor control that the Prius v automatically employs on undulating roads and the refined control was designed to improve ride comfort and control. Because the Prius v is a larger vehicle with greater load capacity, suspension components were redesigned to improve handling and ride quality. "Pitch and Bounce" control works with the vehicle’s suspension to cancel longitudinal oscillation when the Prius v is driven over uneven surfaces.[12]
The Prius v also includes a redesigned engine coolant heating structure surrounding the vehicle’s catalytic converter and the exhaust heat recirculation system has been refined to reduce engine warm-up time and improve occupant heater response time in cold weather. A switch valve electronically controls coolant recirculation through the exhaust heat recirculation system.[12]
In the United States the 2012 model year Prius v includes Toyota's Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS), which is designed to alert pedestrians, the blind, and others of the vehicle's presence due to significant noise reduction typical of a hybrid vehicle traveling at low speeds in EV mode. This type of warning device is mandated in the United States by the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010. The warning sound is generated by externally mounted speakers and it activates automatically only at speeds below about 15 mph (24 km/h). The pitch varies with the vehicle's speed to give pedestrians a sense of whether the approaching Prius is accelerating or decelerating.[13]
The Prius v estimated fuel economy is 44 miles per US gallon (5.3 L/100 km; 53 mpg-imp) in the city and 40 miles per US gallon (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg-imp) in highway, and 42 miles per US gallon (5.6 L/100 km; 50 mpg-imp) combined.[12] According to Toyota, the Prius v will produce 66 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.[1]
Toyota launched the second member of the Prius family with three regional versions of the vehicle: the Prius v in the North American market, the Prius α in Japan, and the Prius + in Europe. The Alpha is the basis for the five-seat launched in North America, and the seven-seat planned for launch in Europe.[2][12]
On May 13, 2011, Toyota introduced the Prius α in Japan with a sales target of 3,000 units per month.[2][12] The Prius Alpha is available in a five-seat, two-row model and a seven-seat, three-row model, the latter’s third row enabled by a space-saving lithium-ion drive battery in the center console. The five-seat model uses a NiMH battery pack. Deliveries of the Alpha will be delayed due to the effects of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami on production. Toyota announced it had received 25,000 orders for the Prius Alpha hybrid wagon and minivan models in Japan before the start of sales.[2][14] The five-seater version starts at ¥2.35 million (US$29,000), and the seven-seater starts at ¥3 million (US$37,000).[2]
Toyota began sales of the Prius v in the U.S. in October 2011[7] with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack similar to the 2010 model year Prius, and with two rows of seats to accommodate five passengers. The European and Japanese versions are offered with a lithium-ion battery, with three rows of seats with accommodations for seven passengers.[15][2] Toyota's sales target is about 15 to 20% of conventional Prius sales in the United States, which represents around 30,000 units a year. With the Prius v Toyota is expecting to expand its customer base to include young families with children looking for a hybrid more spacious than the Prius.[16] During is first full month in the market, 3,545 Prius v were sold in November 2011.[17]
Sales price in the U.S. starts at US$26,400 plus a US$760 delivery fee.[8] The Prius v is offered in three configurations: the base Prius v Two, the mid-range Prius v Three (US$27,165), and the premium-level Prius v Five (US$29,990).[7] The Prius v Three adds standard display audio with navigation and the Toyota Entune multimedia system. In addition to standard features on the Prius v Two and Three, the Prius v Five adds standard SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, three-door smart key, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, and fog lamps. All trims come with a Bluetooth wireless connection for compatible hands-free phone calls and a USB port that allows playing of music and video from portable audio devices, and includes full iPod integration.[7][8]
The European version is named Prius + and will be launched by mid 2012.[2] The European version will be offered with a lithium-ion battery, with three rows of seats with accommodations for seven passengers.[2][15]
The 2012 Prius v was selected among the five finalists for the 2012 Green Car of the Year to be awarded by the Green Car Journal in November 2011 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.[18] The Prius Alpha was also shortlisted for 2012 Car of The Year Japan.[19] Shared with the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the Prius v was awarded Green Car Report's Best Car to Buy 2012.[20]
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