Toyota Prius at Motor Show of Detroit 2009
Toyota has eventually exposed the Mk3 Prius, which is the nearest rival to the Honda Insight which is also revealed at Detroit.
The new Prius has a bigger 1.8-litre, 98bhp engine and a total power output of 134bhp. The engine is more proficient than the current 1.6, and also predicts a faster 0-60mph acceleration time of 9.8 seconds.
It has a 3-mode driver-selection system: EV-Drive Mode, giving electric-only propulsion for up to a mile at low speeds, sporty Power Mode and a fuel-careful Eco Mode.
New boasts on offer include a solar moon roof, with solar panels which collect energy to power the ventilation system.
There’s also a remote air conditioning system, parking assistance, LED low-beam headlamps and tail-lights, dynamic cruise control, Toyota’s pre-crash safety system, lane departure warning, a rear-view camera, voice-activated satellite navigation and automatic announcement of disaster services in the event of a smash, an SOS call button and stolen vehicle tracking.
The Mk3 Prius will be on sale this spring; pricing and specification for the UK will be declared nearer to launch.