Toyota Prius+ – click for hi-res image
The Toyota Prius+ is an increasingly popular hybrid for families, it comes with seven seats, and its revamp for 2015 includes a host of new multimedia and safety improvements.
Indeed, there’s a new top-level grade, the Excel Plus, as well as a freshening up for the rest of the range.
The Toyota Prius+ was unveiled at the Paris motor show and prices should start at around £27,000. It’s available to order now and deliveries are due to begin from January.
The improved Toyota Prius+
Potential owners will be impressed with the improvements and all models now come with LED headlights and rear light clusters.
The entry-level model has seen extra kit added including the firm’s latest Touch 2 system which comes with Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen and DAB digital radio.
There’s also a reversing camera and a tyre pressure warning system.
The cabin for the range has also been redesigned, with a better looking centre console, improved seat fabrics and a darker trim finish.
The upper instrument panel now features a colour TFT screen and some models come with Touch 2 with Go which adds connectivity and navigation functions. This means that drivers can access Toyota’s live traffic information and a satnav system that uses 3-D city modelling.
Lots of safety kit for the Toyota Prius+
To help underline its appeal to families, the Toyota Prius+ comes with improved safety equipment the help create an easier and smoother driving experience.
For instance, there is the pre-crash safety system which will help the driver avoid a potential collision and, should that happen, it will help reduce the consequences.
The car does this by using radar to scan for potential problems in the road ahead and to determine whether there is a risk of impact. Should it detect that a collision is imminent, it will warn the driver and prepare the brakes for maximum operation. The front seat belts are also tightened.
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The same radar system is also used to monitor vehicles on the road ahead for its adaptive cruise control system and will slow the vehicle down when necessary before returning to a pre-set cruising speed once the potential problem has cleared.
Owners of the Toyota Prius+ will also find that the vehicle has an intelligent parking assist system which will automatically steer the vehicle into a place, though the driver always keeps control of the throttle and brakes.
Options for the Excel Plus model include full leather upholstery and a twin DVD entertainment system for passengers in the rear seat.
However, most people opting to buy the Toyota Prius+ will be interested in its contribution to the environment and with fuel economy of around 69 mpg and its CO2 emissions of 96g/km means it is free from road tax. It has very low running costs while having a smooth and refined drive with efficient hybrid powertrains.