Toyota Prius +. Bigger and more versatile
Toyota Prius+ is a longer Toyota Prius in the Estate 5-doors bodywork. This hybrid FWD Toyota Prius, produced by Toyota, belongs to the М-class. In today’s market of Israel, there is a first generation of the Toyota Prius+, restyled in 2014.
Toyota Prius is the world’s first mass-production hybrid, powered by both gasoline engine and electric motor. Even its name, “Prius”, is Latin for “first” or “primary”.
First generation
The first Toyota Prius+ estate appeared in 2011, in Japan, as Prius α. Based on the third-generation Prius, this estate had a roomier interior. It might be either a 5-seater with 2 rows of seats and a trunk of up to 552 L, or a 7-seater with 3 rows of seats and a trunk of 200 L.
In late 2011, the 5-seater called Prius v (‘v’ is not for ‘vendetta’, but for ‘versatility’), entered the US market. In the summer of 2012, the 7-seater called Prius+ entered the EU market. To accommodate more passengers and, respectively, rows of seats, the standard battery was changed for Li-Ion. This battery was shifted from the trunk into space between the front seats.
Features
The first Prius+ was absolutely new, however, it’s “triangle” shape helped easily distinguish it as a Prius family member. The entire exterior was designed to improve aerodynamics: lowered grille, tilt- and length-optimized rear spoiler, special shape of front and rear bumpers, air cutters in front of the wheels. The stiff and rigid body of the estate, made of hardened steel and aluminum, 7 airbags, and advanced assistants allowed Prius+ to successfully pass tests and conform with Japanese, American, and Australian standards. Prius+ estate is 105 mm longer than the basic Prius, and much wider and taller. 80 mm extra was enough to install 3 rows of seats and accomodate 7 passengers.
In the 7-seat Prius+, the third row is represented by two separate retractable seats. Three separate seats of the second row can move, their backs can fold and move back and forth. The fully retractable backs of the rear seats provide more space for rest. To improve the view, designers located each nextseat row 5 cm above the previos row. In the 7-seat Prius, the minimal volume of the trunk is 200 L. When the third row is retracted, the trunk volume is 505 L, When third and second rows are retracted, the trunk volume achieved its maximum: 1035 L.
The 5-seat Prius+ has a trunk volume of 535 L. If the rear seats are retracted, it’s increased up to 1070 L. There is also a space under the floor, presence of a spare wheel and a tyre repair set determinesthe volume of this space.
The hybrid powertrain of the Prius+ is the same as that of the 3-generation Prius. It includes a 1,8-L gasoline engine and 2 sinchronous AC electric motors, connected to each other and to the engine using a planetary reductor. The 5-seat Prius+ is equipped with the same HV NiMH battery as in the standard version. It’s located under the trunk floor, while air inlets of its cooling system are located under the rear seats. The 7-seat Prius+ is equipped with a more power-effecient Li-Ion battery. Small battery size allowed its front location under the console and between the front seats.
2014 restyling
The restyling in 2014 gave Prius+ new exterior comforming with the style of the latest Toyota models. New materials have been used for the interior design. Besides new electronic assistants, the restyled Prius+ has an updated transmission. It provides slower and smoother linear acceleration, and a hybrid powertrain has received new and now meets requirements of the Euro6 standaed. Changes in adjustments improved the comfort of driving and driveability of the new Prius+ 2014/2015.
