LA MOTOR SHOW: Toyota Prius all-wheel drive teased

Toyota has issued a teaser release that suggests that it will launch an all-wheel drive Toyota Prius at the 2018 Los Angeles motor show later this month.

Releasing an image of a Toyota Prius kicking up rooster tails of snow, the Japanese car-maker accompanied the single pic with the caption: "Fall is here, winter's near, but the 2019 Prius performs on road whether snowy or clear."

This has led commentators to the conclusion that the Japanese car-maker will adapt the RAV4 hybrid's all-wheel drive system for the 2019 Toyota Prius.

Since the small hybrid hatch has switched to the more flexible TNGA platform with the latest generation, all-wheel drive (as well as rear-wheel drive) is feasible for the first time as the clever architecture can package not only an engine-driven rear axle but also single- or dual-electric motor-powered rear wheels -- the most likely choice for an all-wheel drive hybrid.

Revealed at this year's New York motor show, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and an eight-step CVT automatic gearbox.

Improving its off-road capability, an all-wheel drive version of the 2019 Prius hybrid is also expected to feature a raised ride height, extra underbody protection and even extra plastic body cladding.

Toyota is expected to release more teases in the near future.