Ken Gratton•16 Oct 2014
NEWS
Prius V upgraded for 2015
Toyota's green people mover refreshed as company notches up seven million hybrid salesA mid-life update of the Toyota Prius V is on the way, but Toyota Australia can't say precisely when it will arrive.
"Australian consumers can expect an update the middle of next year," Stephen Coughlan, Product Public Relations Manager at Toyota Australia, told motoring.com.au this morning.
"[It's] Too early to discuss any specifics for our market as yet..."
Coughlan was skirting around the issue of new infotainment options – that might end up as standard equipment in Australia – and new colours offered in Europe, according to a press release issued last week.
The updated Prius V – badged Prius+ in other markets – is identified by a new grille, revised lower air intake, a slightly relocated Toyota badge (jutting forward of the bonnet), new LED/projector beam headlights, reworked tail lights and a new rear bumper. Toyota is expected to offer a revised colour selection, which is available in other markets.
Inside, the Prius V gains a new decorative trim finish (dark silver metallic) for the driver's controls and air conditioning; chromed door handles/air vents in the centre fascia; and a new TFT infotainment screen measuring 4.2 inches. A new trip computer facility accessed through the infotainment system is 'Eco Judge', which awards points for eco-friendly driving. The infotainment system is named Toyota Touch 2, and features touch screen control, Bluetooth connectivity and a reversing camera. Upgrades for the system include satellite navigation and a series of connected services like text-to-speech and 3D city modelling for the satnav.
Comfort and convenience features are revamped, with electric seat adjustment and Intelligent Park Assist added. Emergency brake signal – activating side indicators with the onset of sudden braking – and hill start assist are also tacked on to the car's equipment list.
Under the skin of the Prius V, Toyota has tweaked the dampers for improved ride and handling, in addition to swaddling the rear of the compartment in extra material to deaden sound. The engine of the Prius V now meets the Euro 6 emissions standard.
But cosmetic tweaks, lightly revised suspension and a newly compliant Euro 6 engine will be likely overlooked in SUV-obsessed Australia, where the Prius-based seven-seat wagon has sold just 2419 units since its local introduction in 2012.
That tally is in marked contrast with the seven million hybrids Toyota has sold around the world – with a million of those just this year, and 3.3 million in Japan alone.
Australia has been slow to adopt the company's hybrid-drive philosophy, with just 55,442 Toyotas sold here boasting the fuel-saving technology. Lexus has sold 12,244 hybrids in addition.
The Prius V is unlikely to lift hybrid take-up in Australia. It will remain a niche player in a niche segment, having sold just 540 units for the year to date, while Honda's Odyssey – at a steeper starting price – has sold 1831. And until buyers overcome their resistance to shopping for hybrids, Toyota can do little to attract more buyers.
"I think it's all about getting people into the car... into the seat to try it, and [take it] for a test drive," said Coughlan.
"Once people do experience the car, and the packaging efficiency that provides... seven seats and the fuel efficiency as well, I think people are suitably impressed.
"The biggest opportunity [comes from] the people who aren't even considering that vehicle... walk into a dealership, actually see it on the lot and sit in it or take it for a test drive..."
Tags
Toyota
Prius V
Car News
Sedan
Family Cars
Green Cars
Written byKen Gratton
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