Sneak peek at the next-gen Prius

Toyota has provided a glimpse of its next-generation Prius hybrid, but the vehicle in its entirety won't be revealed until next month's Geneva motor show.

This teaser shot shows little more than one tail-light and a section of the curved glass tailgate of the so-called Hybrid X concept.

The Japanese car-making giant says the Hybrid X "proposes a new design language for Toyota hybrid models, while also serving as a showcase for future hybrid technology."

In an additional statement, the company goes on to say: "Toyota is using the show to restate its commitment to finding and implementing solutions that make cars less of an environmental burden.

"Toyota's world-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive technology is at the core of this strategy as it moves along the path towards the ultimate eco-car."

Well-regarded US journal Detroit News reported last year that Toyota plans to go to greater lengths to visually distinguish its hybrid models from conventionally powered offerings.

The magazine quoted Jin Won Kim, a senior creative designer at Toyota's Calty design centre in California, who said various ways were being looked at to make the hybrids stand apart.

"One of the things you may see are green or blue lights on the sides of the hybrid or maybe even on the hood (bonnet) that illuminate when the car is in hybrid mode," Kim was quoted as saying.

"The hybrid is an iconic statement for Toyota," he added. "We will come up with a design that shows a vehicle's hybrid-ness, because a hybrid should have a distinctive look.

"Also, a hybrid battery needs a lot of cooling, and so we are experimenting with unusual air intakes and outlets that will add a styling element."

The existing Prius has been a huge seller in the US (particularly when fuel prices were at their zenith) and it's generated a reasonable following in Australia, too -- mainly among fleets.

The petrol-electric car found 1974 Australian buyers last year; a sizeable increase on the 1423 sales it notched up in 2005.