Toyota presents radical new Prius

Toyota says the fourth generation of its global hybrid icon, the Prius, will be more efficient and – perhaps most importantly – more fun to drive when it arrives in Australia early next year.

Officially revealed today in Las Vegas ahead of its world public premiere at next week's Frankfurt motor show, the Mk4 Prius appears as edgy as the recent teaser image, spy shots and leaked photos indicated it would.

Few firm specifications have been revealed, but the new Prius is now confirmed to be about 60mm longer, 15mm wider and 20mm lower, delivering more space for occupants and their luggage.

Beneath the rakish new 'Iconic Human-tech' exterior design, which features vertical lighting designs at both ends and a lower-slung profile with the roof's highest point moved further forward, lies the first application of the Japanese giant's Toyota's New Generation Architecture (TNGA).

Toyota says the stiffer new platform, which will underpin a host of future models from the world's biggest car-maker, delivers "a more responsive driving experience and enhanced occupant protection".

It says dynamics are improved via a lower centre of gravity, greater body rigidity and new double-wishbone rear suspension that "produces a better connection to the road, providing greater control and feedback in all driving conditions".

Meantime, Toyota claims technical breakthroughs – including the world's most thermally efficient petrol engine at 40 per cent – bring a "significant improvement" in fuel efficiency.

Toyota previously said the new Prius was targeting a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption over the current model (3.9L/100km), which would equate to about 3.5L/100km.

Apart from being more efficient, Toyota says the petrol-electric car's major hybrid components have benefitted from a "program of size and weight reductions".

In addition, Toyota says that with the strategic sharing of powertrain components and vehicle platforms – starting with the 2016 Prius – it has the "goal of improving resource efficiency by better than 20 per cent".

Inside, Toyota claims a wrap-around cockpit, form-hugging seat design and easy-to-use controls are joined by improved visibility and a sense of quality and space.

This is promoted by a wide instrument panel with a layered construction that clearly defines the display and control zones, the latter of which is now closer to the driver.

Toyota says the new Prius will offer a package of electronic safety assistance aids including a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, automatic high-beam and active cruise control.

Accentuating the sleeker new shape, which Toyota says features a grille badge the exact same height as the 86 sports car's, is a new red paint colour called Emotional Red (pictured) and created by a new treatment process.

"There is much more to the new Prius than a green image," said Toyota's global chief engineer for the Prius, Kouji Toyoshima.

"From the bold design to the quality interior, the Prius has never had such a powerful presence.

"We have developed an even better Prius by expanding its environmentally sensitive DNA while ramping up its desirability with an emotional design and an engaging drive.

"It offers a new perspective of what a hybrid can be."

Toyota has sold more than 3.5 million Prius vehicles worldwide since 1997, making it the world's top-selling hybrid car, but less than 20,000 in Australia since 2003.