Toyota Prius upgraded for 2019

The eco-friendly Toyota Prius has been updated for the new model year, and now features detailed cosmetic changes and a revised cabin, including a 10-speaker JBL audio system with improved smartphone connectivity.

Toyota has raised by the price by $150 for both trim levels, the entry-level Prius and the Prius i-Tech.

At 35mm longer than before, the revised Toyota Prius sports rounded bumpers with a different engine-cooling intake at the front, plus slimmer LED headlights and LED tail light clusters. Two new exterior paint colours, Feverish Red (pictured) and Blue Gem, are also introduced for 2019. New designs have been adopted for the 15-inch alloy wheels fitted to the base-grade Prius and the 17-inch alloy wheels standard for the Prius i-Tech. The larger wheels for the range-topping model are finished in a combination of titanium and black finish.

As the interface for the JBL audio system, the seven-inch touchscreen can be operated using pinch, swipe and flick gestures. Features incorporated in the audio system include DAB+ (digital radio), SUNA life traffic alerts, voice recognition, Siri eyes-free for iPhones and Miracast for reproduction of smartphone apps on the touchscreen. Other apps available through the Toyota Link system include weather, fuel finder and travel times.

Voice recognition, which was available in the Toyota Prius prior to the facelift, has been upgraded and now features more commands, including on-the-move destination entry for the satellite navigation system.

The entry-level Prius gains new cloth upholstery in black and the centre console has been redesigned.

Pricing is now $36,590 for the entry-level Prius, or $44,050 for the Prius i-Tech.

"Since we launched the original Prius in Australia in late 2001, this innovative fuel-efficient small car has been bought by over 20,000 customers who value its optimal balance of performance and fuel efficiency, refinement, styling and practical five-door hatch design," said Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, as quoted in a press release.

"Its strength in the marketplace is a testament to the proven benefits of the Toyota Hybrid System that we have rolled out across more models including Camry and Corolla hatch and will later this year, be offered in RAV4 and Corolla sedan as well.

"This update to the fourth generation model that brings with it enhanced contemporary styling and the latest multimedia technology will add more customer appeal to the Prius hatch, ensuring it continues to contribute to Toyota's dominance of the hybrid vehicle market," he said.