TOYOTA Prius Plus (2013)

The Toyota Prius+ is a new vehicle, designed from the ground up. Its advanced, cutting-edge exterior design hallmarks it as an evolution of the original Prius.
Though still compactly sized to optimise its aerodynamic performance, the Prius+ provides, as its name suggests, a significant increase in space and passenger accommodation. It is 135 mm longer than a standard Prius, 30 mm wider, and 85 mm higher, with a wheelbase extended by 80 mm, making it possible to accommodate 7 people in three rows.

Instantly recognisable as the latest member of the Prius family through its characteristic, triangle silhouette, the new Prius+ combines Toyota's Under Priority frontal design language with painstaking airflow management to give the new 7-seat full hybrid uniquely clean, advanced and cutting-edge styling.

To gain the full benefit of its lightweight, high tensile steel and aluminium construction and its uniquely quiet Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain, the Toyota Prius+ exterior design focuses on maximising aerodynamic efficiency to improve fuel economy, handling stability and quietness.

The front of the new Prius+ features the latest representation of Toyota's trapezoidal, Under Priority design. Featuring chrome-plated horizontal trim, the upper grille opening has been kept as small as possible to maintain a smooth airflow over the upper body. In contrast, the lower grille has been enlarged to increase engine cooling efficiency.

The tops of the sharp-edged, halogen headlamp clusters feature an adaptation of the curved line detail first seen on the current generation Prius, reinforcing the new full hybrid's position within the Prius family line-up.

Housing LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), the flat, vertical surfaces of the bumper extremities not only reinforce the car's broad stance and driving stability, but also create 'aero-corners' which correct the airflow as it passes over the front wheels to minimise turbulence within the wheelarches.

In profile, the iconic, Prius family triangle silhouette is instantly recognisable. The Toyota Prius+ evolves this design DNA with a strong spindle shape created by the long, seamless flow of the bonnet, A-pillar and roofline, the clean sweep of full-length side glazing emphasised by blacked-out B- and C-pillars, and a rising crease in the lower bodywork which flows smoothly into the rear bumper.

Distinctive rear styling is highlighted by a practical, top hinged tailgate flanked by large combination lamp clusters with Synergy Blue ornamentation, which flow round the corners of the bodywork to enhance visibility. The rear combination lamps are spaced as widely as possible, not only maximising tailgate opening width but also reinforcing the vehicle's broad, stable rear stance.

The smooth convergence of airflow from the roof and sides of the bodywork is important to the aerodynamic efficiency of the new Prius+. The body itself tapers in plan form, and the flow of air away from the vehicle is smoothed by a roof spoiler optimised for length and angle, an 'air kick' shape built into the rear combination lamp clusters, and aero corners to the rear bumper.

In addition, front and rear spats fitted at the front of each wheel arch suppress airflow changes around the tyres, improving straight-line stability and steering performance.
In combination, these comprehensive aerodynamic measures award the new Prius+ a class leading drag coefficient of just Cd 0.28.

The presence of Hybrid Synergy Drive® is denoted by hybrid blue lamp ornamentation and Toyota badging, and the front wing 'Hybrid' badge. The new Prius+ is available in a range of seven exterior colours, including Toyota's unique White Pearl finish.

The 16" alloy wheels with aerodynamic wheel caps and the 17" aluminium alloys both feature tyres with a 5% lower rolling-resistance than those fitted to the standard Prius.