What is it?
A ground-up non-plug-in hybrid MPV, retaining design elements and the basic silhouette of the Toyota Prius. The interior is occupied by seven seats with a split-folding second row, and a 50:50 split-folding third row.
The lithium-ion battery pack is fitted beneath the second row of seats. There are three 'on-demand' drive modes available: EV, ECO and POWER - from fully electric, through efficient to performance-focused.
Why's it here?
Improving hybrid system efficiency by simply expanding 'number of people carried' compared to number of drivetrains used. Toyota claims that the Prius+ has the 'lowest fuel consumption and emissions of any seven-seat vehicle on the market'.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Floor filler for petrolheads and most of the audience in fact; show stopper for Hollywood actors and actresses married with children. It hits European Toyota dealerships in the first half of 2012.
