What's the news?
While Toyota has been making much noise about the arrival of its new (almost) all-hybrid lineup of new Corolla saloon, hatch, and estate; RAV4 SUV; new Camry; and an updated Yaris the car that started it all - the Prius - is also getting a round of small updates for 2019.
You will have to really know your Prius to spot the differences from the outside, though. Those headlights are actually new, and slightly reshaped, and now use bi-beam LED bulbs for a wider field of illumination. The bumper and bonnet have been subtly changed too, "to generate a coherent, flowing line down the sides of the car, producing a more dynamic, flowing silhouette" says Toyota.
At the back, there are also new lights, and some new shaping and detailing on the tailgate, especially around the numberplate housing. There are also new colour options for 2019 - Pearl Red and Aqua Breeze - a new 17-inch alloy wheel design; and a new contrast dark grey finish for the 15-inch wheelcaps.
In the cabin, there are some small alterations to the switchgear, and the addition of some new cloth trim options. There's also a new wireless phone charging tray (to accommodate the latest generation of big-screen new phones) and an updated Toyota Touch 2 infotainment screen that responds a little faster to your touch, and which now incorporates 'pinch and flick' gestures familiar from smartphone use.
Sales of the updated Prius will start in March, and prices will kick off from €32,250 which is an increase of €800 over the starting price of the outgoing version. The price of the 'Luxury' version rises by the same amount to €34,950.
Commenting on the pricing announcement, Steve Tormey, Chief Executive of Toyota Ireland said: "Since the first ever Prius was launched to market in 1997, Toyota has proven time and time again that we are an innovative company, constantly evolving, and pioneering new technology to make our self-charging hybrids even more efficient. With even better styling and improved levels of comfort the Prius remains our iconic self-charging hybrid and we look forward to showing our Irish customers the latest model when it arrives in Ireland shortly."