Europe’s only 7-seat hybrid MPV updated for 2015
2014-12-04 11:34:14
Toyota, the Japanese pioneer of hybrid technology in cars, has announced a raft of updates to its Prius+ 7-seat MPV people mover. Launched into the UK in 2012, the Prius+ remains Europe’s only 7-seat petrol-electric hybrid car on sale.
For 2015, it gets some cosmetic changes including new colours, tweaks to the suspension, some new technology and more standard equipment.
The most obvious change is the front face-lift. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Prius+ inherits the sharper corporate face meaning that it takes on a very obvious resemblance to the Aygo city car. This has been achieved by altering the upper grille, re-profiling the headlamps and introducing LED daytime running lights.
The rear has also had a bit of a nip-and-tuck which has resulted in the taillights adopting what Toyota term a “light guide”, a redesigned bumper and some trim around the number plate.
Two new colours have been introduced to emphasise the car’s updated lines: Dark Cherry Metallic (basically a dark maroon) and Attitude Black Mica.
Those upgrading from the old Prius+ will see that the cabin now contains chrome-finished door handles whilst a darker silver has been used to surround the switchgear. These small flourishes do much to provide a more classier look. The air vents have been slimmed down to make room for a new 4.2-inch TFT information screen which is not only more intuitive than that contained in the outgoing model, but is also brighter. Toyota’s Touch2 multimedia system is operated via the touchscreen and includes Bluetooth and a reversing camera. A driver aid function is incorporated into the screen, named ‘Eco Judge’.
Under the skin, the suspension has received some tweaks, including adjustments to the damping force and an effort to improve comfort. Those travelling in the back receive more protection from noise entering the cabin thanks to the introduction of additional sound damping material in the sides of the rear compartment.
This article has been prepared by First4Auto exclusively for EcoCars4Sale.
Reported By
Andrew Merritt-Morling
Chief Editor
