Toyota Prius V

Toyota Prius v (ZVW40/41)
Overview
Also called	Toyota Prius α (Asia) Toyota Prius+ (Europe) Toyota Grand Prius+ (Belgium) Toyota Prius Wagon (The Netherlands) Daihatsu Mebius
Production	May 2011–present
Model years	2012–present
Assembly	Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Takaoka plant)[1]
Body and chassis
Class	Compact MPV
Body style	5-door minivan/station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Related	Toyota Prius (XW30)
Powertrain
Engine	Toyota Hybrid System Gasoline engine: 1.8 L 2ZR-FXE I4 Dual VVT-i (Atkinson cycle) Power: 98 hp (73 kW; 99 PS) @ 5200 rpm Torque: 105 lb·ft (142 N·m) 105 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Hybrid system total: 134 hp (100 kW; 136 PS)[2]
Transmission	1-speed planetary gear
Battery	1.3 kWh Nickel-metal hydride[3] (five seater) 1.0 kWh Lithium-ion battery (seven seater)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,780 mm (109.4 in)
Length	4,615 mm (181.7 in)
Width	1,775 mm (69.9 in)
Height	1,575–1,600 mm (62.0–63.0 in)

The Toyota Prius v, also named Prius α in Japan, and Prius+ in Europe, is a full hybrid gasoline-electric compact MPV/station wagon produced by Toyota Motor Corporation introduced in Japan in May 2011, in the U.S. in October 2011, and released in Europe in June 2012.^[4][5] The Prius v was unveiled at the January 2011 North American International Auto Show alongside the Prius c Concept, and it is the first Prius variant to be spun off from the Prius platform.^[6][7] According to Toyota the "v" stands for "versatility."^[8][9]

The Prius α is offered in the Japanese market with a nickel-metal hydride battery at a price of ¥2.35 million (US$29,000), and the lithium-ion battery version is expected to sell for ¥3 million (US$37,000).^[4] The Prius v base price in the U.S. starts at US$26,400 and is offered only with a nickel-metal hydride battery.^[10][11] As of July 2015, global sales totaled about 582,400 units, led by Japan with 401,600 units sold, representing 69.0% of global sales.^[12]

Specifications

Comparison with 2010 Prius

The Prius v design resembles compact based minivans prevalent in Europe and has a 0.29 drag coefficient with a shape that evolved from the Prius. The exterior styling is rounded with an extended roofline that allows the vehicle to retain the triangular silhouette symbolic of Prius. Other differences are the trapezoidal-shaped front with sharp-edged headlamps and wind-slipping aero corners for improved aerodynamics, as well as an enlarged under grille. The rear styling has a specially designed roof spoiler that improves air flow.^[2]

The interior cargo space is more than 50% larger than the 2010 Toyota Prius, 5 inches (130 mm) longer and 1 inch (25 mm) wider, providing 34.3 cubic feet (970 L) of cargo space behind the rear seats; it also offers 38 inches (970 mm) of rear leg room, and more head height.^[6][13]

The Toyota Prius v includes many of the same standard features of the 2010 Prius, with four driving modes: Normal, Power, Eco and EV; smart key with push button start, an electronic shift lever, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and a back-up camera. Available options include energy-efficient LED headlamps, dynamic radar cruise control with a Pre-Collision System (PCS), and advanced parking guidance system.^[2] The Prius v has several technical advancements including Toyota's new Toyota Entune Multimedia System and a panoramic sunroof made of lightweight-resin, 40% lighter than a glass roof of the same size.^[13][14] Entune will premiere on the 2012 Toyota Prius v.^[15]

Powertrain

Side by side comparison of Toyota Prius Liftback (left) and Prius v (right)

The Prius v powertrain uses the same 1.8 liter Atkinson cycle gasoline inline-four engine used in the conventional Prius, a 60 kW traction motor, and shares the Prius’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system and the same 201 volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack.^[6][13][16]

Toyota introduced some refinements unique to the Prius v powertrain. These refinements include a new "Pitch and Bounce" motor control that the Prius v automatically employs on undulating roads and the refined control was designed to improve ride comfort and control. Because the Prius v is a larger vehicle with greater load capacity, suspension components were redesigned to improve handling and ride quality. "Pitch and Bounce" control works with the vehicle’s suspension to cancel longitudinal oscillation when the Prius v is driven over uneven surfaces.^[16]

The Prius v also includes a redesigned engine coolant heating structure surrounding the vehicle’s catalytic converter and the exhaust heat recirculation system has been refined to reduce engine warm-up time and improve occupant heater response time in cold weather. A switch valve electronically controls coolant recirculation through the exhaust heat recirculation system.^[16]

Safety

In the United States the 2012 model year Prius v includes Toyota's Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS), which is designed to alert pedestrians, the blind, and others of the vehicle's presence due to significant noise reduction typical of a hybrid vehicle traveling at low speeds in EV mode. This type of warning device is mandated in the United States by the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010. The warning sound is generated by externally mounted speakers and it activates automatically only at speeds below about 15 mph (24 km/h). The pitch varies with the vehicle's speed to give pedestrians a sense of whether the approaching Prius is accelerating or decelerating.^[17]

Fuel economy and emissions

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the Prius v fuel economy at 44 miles per US gallon (5.3 L/100 km; 53 mpg_-imp) for city driving and 40 miles per US gallon (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg_-imp) for highway, and a combined rating of 42 miles per US gallon (5.6 L/100 km; 50 mpg_-imp)^[18] According to Toyota, the Prius v produces 66 percent less smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.^[2]

Under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test, the base model has a fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100 km (69 mpg_-imp; 57 mpg_-US) in combined cycle and 3.8 l/100 km (74 mpg_-imp; 62 mpg_-US) in city driving. Its CO₂ emissions are estimated at 96 g/km. The top of the line model has a fuel consumption of 4.4 l/100 km (64 mpg_-imp; 53 mpg_-US) and CO₂ emissions of 101 gr/km.^[19][20]

Markets and price

Interior of the Toyota Prius v

Toyota launched the second member of the Prius family with three regional versions of the vehicle: the Prius v in the North American market, the Prius α in Japan, and the Prius+ in Europe. The Alpha is the basis for the five-seat launched in North America, and the seven-seat released in Europe.^[4][16] A total of 186,989 Prius α/v/+ were sold worldwide in 2012, its first full year in the market.^[21] Global sales up to July 2015 totaled almost 582,400 units. Japan is the main market with 401,600 units sold, representing 69.0% of global sales.^[12] The United States ranks second with 131,604 units (22.6%),^{[22][23][24][25]} followed by Europe with 32,735 (5.6%).^[26]

The following table presents retail sales since deliveries of the Prius α began in May 2011 for the top selling national markets by year through June 2015.

Toyota Prius v/α/+ sales by top national markets between 2011 and September 2014
Country	Total	2015 CYTD^(1)	2014	2013	2012	2011
Japan[26]	397,532	31,956	76,515	104,012	129,848	55,201
United States[22][23][24][27]	129,087	14,165	30,762	34,989	40,669	8,502
European Union[26]	32,230	3,957	6,549	10,737	10,987	0
Canada[28]	10,750	1,188	2,292	2,640	4,077	553
Rest of the world[26]	5,197	763	1,529	1,454	1,408	43
Global sales[26]	574,796	52,059	117,647	153,832	186,989	64,299
Notes: (1) Sales through June 2015.

Japan

Prius α in Japan

On May 13, 2011, Toyota introduced the Prius α in Japan with a sales target of 3,000 units per month.^[4][16] The Prius Alpha is available in a five-seat, two-row model and a seven-seat, three-row model, the latter’s third row enabled by a space-saving lithium-ion drive battery in the center console. The five-seat model uses a NiMH battery pack. Deliveries of the Alpha will be delayed due to the effects of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami on production. Toyota announced it had received 25,000 orders for the Prius Alpha hybrid wagon and minivan models in Japan before the start of sales.^[4][29] The five-seater version starts at ¥2.35 million (US$29,000), and the seven-seater starts at ¥3 million (US$37,000).^[4] Since its introduction, a total of 111,500 Prius α have been sold in Japan through April 2012, representing 80.8% of the Prius α/v model line's global sales.^[30] Since May 2011 a total of 289,000 Prius α have been sold through December 2013.^[31] On April 8, 2013, Daihatsu started selling its OEM version of the Prius α for the Japanese market under the Mebius name.^[32] Sales in Japan have been strong despite the fact that it doesn't comply with Japanese Government dimension regulations in the width category, and Japanese buyers are liable for an additional yearly tax.

United States

Badges for the Prius v (top) and Prius α (bottom)

Prius v in Marshall Hall, Maryland, USA

Toyota began sales of the Prius v in the U.S. in October 2011^[10] with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack similar to the 2010 model year Prius, and with two rows of seats to accommodate five passengers. The European and Japanese versions are offered with a lithium-ion battery, with three rows of seats with accommodations for seven passengers.^[4][33] Toyota's sales target is about 15 to 20% of conventional Prius sales in the United States, which represents around 30,000 units a year. With the Prius v, Toyota is expecting to expand its customer base to include young families with children looking for a hybrid more spacious than the Prius.^[34] A total of 8,399 Prius v's were sold during 2011, climbed to 40,669 units in 2012, and fell to 34,989 in 2013, and to 30,762 in 2014.^[22][23][24] As of July 2015, cumulative sales totaled 131,604 units.^{[22][23][24][25]}

Sales price in the U.S. starts at US$26,400 plus a US$760 delivery fee.^[11] The Prius v is offered in three configurations: the base Prius v Two, the mid-range Prius v Three (US$27,165), and the premium-level Prius v Five (US$29,990).^[10] The Prius v Three adds standard display audio with navigation and the Toyota Entune multimedia system. In addition to standard features on the Prius v Two and Three, the Prius v Five adds standard SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, three-door smart key, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, and fog lamps. All trims come with a Bluetooth wireless connection for compatible hands-free phone calls and a USB port that allows playing of music and video from portable audio devices, and includes full iPod integration.^[10][11]

Canada

Sales of the Canadian Prius v began in October 2011, starting at a base price of CA$27,200 (US$27,270).^[35] The Prius v sold 553 units during 2011, 4,077 in 2012, and fell to 2,640 in 2013, and to 1,442 in 2014. Cumulative sales through July 2015 reached 11,004 units.^[36]

Europe

The European version is named Prius+ and was launched in June 2012.^[4][5] The European is offered with a lithium-ion battery, with three rows of seats with accommodations for seven passengers.^[4][33] Cumulative sales in the region totaled 32,735 units through July 2015.^[26]

Toyota Prius+ in Aardenburg, the Netherlands.

France

Three trims are offered in the country, Active, Dynamic and Lounge, and pricing starts at €31,000 (US$38,400).^[19]

Spain

The Prius + was released in June 2012 at a base price starting at €29,500 (US$36,550) .^[20][37]

United Kingdom

Deliveries of the Prius + began in July 2012. The hybrid MPV is offered in two trims, the base T4 that delivers 68.9 mpg_-imp (4.10 L/100 km; 57.4 mpg_-US) on a combined cycle and carbon dioxide emissions of 96g/km; and the T Spirit with a fuel economy of 64.2 mpg_-imp (4.40 L/100 km; 53.5 mpg_-US) and carbon dioxide emissions of 101g/km. Due to is emissions under 100g/km, the T4 version is exempted from road tax. Cars appropriately enrolled in an incentive scheme, on or before 27 June 2013, will also enjoy exemption from the London congestion charge until 24 June 2016, provided the registered keeper of the vehicle remains unchanged. The T4 trim pricing starts at GB£26,195 (US$41,000) and at GB£29,495 (US$46,150) for the T Spirit.^[38][39]

Australia

Toyota Prius v (Australia)

The Prius v was launched in Australia in May 2012. Pricing starts at A$35,990 plus on-roads costs, it costs A$2,000 more than the base Prius.^[40] The 7-seater version with Lithium-ion battery is the only model and is available two specifications; base and i-Tech. Standard features include a 6.1-inch display-screen audio system, automatic air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, energy monitor, head-up display, keyless entry and ignition, daytime-sensing headlamps, fog lamps, cruise control and daytime running lamps and reversing camera. However the i-Tech includes features such as leather, LED headlamps, Radar Dynamic Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Safety System, Panoramic roof and Satellite navigation. According to ADR81/02 the Prius v returns fuel economy of 4.4 litres/100 km and CO₂ emissions of 101g/km.^[40]

As of February 2014, cumulative sales since introduction totaled 2,016 units.^[41] Sales in 2014 totaled 722 units, ahead of the third-generation Prius hatch (487).^[42]

Hong Kong

The lithium-ion battery, seven seater version of Prius v was launched in Hong Kong SAR in April 2012. Two variants are available, in Luxury and Super luxury trims. The latter adds a twin moonroof and leather seats.^[43]

Facelifted 2015 Prius α  Daihatsu Mebius Front View  Daihatsu Mebius Rear View

Recognition

The 2012 Prius v was selected among the five finalists for the 2012 Green Car of the Year to be awarded by the Green Car Journal in November 2011 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.^[44] The Prius Alpha was also shortlisted for 2012 Car of The Year Japan.^[45] Shared with the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the Prius v was awarded Green Car Report's Best Car to Buy 2012.^[46]

See also

• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Prius c
• Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
• Daihatsu Mebius

References

1. "Japanese Production Sites" (Press release). Japan: Toyota. 2015-03-06. Archived from the original on 2015-03-18.
2. "Toyota Reveals Prius Family of Vehicles at the North American International Auto Show" (Press release). US: Toyota. 2011-01-10. Retrieved 2011-04-03.
3. John Thomas (January 2015). "Table 35. Batteries for Selected Hybrid-Electric Vehicles, Model Years 2013-2015". Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Retrieved 2015-07-11.
4. "UPDATE 1-Toyota gets 25,000 pre-sale orders for Prius Alpha in Japan". Reuters. 2011-05-13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
5. "Solid 13% Q2 sales increase for Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Europe" (Press release). Europe: Toyota. 2012-07-13. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
6. Cheryl Jensen (2011-01-10). "With Prius V, Toyota’s Marquee Hybrid Tries On New Silhouette". The New York Times. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
7. Chris Woodyard (2011-01-10). "Toyota unveils 2 new hybrids in Detroit: Prius V, Prius C". USA Today. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
8. Jason Kavanagh (2011-01-10). "2011 Detroit Auto Show: 2012 Toyota Prius V". Edmunds.com Inside Line. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
9. Colum Wood (2011-01-11). "Prius v Adds Versatility to the Only Hybrid that Matters". AutoGuide.com. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
10. "Prius v first member of expanded family to go on sale in US; 58% more cargo space than original". Green Car Congress. 2011-09-19. Retrieved 2011-09-19.
11. Sebastian Blanco (2011-09-16). "Toyota Plug-in Prius priced at $32,000* and Prius V from $26,400*". AutoblogGreen. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
12. "With 8 Million Units Sold, Toyota Proves Hybrids Have Staying Power" (Press release). Toyota City, Japan: Toyota. 2015-08-21. Retrieved 2015-08-23.
13. Chris Shunk (2011-01-10). "Detroit 2011: Toyota Prius family adds a V for volume". Autoblog. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
14. "2012 Prius v Under Consideration For Australia". The Motor Report. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
15. "Autoblog checks out Toyota Entune inside the 2012 Prius V" by Steven J. Ewing, Autoblog. 2011-04-27
16. Jack Rosebro (2011-05-24). "Toyota previews Prius v; first expansion of planned Prius "family"". Green Car Congress. Retrieved 2011-05-24.
17. Antuan Goodwin (2011-09-22). "Prius' artificial engine noise demonstrated, explained". CNET Cartech. Retrieved 2011-09-25.
18. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy (2012-07-09). "2012 Toyota Prius v". Fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
19. Michaël Torregrossa (2012-07-07). "Toyota Prius + - Le premier monospace hybride débarque en France" [Toyota Prius + - The first hybrid SUV arrives in France] (in French). Association pour l'Avenir du Véhicule Electrique Méditerranéen (AVEM). Retrieved 2012-08-06.
20. Marcos Baeza (2012-07-13). "Toyota Prius+, el primer monovolumen híbrido" [Toyota Prius+, the first MPV hybrid]. El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 2012-08-06.
21. 実績データ（ハイブリッド車グローバル販売） [Actual data (hybrid vehicles sold globally)] (Press release) (in Japanese). Japan: Toyota. 2014-10-14. Retrieved 2014-10-25. A total of 7,053,000 hybrids have been sold worldwide by TMC through September 2014 (includes Prius PHV).
22. Jeff Cobb (2013-01-08). "December 2012 Dashboard". HybridCars.com and Baum & Associates. Retrieved 2013-01-14. See the section: December 2012 Hybrid Car Sales Numbers. A total of 40,669 Prius v were sold during 2012.
23. Jeff Cobb (2014-01-06). "December 2013 Dashboard". HybridCars.com and Baum & Associates. Retrieved 2014-05-05.
24. Jeff Cobb (2015-01-06). "December 2014 Dashboard". HybridCars.com and Baum & Associates. Retrieved 2015-08-23.
25. Jeff Cobb (2015-08-05). "July 2015 Dashboard". HybridCars.com and Baum & Associates. Retrieved 2015-08-23.
26. "Hybrid Model Global Sales Results" (Press release). Toyota City, Japan: Toyota. 2015-08-21. Retrieved 2015-08-23. Global Priusv/α/+ sales totaled 582,379 units through July 2015, with 59,612 sold units during the first seven months of 2015. Less 7,583 units sold in July 2015, result in 52,059 units sold during the first half of 2015. Sales in Japan during the first seven months of 2015 totaled 36,024 units, less 4,068 units sold in July, result in 31,956 units sold during the first half of 2015. Sales in Europe during the first seven months of 2015 totaled 4,462 units, less 505 units sold in July, result in 3,957 units sold during the first half of 2015.
27. Jeff Cobb (2015-07-02). "June 2015 Dashboard". HybridCars.com and Baum & Associates. Retrieved 2015-08-23.
28. "Toyota Prius V Sales Figures". Good Car Bad Car. October 2014. Retrieved 2014-10-25.
29. "Toyota launches Prius α in Japan; forecasts delay in deliveries of the new model". Green Car Congress. 2011-05-13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
30. Toyota Motor Corporation (2012-05-22). "Worldwide sales of Toyota Motor hybrids top 4M units; Prius family accounts for almost 72%". Green Car Congress. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
31. "Worldwide Sales of Toyota Hybrids Top 6 Million Units" (Press release). US: Toyota. 2014-01-14. Retrieved 2014-05-05.
32. "ダイハツから新型ハイブリッドカー「メビウス」デビュー ～「プリウスα」OEMモデル" [From Daihatsu new hybrid car "Mobius" debut - "Prius α" OEM Model]. 2013-04-08. Retrieved 2013-04-09.
33. Jim Motavalli (2011-03-10). "Toyota Downsizes Prius Wagon’s Seating Capacity for U.S.". The New York Times. Retrieved 2011-03-15.
34. Christine Tierney (2011-06-23). "Prius hybrid wagon expected to launch this fall in the U.S.". The Detroit News. Retrieved 2011-06-25.
35. "Prius v Expands Iconic Hybrid 'Family' of Vehicles" (Press release). Canada: Toyota. 2011-11-03. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
36. "Toyota Prius V Sales Figures". Good Car Bad Car. August 2015. Retrieved 2015-08-23.
37. Sara Soria (2012-07-12). "Prueba de contacto: Toyota Prius+ 2012" [Contact test: 2012 Toyota Prius+] (in Spanish). Mas Coche. Retrieved 2012-08-06.
38. John Simpson (2012-07-09). "Toyota Prius+ now on sale". The Green Car website. Retrieved 2012-08-06.
39. Andy Pringle (2012-07-18). "2012 Toyota Prius+ review". What Car?. Retrieved 2012-08-06.
40. "Prius V: A family Prius for the Prius family". Toyota News Room. 2012-05-22. Retrieved 2014-10-25.
41. "Toyota Sells 50000 Hybrid Cars in Australia" (Press release). Melbourne: Toyota Australia. 2014-03-27. Retrieved 2015-02-01.
42. Marton Pettendy (2015-02-11). "Cut-price Prius c the first of 10 new Toyotas in a year". Motoring.com.au. Retrieved 2015-08-23. Toyota Australia sold 1,654 Prius c, 722 Prius v and 487 third-generation Prius hatches in 2014.
43. "Toyota Prius V 七座 MPV 到港！環保價 35 萬". car1.hk.
44. Chris Woodyard (2011-10-24). "Diesel, electric, natural gas vie for Green Car honors". USA Today. Retrieved 2011-10-24.
45. "Car of the Year Japan 2012 Top Ten Contenders Announced". Integrity Exports. 2011-11-14. Retrieved 2011-11-14.
46. John Voelcker (2011-11-28). "2012 Toyota Prius: GreenCarReports' Best Car To Buy 2012". Green Car Reports. Retrieved 2011-12-04.

External links

• Official website
• Video: Demo Toyota Prius Vehicle Proximity Notification System
• Video: Prius v at the 2011 NAIAS