Design-wise, the brand has aimed for a sleeker look by lowering the PHEV’s maximum roof height by 50mm while still retaining a familiar wedge shape. For practicality, the highest point of the roof has moved further back so as not to intrude on rear head room.
Its overall length has been shortened by 46mm, but it has a 50mm-longer wheelbase for better rear leg room.
Inside, it has been designed with a focus on material quality and driver comfort. A 7.0in digital driver display is fitted as standard, positioned to minimise distraction while on the move, and paired with a new-generation central infotainment screen based on that from the Toyota Corolla and Toyota RAV4.
On the decision to dramatically reinvent its hybrid flagship, Toyota said: “While the Prius has played a leading role in driving hybrid use, the current spread of HEVs through a wide range of models means it has reached a turning point.
“The development team decided to start from scratch and look at what the Prius needs to remain popular for the next 25 years. Based on a desire to renew the Prius itself and communicate the appeal of hybrid cars to an even wider audience, the Hybrid Reborn concept was created.”
Since the Prius’s launch in 1997, Toyota has sold around 5.05 million examples of it worldwide. A variation of the hybrid system it pioneered is now available in all core Toyota models on sale in the UK.
