Toyota has introduced a series of revisions to its full hybrid Prius+ MPV.
Changes to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) are designed, says Toyota, to deliver quieter and more linear acceleration, more closely linking the driver’s use of the throttle to the increase in speed and the rise in the engine note.
Toyota’s engineers have been able to maintain acceleration performance while reducing engine revs by around 1,000rpm, by using more electric power to support the performance of the 1.8-litre VVT-i Atkinson cycle petrol engine, resulting in a more relaxed, smoother and quieter drive.
The cabin has been improved through a series of extra sound insulation and absorption measures in the door frames, the lower sections of the side and rear doors, the dashboard and the vehicle platform – as well as the addition of a tunnel silencer.
Thanks to a compact, lithium-ion hybrid battery located between the front seats, the Prius+ offers seating for up to seven.
Official combined cycle CO2 emissions start from 96g/km with fuel consumption of 68.9mpg.
The Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system in the Prius+ has also been upgraded to the latest 2016 iteration, unveiled at this year’s Geneva motor show. Using the same, centrally mounted touchscreen, it has been made even simpler and more intuitive with new menu designs for both the overall system and (where fitted) its satellite navigation functions.
Connection to the My Toyota on-line customer portal has also been made easier and the Touch 2 with Go package now includes three years of map and connectivity updates (and the customer option of a further two years’ extension).
This ensures accurate route planning, together with support from a range of apps providing up-to-the-minute information on traffic flow, parking availability, weather and fuel prices.
Toyota’s system allows users to link to a number of online resources, including Google Search, Google Streetview, Aupeo!, Aha and Twitter.
The 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display in the instrument binnacle now includes an initial key lock image that indicates the vehicle is ready to be turned on and a warning when the steering lock is engaged.
The range of seven exterior paint options for Prius+ includes a brand new shade for 2016, Phantom Blue.