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Toyota has announced a second Prius model that’ll sit alongside the existing hatchback.



Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, the Prius v (small ‘v’, apparently stands for ‘versatility’) is an MPV that shares its platform and Hybrid Synergy Drive technology with the current car. Toyota is very keen to point out that its design is new from the ground up but, apart from the elongated rear, most casual observers would struggle to spot the difference.

It’s that back end that defines the Prius v, though.  Luggage space behind the rear seats is up from 610 litres (21.6 cu. ft.) in the hatchback to 970 litres (34.3 cu. ft.). And, for extra flexibility, the rear seat bench can slide, recline to 45 degrees and be folded on a 60:40 split.



The downside is that the extra bulk has had an impact on fuel economy. While the EPA city / highway figures for the Prius hatchback are 51 mpg US (61.2 mpg UK / 4.6 l/100km) and 48 mpg US (57.6 mpg UK / 4.9 l/100km), the Prius v only achieves 42 mpg US (50.4 mpg UK / 5.6 l/100km) and 38 mpg US (45.6 mpg UK / 6.2 l/100km).





North American sales of the Prius v are due to begin in late summer 2011. A European launch date has yet to be confirmed.



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