Toyota Prius V seven-seater on way

The new Prius V will be the first Toyota production vehicle in Australia fitted with a lithium-ion battery under the centre console between the driver and front passenger.

Toyota's lithium-ion battery is smaller and lighter than the nickel-metal hydride battery in Prius, but has similar storage capacity.

Prius V, due on sale in May this year, will join an expanding Prius family that includes the standard Prius hatch and the Prius c city car.

Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the seven-seat Prius v will broaden the appeal of Toyota's hybrid technology and environmental credentials.

"The Prius V is all about versatility -- it is larger and roomier to meet the needs of growing families while retaining the Prius DNA of environmental performance and fuel economy," Mr Callachor said.

"Due to the placement of the lithium-ion battery pack between the front seats, there is minimal compromise to the MPV-style seven-seat passenger accommodation or the load space," he said.

"Families will have the flexibility of using all seven seats or folding down the third-row seats to convert the car into a five-seater with extra luggage space.

"Customers can also fold down the second-row seats to accommodate more cargo than many SUVs and wagons on the market today."

Prius V has been newly designed from the ground up as an evolution of Prius, not merely an elongated version. All exterior body panels are new.

It is 135mm longer, 30mm wider and 100mm higher than the Prius hatch with the wheelbase extended by 80mm, making it possible to accommodate adults in all three rows.

Prius V showcases the latest generation of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, which employs a 73kW 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine and a powerful 60kW electric motor. Total system power is 100kW.

Since 1997, Toyota Motor Corporation has sold more than 3.5 million hybrid vehicles worldwide.

This represents more than 80 per cent of all global hybrid sales, giving Toyota an unquestionable lead in the drive towards sustainable mobility. In Australia, Toyota and Lexus have sold more than 35,000 hybrids, including 17,000 Prius.