2011 Prius gets bigger and smaller

The Toyota Prius hybrid, currently a single model, is turning into a family of derivatives and Toyota's Detroit Motor Show effort saw the company release bigger and smaller versions of the Prius.

While the smaller version, dubbed Prius C, is strictly a concept car at this stage, the Prius V is a full production model and it's bigger and more practical than the conventional Prius.

Prius V uses the exact same platform and Hybrid Synergy Drive system as the Prius, with an electric motor mated to a 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine to procure a total system output of 100kW.

The difference is in the packaging, where the V's more practical, MPV-like design results in over 50 percent more boot space than in the Prius, according to Toyota. Unfortunately, it remains a five-seater although Toyota does claim very generous rear legroom.

Sliding second row seats allow for easier ingress and egress and rear-storage flexibility, with a 45-degree recline for greater comfort. The 60/40 split, folding rear seats present four different seat arrangements and a fold-flat front-passenger seat accomodates extremely long cargo.

Also available, and a Toyota-first, is a resin Panoramic View moonroof (with power retractable sun shades) that’s 40 percent lighter than normal glass roofs and it also claims to provide excellent heat insulation.