19.1.2012 Toyota announces refreshed 2012 Prius

In addition to the long awaited arrival of the Plug-in Prius scheduled for this summer, Toyota will be releasing a new-look Prius hybrid in March, priced from £21,350.

Toyota plans to introduce full hybrid technology across its core model range, but in the mean time they will continue to refine the quality, performance and owner-appeal of the Prius – the world's best-known and best-selling hybrid vehicle.

As ever, the appeal of Prius is underpinned by its outstanding efficiency: in its latest guise it continues to deliver 89 g/km CO2 emissions – the lowest level in its class – and combined cycle fuel economy of 72.4 mpg (the figures for models running on 17-inch wheels remain 92 g/km and 70.6 mpg).

The new year brings improvements inside and out. The front of the car has been given a new look, in line with Toyota's new design approach, with the introduction of a newly styled front grille and front bumper to give the vehicle a lower and wider look. Clear-lens dusk-sensing headlights and LED daytime running lights have been added too.

The styling changes add an extra 20 mm the car's length, but the Prius's wheelbase and its highly efficient aerodynamic performance (Cd 0.25) are unchanged. The 2012 Prius is available in eight exterior colours, including new Dark Blue and Cabernet Red metallic.

Detailed touches in the 2012 Prius combine to raise the perception of quality in the look and feel of the trim, surfaces and upholstery. New seats and new soft-touch surfaces, combined with more subtle styling modifications effectively improve the interior's feel of quality and class. All versions of the Prius hybrid can be specified with black leather upholstery. Likewise a Protection Pack, with rear parking sensors and a boot liner, is available across all grades.

The 2012 Prius retains its three-grade line-up of the T3, T4 and T-Spirit, but equipment levels have been raised. The introduction of the Toyota Touch touch screen control system is to be standard on all trims.

The advanced Toyota Touch & Go Plus multimedia and navigation system is a standard feature on Prius T-Spirit and an option on T5 & T4 models. This brings with it Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, USB port and an on-board connectivity feature that allows access to a raft of on-line information services sourced through Google Local Search. Features include traffic pattern intelligence, navigation information, live parking updates and fuel prices.

Changes have been made to the multi-information display (on all models) to make images clearer and simpler to understand. New functions have been added including a monthly fuel consumption record, with a rolling archive of five months' data, and an ECO savings calculator. The calculator works by the driver inputting a target consumption figure and fuel price; the system records the driving time during which consumption is lower than the target and calculates a monthly saving compared to the expected fuel cost.

The Prius's body has been stiffened by increasing welding spots and reinforcements. This increased rigidity allows for softer suspension tuning, which improves ride comfort without diminishing the car's dynamic abilities. Redesign of the steering column has made it more rigid, which gives the driver a better steering feel. Additional soundproofing materials have improved noise and vibration levels in the cabin even further.

UK sales of the revised model range will begin in March, with on-the-road prices from £21,350. Later in the year the Prius will grow, with the introduction of the ultra-efficient Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Prius+, the world's first seven-seat full hybrid MPV.

Prices, VED and insurance information:

Newspress