[Hands-On] Prius+ (Plus) or Prius V, Toyota’s first Hybrid MPV and CNBC video.

i dont get it, nothing happens to the centre console in side crash, it is perfectly safe... if Anything, location in the back is less safe.

i like how small the thing is... soon enough, there will be no packaging penalty at all.

 

Wonder how the HV battery in the center console area will be cooled. Hopefully there won't be a noisy fan that starts up every now and then when you least expect it.

 

It is closer to the AC. A short duct will get to the pack.

 

I would have thought the no 7 seats in america is down to crash testing. don't you do a 40mph rear collision check?

 

looking at this picture tells us that radar cruise control is an option. Also there's a blank spot for LKA for the US market. There's a button for power folding mirror. I also see a button for IPA and finally full auto headlight.

 

not with passengers in all 7 seats.

 

to be fair, 8k difference is between what is probably BASE Prius V vs completely loaded 7 seater.

 

Oh really? how about the other crash tests?

 

Just saw the Prius V today at a Toyota event. One thing to note is the Prius + does not seem to have a spare tire, similar to the Prius plug-in. No run flats either so you are stuck with goo-in-a-can fix. Also I was told teh Prius V is only ULEV rated, not SULEV or AT-PZEV. Interesting since it has the same drivetrain as the standard prius, perhaps Toyota not wanting to give a 10yr/150K warranty in California?

 

Prius+ has a temporary spare tyre under the floor.
I personally think the 8k price difference allows for the possibility of some replacement HV batteries under warranty, the Li-Ion battery is said to have a shorter lifespan in terms of age, compared to Ni-mH and I can't see them all lasting 8 years (UK warranty).
Battery cooling seems to be self contained, drawing air from the cabin under the front seats, I haven't heard any fan noise above the normal ambient noise in the cabin.

 

The Prius V doesn't have to carry the 10/150K warranty. Toyota could choose to certify it as SULEV and just give it a standard warranty (as exists in non-Calfornia states).

To me the 7 seat would sell better in the U.S. than anywhere else, because Americans love cars with 3 rows (SUVs, minivans) and therefore Toyota would make more money.