What is it?
A ground-up non-plug-in hybrid MPV, retaining design elements and the basic silhouette of the Toyota Prius. The interior is occupied by seven seats with a split-folding second row, and a 50:50 split-folding third row.
The lithium-ion battery pack is fitted beneath the second row of seats. There are three 'on-demand' drive modes available: EV, ECO and POWER - from fully electric, through efficient to performance-focused.
Why's it here?
Improving hybrid system efficiency by simply expanding 'number of people carried' compared to number of drivetrains used. Toyota claims that the Prius+ has the 'lowest fuel consumption and emissions of any seven-seat vehicle on the market'.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Floor filler for petrolheads and most of the audience in fact; show stopper for Hollywood actors and actresses married with children. It hits European Toyota dealerships in the first half of 2012.
Read the full Geneva Motor Show report here
Gábor Vajda - 2 Mar 2011