# Prius v Expanded Hybrid ‘Family’ of Vehicles - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/prius-v-expands-iconic-hybrid-family-of-vehicles/ - Published: 2011-05-24T17:18:25-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (May 23, 2011) – The newest entrant in a growing Prius family of hybrid vehicles, the Prius _v_ delivers an unparalleled blend of versatility and fuel efficiency in a comfortable, mid-size package.  A new evolution in hybrid vehicles with excellent cargo space and Prius’ heritage of environmental performance and fuel economy, the 2012 Prius _v_ will go on sale in Fall 2011. The new Prius _v_, with _“v”_ expressing the vehicle’s _versatility_, will meet the needs of growing families with active lifestyles while providing the same attributes traditionally found in the Prius DNA. Despite the spaciousness of a family friendly midsize vehicle, the Prius_ v_ will deliver estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined. “The Prius _v _brings leading-edge hybrid technology to customers who need more room and provides more cargo space than 80 percent of all small SUVs,” said Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter. “And because it’s a Prius, it produces 66 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle and will have the best mileage ratings of any SUV, crossover, or wagon sold in America. We think that’s a win-win for everybody.” The Prius _v_ utilizes the same Synergy Drive system as the third-generation Prius, with the advantages of high mileage, low emissions, and never needing to be recharged. A product of the same culture of innovation that spawned the original Prius 14 years and two-million units ago, the Prius _v_ follows family tradition with new technologies and equipment advances that continues to raise the bar on the cutting edge automotive science. **Big Enough For Families and Cargo** The Prius _v_ emphasizes overall proportion with spaciousness and flexibility for active families. Comfortable interior space and good visibility have been assisted by a high seating position, ample head room, and an impressive 38-inch couple distance, providing generous rear legroom. A low, wide-opening rear hatch reveals 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, making it the most spacious dedicated hybrid vehicle on the market. Comfortable seating for five is specifically designed for young families. 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 that provide excellent usability for passengers and luggage, while a fold-flat front-passenger seat allows for extremely long cargo. The driver is kept informed via a center-mounted instrument panel, a visually succinct, space-efficient design that is also exceptionally user-friendly. As with other Prius models, the driving controls including Push Button Start, parking switch, drive- by-wire shift toggle, and driving mode buttons are immediately at hand. Each of these driving control features are distinguished by silver trim. Instrument-panel controls, including a single dial automatic climate control, provide an advanced look and user-friendly command. The center console is accessible from both the driver side and rear seats. The console is big enough to hold 23 CD cases, yet low enough so that lines of sight and conversation between passengers can be relaxed and natural. The console design helps make the cabin a human-friendly space, and a low-fatigue environment for long rides. A wide variety of engineered storage spaces are located throughout the cabin. These include dual glove boxes, a center console utility tray and five cup holders in large and medium sizes.  Bottle holders are built into the front and rear door pockets, while most models will feature an overhead storage space suitable for sunglasses. In addition to the larger main luggage compartment, there are storage units built into the sides and under the cargo platform for storing equipment such as car wash items or gloves. Even a special space for umbrellas is located under the second row of seats. Rear seats fold, slide and recline to configure for any mix of passengers and cargo, and operation switches are located conveniently close to the occupants.  New for Toyota, an available seat material called SofTex is designed for easy cleaning, resisting spills and wear in a family vehicle that could see heavy use on a daily basis. Soft to the touch, SofTex’s attributes as compared to leather and other traditional leatherette-type materials include a weight reduction of 50 percent, a manufacturing process with approximately 99 percent fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than conventional synthetic leather, and it’s water and stain resistant.  It also does not include any animal-based material. [http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/prius+v+expands+toyota+hybrid+family.print](http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/prius+v+expands+toyota+hybrid+family.print) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. 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