Today is Japan’s Prius v (the α over there) launch followed almost immediately by a delay announcement 
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - April 13, 2011
The Prius v: “Versatility” for Young, Active Families - 40 + mpgUS combined and $29,069 USD to start in Japan as the "
α".
The Prius α was derived from the third-generation "Prius" and offers the same outstanding fuel efficiency and environmental performance and a new more comfortable interior that provides a first for the upcoming Prius family, multiple seating arrangements.
In Japan, the Prius α is available in two interior configurations: a five-seat, two-row model and a seven-seat, three-row model,
the latter's third row allowed by a space-saving Li-Ion battery in the center console, a first for a Toyota-brand mass-produced hybrid vehicle. The Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) in combination with outstanding aerodynamic form and low weight give the Prius α fuel efficiency of 72.9 mpgUS on the Japan test cycles. In the US, the Prius v will arrive with a 42/38/40 mpg city/highway/combined rating per the EPA.
Toyota aims to expand its range of hybrid vehicles around the world with more Prius derivatives including the five-seat Prius α-based "Prius v" planned for launch here in North America later this summer and the seven-seat Prius α-based "Prius +" planned for launch in Europe in mid-2012.
Prius α Retail Pricing in Japan
| Model | Trim | Seating | Price ($USD) |
| S | L | 5 | $29,069 |
| S | Base | 5 | $30,925 |
| S | Touring | 5 | $34, 636 |
| | | | |
| G | Base | 5 | $34,636 |
| G | Base | 7 | $37,110 |
| G | Touring | 5 | $37,110 |
| G | Touring | 7 | $40,883 |
With the Prius α configuration and pricing details released in Japan, Toyota immediately announced that there will be an unavoidable delay in delivery of the "Prius α" due to the ongoing effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake on production.
Almost immediately following that pronouncement, Toyota North America released a statement that the Prius v is still on track for delivery to U.S. customers this fall.
North American Prius v Highlights
Inside, the Prius v emphasizes new spaciousness with flexibility for active families. With a high seating position, more than ample head room, and impressive 38-inch rear seat legroom, comfort with high fuel economy is guaranteed. A low, wide-opening rear hatch reveals a welcome 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, making it the most spacious hybrid on the market and even larger than some SUVs!
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.
Also available, and a Toyota-first, is a resin Panoramic View moonroof with power retractable sun shades that provides an open atmosphere in the cabin with a 40-percent reduction in weight as compared to conventional glass roofs of the same size, and excellent heat insulation performance.
Up front, the instrument-panel controls include a single-dial A/C control and a center-mounted digital combination meter. The driving controls include a Push Button Start, parking switch, electronic shift lever, and driving mode selection.
The Prius v is a showcase of technology that will include many of the same standard features. Four driving modes (Normal, Power, Eco and EV), a Smart Key System with Push Button Start, an electronic shift lever, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and a back-up camera are standard. Available options include energy-efficient LED headlamps, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with a Pre-Collision System (PCS), and Advanced Parking Guidance System.
For a high level of safety, there are seven airbags, a high-strength cabin and an energy-absorbing body structure with impact beams, cross members and leg absorption pads. New driver and front-passenger seat design helps lessen possible whiplash injury during a collision.
Like all Toyota models, the Prius v will feature Toyota’s Star Safety System standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The v also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.
We will have a lot more on the v after next week’s short lead in Half Moon Bay, CA.
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