Toyota Prius

Tail of the 100mpg Prius

Green giant Toyota has revealed its first sneak peek of the new Prius

Auto Express Car Reviews

Toyota hints at radical restyle of next Prius hybrid

21st February 2007

At its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the third generation petrol-electric powered car will be revealed in the form of this concept, called the Hybrid X. It's said to propose a new design direction for the firm's dual-power models. And, as this teaser image of its bold tail shows, the new Prius will be much more distinctive.


	In the US, the National Federation of the Blind says that partially or non-sighted pedestrians are at risk of serious injury from the near-silent machines

It showcases a new hybrid system, too. Toyota is staying tight-lipped for now, but the car is likely to get a turbocharged 1.8-litre 'lean-burn' engine - as we revealed in Issue 912 - which is capable of returning 100mpg. As well as being more economical, the next Prius will be faster and offer lower emissions. Toyota is also considering a plug-in version that can be connected to owners' mains electricity supply. When the Prius goes on sale in 2008, it will cost nearly £20,000.

Meanwhile, organisations for the blind are calling for noisier hybrids on the road. In the US, the National Federation of the Blind says that partially or non-sighted pedestrians are at risk of serious injury from the near-silent machines.

It's calling for the cars to be fitted with a device that produces a distinctive sound, louder than normal ambient levels. The Guide Dogs for the Blind association in the UK is backing the call. A spokesperson told us: "We are not running any active campaign, but would welcome any innovations that improve safety, particularly in urban areas, for blind and partially sighted people."