QUEBEC CITY, Quebec - With the Prius v, Toyota has inadvertently created another brand to be sold under the Toyota name. Prius v is the second of four distinctive Prius models that Toyota wants to bring to Canada. With Prius v in place, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid and the Prius c will be putting in appearances in the near future.
Just in case you are wondering what “v” and “c” stand for, they mean “versatile” and “compact”. Because of that announced versatility, Toyota is placing the Prius v in the compact CUV category with its marketing plan. The logic behind this decision is twofold; when you run the numbers, Prius v has more cargo space than about 80% of the compact CUVs on the market today. In addition, it looks like one. Can’t beat that logic.
Seating
Logic is also the byword for how the new interior was developed. An increase in length and rear-seat legroom when compared to the Prius let Toyota install a 60/40-split sliding rear seat that reclines as well as folds. At the same time, the sculpted front bucket seats will now recline fully. This allows for two separate and equally important scenarios.
First up is that if you fold the second row down and then recline the front passenger seat, the cargo area extends from the rear hatch to the front of the dash. Two-by-fours will now fit, as will lengths of eavestrough and numerous other types of sizeable goods.
Number two is when the rear seat is reclined slightly and the front seat is reclined fully, making a delightful rest area while traveling. If you choose to go to an old fashioned drive-in, you can actually sit in near armchair comfort reclining in the rear with legs outstretched and shoes off.
Cabin Storage and cargo space
On a more practical note, both the centre console and glove boxes have increased in size. The centre console, which doubles as an armrest, now features a 6.5-litre storage compartment, large enough to hold an average size purse.
The upper glove box increases by 50%, to 4.5 litres, while the lower one expands to 8.5 litres. Overall, that means you can stash nearly two dozen cans of Coke in the various spaces and still be able to have three or four more in the cupholders.
Just in case you are wondering what “v” and “c” stand for, they mean “versatile” and “compact”. Because of that announced versatility, Toyota is placing the Prius v in the compact CUV category with its marketing plan. The logic behind this decision is twofold; when you run the numbers, Prius v has more cargo space than about 80% of the compact CUVs on the market today. In addition, it looks like one. Can’t beat that logic.
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| Toyota is placing the Prius v in the compact CUV category with its marketing plan. (Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com) |
Seating
Logic is also the byword for how the new interior was developed. An increase in length and rear-seat legroom when compared to the Prius let Toyota install a 60/40-split sliding rear seat that reclines as well as folds. At the same time, the sculpted front bucket seats will now recline fully. This allows for two separate and equally important scenarios.
First up is that if you fold the second row down and then recline the front passenger seat, the cargo area extends from the rear hatch to the front of the dash. Two-by-fours will now fit, as will lengths of eavestrough and numerous other types of sizeable goods.
Number two is when the rear seat is reclined slightly and the front seat is reclined fully, making a delightful rest area while traveling. If you choose to go to an old fashioned drive-in, you can actually sit in near armchair comfort reclining in the rear with legs outstretched and shoes off.
Cabin Storage and cargo space
On a more practical note, both the centre console and glove boxes have increased in size. The centre console, which doubles as an armrest, now features a 6.5-litre storage compartment, large enough to hold an average size purse.
The upper glove box increases by 50%, to 4.5 litres, while the lower one expands to 8.5 litres. Overall, that means you can stash nearly two dozen cans of Coke in the various spaces and still be able to have three or four more in the cupholders.
 |
| Both the centre console and glove boxes have increased in size. (Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com) |