The new Toyota Prius+ is the first full hybrid model in Europe to offer seven seats. There are three independent, split-folding second row seats and a 50:50 split-folding third row. In spite of the increase in size, it retains the fundamental performance benefits associated with Prius, including the lowest fuel consumption of any seven-seater on the market.

Set to go on sale during the first half of 2012, Prius+ is a new vehicle, designed from the ground up. Its exterior represents an evolution of the established Prius design, rather than simply being an elongated version of the standard model.

No exact details were released about the powertrain, but Toyota says the Prius+ is equipped with the latest generation of Hybrid Synergy Drive and is the first Toyota non-plug-in hybrid to use a lithium-ion battery pack.

As in the standard Prius, Prius+ features three ‘on-demand’ drive modes so that capabilities of the hybrid powertrain can be fully exploited. EV mode allows the car to be driven on electric motor power alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions; ECO mode maximises hybrid system efficiency and fuel economy, while POWER mode sharpens response and boosts performance.