Prius MPV: A third row of seating, really?
Toyota Prius grows up.
Too close to the current Prius?
Is this vehicle behind the Toyota Prius really the Prius MPV, or Alpha Prius?
Since I first saw this picture yesterday, I’ve had a hard time believing that this could be the Alpha Prius. Compared to the conventional Prius, it just doesn’t seem possible that a third row of seating exists in this vehicle.
Of course, I’m sure it’s just meant as extra seating for kids. Still, can’t wait to see this configuration in greater detail – hopefully at the upcoming LA Auto Show.
One thing, however, seems certain. If this is the Alpha Prius, the fuel economy should be outstanding, and that makes me wonder, could such a vehicle conquest Sienna buyers?
i think world platforms are becoming much more common, but with the ability to tweak them to individual markets. i think automakers are being required to become ever more nimble and flexible, even with ‘world cars’. figuring out how to do this most efficiently probably is a major key to long term survival, and i know i’ve read some discussion about this in regards to toyota, but i can’t recall any good details.
that, to me, is a big problem with the US market. we’ve remained too independent. it seems that if more vehicles produced in the US for the US better translated outside the US, it would be better for US manufacturing capabilities. definitely ford is barking up this tree, and i’ve heard gm touch on this subject as well.
will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Toyota has some really neat mini-vans in Europe and Australia.
They are well designed, fuel efficient and can carry loads.
I wonder if being able to create a market a single world car – in great numbers – would be a competitive advantage over trying to create separate versions of similar cars for different markets?
I know Ford is starting to use the “world” car in some of their narratives.
I would have thought that Toyota would have been also tuned this way.
Larry, do you think most minivan owners carry large loads?
I guess I did a few times, but that was because my old minivan became more of a ‘work’ vehicle since it was worthless upon trade-in.
Anyway, I guess I don’t see the Alpha pulling consumers from the Highlander hybrid, but away from the Prius, or even the Camry.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m excited about the possibility, especially having had a minivan in the past. I would have loved to have had such an option, especially considering the potential fuel economy.
The reports indicate this new vehicle could offer 50 percent more cargo and passenger space. When it comes to volume looks can often be deceiving, but its just hard to believe this is the result. That’s all I’m saying.
If you consider the size of the Mazda 5, It doesn’t take a lot of length to get the 3rd row. I know its a big factor for us, because travelling with 3 growing kids is getting tough in our ‘06 Prius. My hopes are that my kids don’t grow too much before late 2012 when I hope a Prius Alpha would have the first year jitters worked out and get a second year (2013) model.
The Sierra gets pretty decent mileage for a vehicle that can carry 6+ people plus gear.
I look at the Highlander SUV which comes in both conventional and hybrid versions and the hybrid version simply is too expensive for what you gain in MPG.
So I don’t think the expanded Prius is going to be a real contender in this category but rather a LITE version for those who don’t really carry loads that often but maybe occasionally.
I’m also curious to see how many $$$ get added to the price.
At some point – if Toyota maintains the Prius price – it’s going to undermine it’s other hybrid offerings like the Highlander.