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Toyota's new Prius to be shown at Frankfurt

Cape Town - Toyota's fourth-generation Prius will make its public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt auto show.

The automaker says the Prius has "ground-breaking style and setting new standards in fun-to-drive dynamics.

The new hybrid's South African introduction is "currently under study."

The new Prius will use a revised 1.8 litre Atkinson cycle engine. Toyota says the hybrid system will feature improvements and changes to the battery and electric motors for better packaging, efficiency and performance.

Longer, wider and lower

The new Prius is 60mm longer, 15mm wider and 20mm lower than the model it replaces. The company says this delivers more occupant and luggage room.

The roof has been lowered by 20mm.

A new front suspension and rear double-wishbone suspension is geared to offer a supple ride. There are eight exterior colours, including the bizarrely named "emotional red".

Rides on a new platform

The biggest news is that Prius is the first car to use Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA), an innovative, integrated, development program for engine components and vehicle platforms.

This new platform, Toyota says, improves handling, safety and the chassis is 60% more rigid, than the outgoing model.

Almost every internal component of the Prius engine is new or substantially revised. 

As a result, the Prius has achieved a remarkable world’s best, with over 40% thermal efficiency, aiding better fuel efficiency.

Over 3.5 million sold worldwide

On sale since 1997, the Prius was the world's first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle. In July 2015 Toyota had sold more 3.5 million unit worldwide.

The Prius made its South African debut in 2005 in second generation guise and was the first hybrid car sold in Mzansi. 

INTUITIVE INTERIOR: The interior of fourth generation Toyota Prius features a two-tone colour scheme with silver inserts.  A large touch screen dominates the centre fascia. Image: Quickpic

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