Toyota expands the Prius lineup for 2012

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Updated: September 16, 2011 11:49AM

No, not zzzz’s as in sleep or MKZ, 370z or even Z28. No, I mean “v’s” as in 2012 Prius PHV and the forthcoming Prius v.

Visitors to this year’s Chicago Auto Show may recall a Toyota marketing campaign that asked show attendees what the plural of Prius would be. The answer is Prii. With the addition of the Prius v there will be four models wearing the Prius badge. The third-generation Prius, a two-door Prius C hatch, the midsize Prius v five-door wagon and the plug-in hybrid vehicle, or Prius PHV, will round out the line.

I had the opportunity to test one of the late preproduction models that will be nearly identical to the one that is slated to go on sale late this fall/early 2012. Natural disasters earlier this summer already have delayed the Prius v and may push PHV on-sale dates further out. While the PHV shows promise it may not be quite ready for drive time.

While the Prius and PHV look similar they work a bit differently. The PHV uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 98 horsepower and 142 pound-feet of torque. Backing this engine up are small lithium-ion battery packs (288 cells) that complement the engine. A standard Prius uses a nickel-metal hydride battery back. The Prius PHV’s lithium-ion battery is lightweight and compact, weighing a total of 330 pounds.

The PHV can operate like a regular gas-electric hybrid or you can “hit the juice” and plug it in to the nearest wall outlet to operate in electric-only range. Charging time from a standard 120V household outlet takes three hours or 1.5 hours with a 240V AC set-up. That’s the good part. The “not quite ready for drive time” stems from the fact that after charging the PHV can go 13 miles. So, if your work commute is less than 13 miles then you’re good to go on electric-only travel if you can recharge at work. On the way home you’ll have to budget your side trips carefully to stay in electric-only range.

And if you want to stay in electric-only mode you’ll have to watch those merges and pulling out into busy traffic as the “economy mode” means power is metered out slowly to help save the juice for maximum mileage. The gas engine will kick in to boost power but you have to mash the pedal to get the car going. The PHV will cruise at highway speeds but it takes a lot of highway to allow the car to get to 60 mph in electric-only mode.

When you use up the juice the Prius PHV runs like a regular Prius. As the Prius PHV is a small car, mileage is not too bad. I averaged just more than 50 mpg. Toyota hasn’t published figures but I expect those to be around 55 mpg.

With the extra cells the Prius PHV gains some weight, loses cargo capacity and the ability to carry a spare tire.

Driving the Prius PHV, the weight of the battery cell makes itself known while cornering, but this is not a performance car so any aggressive driving is counter-productive to this car’s mission. In around-town driving the ride is similar to most compact cars – not too bouncy but you will feel every pothole. The steering felt a bit estranged from me, but braking was good.

The interior will be familiar to Prius buyers and will accommodate four passengers reasonably well. The fit and finish looked decent for a late-stage preproduction model.

The exterior of the Prius PHV looks identical to a Prius except for a little door flap on the driver’s side (think gas door) that covers the outlet for recharging.

As for the cost difference over a standard Prius, an educated guess for a 2012 PHV is that it will sticker for about $3,800 more or right at $26,000.

Toyota says the “v” in the 2012 Toyota Prius v hybrid means versatility.

One of the gripes about hybrid vehicles has been their compact size. Prius v counters that issue with midsize packaging and SUV-like cargo space. The v looks and acts like a wagon. Passenger comfort is said to be one of the key differences between it and existing/earlier generation Prii.

Cargo ability is also enhanced as the Prius v features a low, wide-opening rear hatch area allowing access to 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

The Prius v will use the same Hybrid Synergy Drive System found in the Prius. The system uses two high-output motors, one 60kw (80 horsepower) unit that mainly works to power the compact, lightweight transaxle, and another smaller motor that mainly works as the electric power source. Maximum motor drive voltage is 650 volts DC. The proven and practical nickel-metal hydride battery pack is the same as on the third-generation Prius lift back; however, there is a cooling duct located under the rear seat.

Hybrid Synergy Drive is built around a 98-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle and contributes to a total system horsepower of 134. Key components include an electric water pump that requires no belts and an exhaust gas recirculation system that helps warm the engine quickly, reducing fuel consumption when the engine is cold.

Compact and lightweight, the engine produces minimal noise and vibration. Sophisticated valve control, injector design and other technologies reduce emissions to allow the Prius v to qualify for SULEV and Tier2 Bin3 emissions standards.

In addition to the standard driving mode, the Prius v drive system also includes an eco driving mode, an EV driving mode and a power mode.

When it goes on sale the Prius v will feature Toyota’s Star Safety System as standard, which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. It also features the standard smart stop technology brake-override system.

The 2012 Prius PHV and Prius v along with the other Prius concepts shown on the auto show circuit indicates that Toyota has big plans for the Prius brand.