Click here to read this article within the magazine.

Earlier spied images of the next generation Toyota Prius hybrid test mule showed a vehicle that was little more than the current model with some camouflage and a vaguely different fascia slapped onto the front. Thankfully these new images are much more than that, showing what we believe to be a wholly new Prius model.

The images confirm the rumors that the Prius would be growing in exterior dimensions—the car seen here is both longer and wider than today’s version—meaning more usable space for backseat passengers and trunk storage. Toyota is said to be giving the Prius a power hike as well, supplying the car with better performance in addition to its beefier body. While one might expect that a larger, more powerful car would indicate an attendant drop in fuel economy, we’re told that the new Prius will be even more fuel efficient than the old one. That’s a viable claim considering the pressure Toyota must be under to improve the vaunted mileage numbers for its green halo car.

One of the ways in which Toyota will pull off this trick new packaging is by replacing the current car’s nickel-metal hydride batteries with smaller lithium-ion units. Reported solar panels on the roof also seem to be for real, though they’ll likely only produce enough power to run the air-conditioner. Baby steps.

Look for the Prius to start a family in this generation as well, with possible station wagon and convertible variants reportedly on the table.

Click here to read this article within the magazine.

Magazine Issue: Winding Road Issue 37