Toyota Prius Alpha 7-Seater MPV Coming In March 2011

Toyota has plans to expand the Prius model range by introducing a seven-seater mini-MPV based on the Prius' platform. In fact, the upcoming MPV known as Prius Alpha is already in its final stages of development, and will be launched as soon as in March 2011, according to Motor Trend.

To accommodate the extra third row of seats, the Prius' platform will be stretched by 20 mm in wheelbase and 300 mm in length. The Prius Alpha will be the first model in the Prius range to feature lighter, more powerful lithium-ion batteries, in place of nickel-metal hydride batteries currently powering the Prius hatchback.

Expect the Prius Alpha to be motivated by a combined 135 hp, less than the sum of 98 hp from the familiar 1.8-litre petrol engine and 81 hp from the electric motor. Fuel economy would be worse than the Prius' 25.6 km/litre, however, due to the Prius Alpha's extra weight.

A five-seater Prius Alpha is also in the works, although it could retain the Prius' nickel-metal hydride battery pack in order to cut costs. Both versions will be competitively-priced, the report says, with the seven-seater Prius Alpha selling from 2.5 million yen (RM 92,675) in Japan.

Don't expect the Prius Alpha to go for cheap if it arrives in Malaysia, however. The Prius sells for around 2.05 million yen (RM 75,965) in Japan, but becomes RM 175,000 (OTR with insurance) by the time it gets to Malaysia. So, at 2.5 million yen, the Prius Alpha is going to be far from affordable.