CarSeekBlog

HybridCars is reporting that the much-rumored expansion to the Toyota Prius line might actually happen, thanks to a Motor Trend scoop about a slightly-stretrched Toyota Prius known as the “Alpha.”

While there is no way the Prius Alpha could ever be considered a minivan – it’s only a foot longer than the current base model, for example – it will have a third row of seats. It would also have the current incarnation’s 1.8-liter engine and use the existing hybrid system, though with one of the new, lighter lithium ion batteries, for a maximum combined power output of 135 hp. However, the size and weight of the new model may cause fuel economy to decline to somewhere below 50 MPG.

The launch of the Prius Alpha is expected to be next March, though only in Japan, where hybrids are the hot ticket.

Is anyone else wondering how a single extra foot of length translates into a whole row of seating?

Filed under: In the News, Toyota by Mel