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While that doesn’t mean the same thing will happen here, it does hint that any increase will kept strategically small.
The redesigned 2010 Prius hybrid goes on sale in late May in America at a base price of US$22,000 ($31,325). Later this year, a stripped-down base model will go on sale over there for US$21,000 ($29,900).
While Toyota Australia has confirmed the car will arrive here in July, it will not comment yet on spec or pricing.
"It will be competitively priced,” spokesman Mike Breen has said. “The specifications are different from the US, and there are a couple of things we get that the Americans do not, and they make a difference. They make a difference to the vehicle and as a result they have an impact on the pricing."
The current model in Australia is priced from $37,400, with the specced-up Prius i-Tech starting at $46,900.
In our depressed market – and with an eye on the increasing number of non-hybrid cars laying claim to astounding fuel economy – Toyota is unlikely to add too much to that price tag. So fair speculation would be that the standard car will come in around $39,000 and will offer some extra fripperies to justify the rise – possibly including the Bluetooth from the US top-spec model.
Power on the overseas model is up from the outgoing 1.5-litre's 57kW to the new 1.8's 73kW at 5200 revs, with 142Nm of torque at 4000. Total power including the electric motor comes to 100kW, and there's an extra 27kW from the carryover nickel-metal hydride battery pack
The US Prius comes in five trim levels. Standard equipment on all models includes vehicle stability control and traction control and antilock brakes. The $22,000 trim adds standard features such as push-button start, a six-speaker stereo system, six-way adjustable driver's seat and seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag.
The most expensive trim level for America, at US$28,000 ($39,900) including shipping, includes Bluetooth, heated front seats, an eight-speaker JBL system and 17-inch alloy wheels.
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