The largest member of the Prius Family arrives in late October

Sep 23, 2011 09:58 GMT  ·  By

As the two new Japanese hybrid vehicles from Toyota, the Prius v and the Prius Plug-in, are causing a worldwide stir, the North American division is hard at work setting the scene for their arrival.

While the Prius Plug-in will become available in March 2012, the Prius v will be arriving at nationwide dealerships starting from this fall.

The largest member of the Prius line-up will be part of an experiential tour across the U.S. that kicked off today, September 23rd.

Leading up to the vehicle’s arrival, the “Prius v Creation Station Tour” will offer enthusiasts the chance to experience up close and personal what the “v” in Prius v is all about – versatility.

The tour is set to end in December, and participants attending can pick up entry forms for a chance to win a brand new Toyota Prius in The Prius Goes Plural Sweepstakes.

They can also create Shrinky Dink Prius v collectibles, customize buttons with the Busy Beaver Buttoneers, get color-on T-shirts from local sustainable companies and have photos taken in the Prius photo booth.

Both kids and parents can also take home recycled, colorable lunch bags, recycled wood yo-yos and bamboo utensils, and temporary tattoos.

Designed as a clean family vehicle, the Prius v provides 58% more cargo space than the Prius Liftback, while delivering estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined.

Customers in the United States will be able to choose from three different equipment grades, namely Prius v Two, Three and Five.

Standard features on all levels include a new 6.1-inch Display Audio system, 16-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers, single-dial climate control, EV/ECO/Power modes, driver door Smart Key System, and the Toyota Star Safety System, to name but a few.

The Prius v Three adds standard Display Audio with Navigation and the Entune multimedia system.

Finally, the Prius v Five adds standard SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, three-door Smart Key, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, fog lamps and more.

Pricing for the Prius v starts at $26,400 (about €19,450 at the current exchange rate) for the Prius v Two model, $27,165 (€20,012) for the Prius v Three, and $29,990 (€22,090) for the Prius v Five.