New Toyota Prius Under Consideration for Australia

EXCLUSIVE

The new-generation Toyota Prius could return to Australian showrooms in the future.

Speaking to CarSauce, Toyota Australia’s head of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, confirmed the car giant was now reassessing plans to return the hybrid hero to its local line-up.

“If you had asked me six months ago about [the] Prius new model, it probably would just have been a flat ‘not even thinking about it’,” Mr Hanley said.

“But I'd have to say, having seen it again and looking at it – you know what, I'll give you the best scoop – I wouldn't rule that car out for the future.”

Mr Hanley explained Toyota Australia had originally opted to offer the C-HR, Corolla Cross, and Yaris Cross instead, given the local market’s preference for SUVs – and the higher pricing of the Prius.

“I'd caveat that by saying, if we were to really look at it carefully, it would have to be positioned right for us,” he added.

“So, I'm not saying we're getting it. I'm just saying right now that we're probably more open now [to the possibility] than we were six months ago.”

The Prius hasn’t been sold in Australia since the previous generation ended production in mid-2022, with the new model unveiled later that year.

While the entry-level Prius combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a traditional hybrid system, it’s the Prius Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) that has garnered critical acclaim since its launch.

Combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors and a 13.6kWh battery, the PHEV has a combined output of 164kW and an electric-only driving range of up to 70 kilometres.

Handling characteristics were greatly improved in the new Prius PHEV, thanks to the battery being relocated to under the rear seats – rather than being under the boot floor in previous models – lowering the car’s centre of gravity and keeping the weight between the two axles.

In November 2023, Toyota’s UK division announced it was backflipping on a decision to not offer the new-generation Prius – returning the model to its line-up after sales of hybrid vehicles began increasing.

However, while Toyota Australia may be reconsidering the Prius, Mr Hanley told CarSauce nothing had been locked-in at this early stage.

“Prius is just a thought at the moment,” he said.

“It's something that I think we should re-approach.”