Toyota is set to expand the Prius range with a new compact minivan, which is reportedly going to be named Alpha. The Prius based minivan, Alpha will be the first Prius model to get lithium-ion batteries. The Prius Alpha is based on the current Prius platform, but will have an extra row of seats. The extra seats mean that the Alpha will be about 300 mm longer than the Prius.
The Prius Alpha will be powered by the same 1.8L Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and THSII hybrid system, but its fuel economy numbers will be slightly less than the combined 50 mpg rating for the Prius sedan.
The Prius Alpha is set to debut in March 2011.
Full Story: Motor Trend
