Third-Gen Toyota Prius Shows Its European Face at Geneva

The third-generation Toyota Prius will be officially introduced in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show next week, the Japanese automaker announced today in a statement for the press. The Prius achieves fairly impressive figures when talking about fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with Toyota claiming that "overall system power has been increased by 22 per cent, while fuel economy improved by 10 per cent and CO2 emissions reduced to just 89g/km."

No less than 90 percent of the parts included in the Hybrid Synergy Drive are new, Toyota said, resulting in a lighter yet more powerful model than its predecessor. Moreover, "operation in cold weather has also been improved," the company added, explaining that Prius is no longer a paint in the butt during the cold season.

Interiors have been improved with an array of new functions, including head-up display, steering wheel-mounted Touch Tracer control to access a series of features, solar-powered ventilation system to keep the car cool while parked plus a new version of Toyota's advanced Intelligent Parking System.

"The new, third-generation Prius remains the undisputed reference point for mass-mobility hybrid technology, setting new standards in innovation, design and driving enjoyment," the Japanese automaker said in a statement for the press, praising the features of the fuel-efficient model.

Even though Toyota hasn't released specific details regarding launch dates in Europe, the automaker did mention the new Prius is going to go on sale in the UK in July 2009. Pricing is yet to be announced.

The third-generation Toyota Prius was rolled out at the North American International Show, with major markets around the world expected to receive it in late 2009.