Toyota Reportedly Changes Its Mind, Might Launch the New Prius in the UK After All

What exactly made them change their mind is a very good question, yet one without an answer, according to Autocar. The outlet was the one to uncover Toyota's plans to make the new-gen Prius available in the United Kingdom, stating that the official announcement is pending.

Toyota's new Prius, which is in the fifth generation and comes to life at the Aichi factory in Japan, is offered with two powertrains in worldwide markets. The most affordable model features a self-charging hybrid. Nonetheless, mainland Europe only gets the plug-in hybrid derivative, which brings 220 hp to the party for 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in 6.7 seconds.

It is yet unknown how much the Prius PHEV Will cost once it makes its way to the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, for reference, it is available from €45,290 (equal to $47,949) in Germany, roughly €12,000 ($12,700) more than the electrified Corolla. In the UK, the latter comes from just over £30,000 (~$31,700), so chances are the Prius will cost in excess of £40,000 (~$42,300). The RAV4 PHEV starts at £44,175 ($46,769).

Meanwhile, both versions of the new-gen Toyota Prius are being offered in the United States. The self-charging hybrid family comprises the LE, XLE, and Limited trim levels, which are available from $27,650, $31,095, and $34,665, respectively. The total system output of this model, which uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill and an electric motor, is 196 horsepower.

Upgrading to the Prius Prime, aka the plug-in hybrid version, will get you a total system output of 220 horsepower from its 2.0-liter lump and front-mounted electric motor. The lineup is made of the SE, XSE, and XSE Premium, which have respective MSRPs of $32,675, $35,925, and $39,370. The entry-level Prius Prime has an EPA-estimated electric driving range of 44 miles (71 km), which drops at 39 miles (63 km) for the latter two.

Unveiled last year, the new-gen Toyota Prius builds on an updated variant of the TNGA-C architecture, which was also used on its predecessor. The construction promises increased stiffness and stability, as well as a more comfortable drive.

Now, back to the quoted outlet's report, there is no word yet on when Toyota will launch the new Prius in the United Kingdom, but it is probably a few months away from arriving at dealers. So, are there any excited Brits out there when it comes to the introduction of this model in Europe's biggest right-hand drive market?