Toyota has given its European 2015 Prius+ (Prius v in the US) an upgrade including a more dynamic exterior, better interior execution, and expanded range of equipment and a Euro6-compilant powertrain.

First launched in 2012, the Prius+ was the first full hybrid 7-seat vehicle to go on sale in Europe.

Driving performance has also been enhanced. The suspension damping force has been optimized for improved handling and greater ride comfort. The adoption of new high-performance sound absorption material to the rear deck side offers improved sound absorption.

The 2015 Prius+ is now available with Intelligent Park Assist, from mid-grade. The system uses a rear camera and ultrasonic sensors on the front side-bumper to identify viable reverse and parallel parking spaces. It will then automatically apply the correct sequence of steering angles to maneuver the car into the target space; all the driver needs to do is control the vehicle’s speed.

In the event of sudden braking, an Emergency Brake Signal activates all side indicators to alert following traffic and help reduce rear-end accidents.

The Pre-Crash Safety system benefits from enhanced braking performance and is now able to achieve a maximum speed reduction of 60 km/h (37 mph). In addition, the system’s warning time can now be set by the driver or switched off completely.

Providing enhanced driver convenience, Hill-start Assist Control is now automatically activated when the car detects an upward gradient.

Toyota revised the layout of the driver’s instrument binnacle for improved visibility. It now features a new 4.2″, multi-function, color TFT information screen which can be controlled via steering wheel-mounted switchgear.

Apart from conventional information such as clock, trip indicator, cruising range and fuel consumption, the TFT screen also displays the Hybrid System Indicator and Energy Monitor common to all Toyota full hybrid vehicles. A new Eco Judge function helps the driver maximize the efficiency of the full hybrid powertrain by awarding a points score related to eco-driving performance.

The screen also shows settings for the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and mirrors air conditioning and audio menu settings, keeping them within the driver’s line of sight while on the move.

The 2015 Prius+ is also equipped with the latest range of Toyota Touch 2 multimedia systems. A new unit design features a flat-surfaced screen surround integrating touch-sensitive capacitive buttons. The uprated, 6.1″ touch screen itself displays more colors and has an 800 x 480 resolution. It also supports drag-and-flick fingertip control.

The Toyota Touch 2 systems are fitted as standard with a rear view camera and are MirrorLink-ready. This feature enables users to connect compatible smartphones and then operate them entirely from the system’s touch screen.

Toyota Touch 2 with Go offers customers an enhanced, full map navigation system. Advanced traffic information is located on the map itself in the form of a ‘traffic bar’, showing the driver any congestion ahead, and what delay to expect. Based on historical traffic data, the system is also able to suggest alternative route options depending on the time of day.

When upgraded to Toyota Touch 2 with Go Plus, the touch-screen multimedia system comes equipped with 3D city models, landmark graphics and a text-to-speech message readout facility.

The system will display emails and calendars depending on Bluetooth mobile phone compatibility. It also features a “Play More Like This” function.

Touch 2 with Go Plus supports Wi-Fi connectivity using the smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot for connection to the system’s online functions.