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Toyota Prius C concept

Toyota previously said it would use Prius as a brand for a variety of hybrid vehicles, and at the 2011 Detroit auto show the company rolled out three examples to fulfill this promise. Announced at the show were the Toyota Prius C concept (pictured), the Prius V, and the Prius Plug-in.

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Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius C concept

The Prius C concept represents an effort by Toyota to make a compact, sportier Prius hybrid. We saw a version of this car last year with the FT-CH concept.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius C concept

The headlights are placed far back along the hood, but unlike many concepts, merely use standard halogens instead of LEDs.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius C concept

Toyota did not specify a hybrid system for the Prius C, but it could use the same power train as the current Prius, the smaller size of the car possibly giving it better fuel economy.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius C concept

The current Prius has a very broad appeal, with enough room for most families. But Toyota wants to extend the line's appeal to single, urban drivers. The Prius C concept is shorter than the current Prius, and should be easier to park.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius C concept

The sporty look of the Prius C concept should appeal to younger buyers. The hatchback also offers practicality.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius C concept

The large backlight is a big improvement over the current Prius, offering much better rear visibility. This rear glass also serves as the hatch.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius C concept

Toyota fitted the interior with a few futuristic elements, although nothing that would necessarily be barred from production.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius V

The Prius V extends the Prius line in a different direction than the Prius C concept, its greater cargo area making it a more useful family car. The Prius V will be available in late summer 2011.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius V

The Prius V uses the same hybrid power train as the current Prius, a 1.5-liter engine complemented by an electric motor that can drive the car at low speeds. Because of its larger size and reduced aerodynamics, the Prius V only gets 40 mpg combined city and highway, compared with the Prius' 50 mpg.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius V

From the front, the Prius V retains the look of the original car, but the roofline stays high, creating the larger cargo space and giving the car an almost mini-van appearance.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius V

The Prius V is only slightly longer than the current Prius. It seats five, and its rear 60/40 split seating slides back and forth.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius V

The cargo area of the Prius V is 50 percent greater than that of the current Prius. Toyota has not announced a third row of seats.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius V

With its larger size, the Prius V can feature a double-pane sunroof.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius V

The cabin layout is identical to that of the current Prius. But the Prius V will also be one of the first Toyota models to get the new Entune telematics system.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Toyota Prius Plug-in

Toyota also showed off the long-awaited plug-in version of the Prius. With a lithium ion battery pack, the Prius Plug-in can drive 13 miles under electric power at speeds of up to 60 mph. This car will become available in mid-2012.

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Updated:January 10, 2011Caption:Wayne CunninghamPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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