SPIED: Has The Toyota Prius MPV Come To Life?

It's not everyday that you see this. An unreleased Lexus prototype being followed by what may be a Toyota prototype.

Described as "about the size of a Mazda 5," this new mule is speculated to be the first running model of what may become the Toyota Prius minivan thingymajig.

Considering 00R believe the Prius is probably one of the best -- if not the best -- hybrids right now, this three row MPV could be a gamechanger.

**For more spy photographs, click "Read Article."

Carscoop reader Nick K. had an opportunity to snag what may very well be the first spy photos of the long-anticipated minivan version of the Prius, rumored to be called the Prius Alpha.

Spotted out in California following a new Lexus CT200h with its logos covered, the camouflaged minivan seen here - said by Nick to be "about the size of a Mazda 5" - appears to be wearing a Prius-esque front fascia and doesn't look to fit anywhere else in the lineup...

[Source: Carscoop]

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t_bone - 9/28/2010 12:09:13 AM

+1 Boost

I really like the idea of this, a practial people carrier with great gas mileage. Obviously it won't be a performer, but at least with good mileage I think I could live with this.

g2ok - 9/28/2010 12:21:02 AM

+4 Boost

Unless this is a wider vehicle than the much too narrow Prius, then it is just a taller Prius. No big leap here. They do have a mini-van already, just make it a hybrid.

truckman - 9/28/2010 4:51:21 AM

+1 Boost

I like practical, good mileage and lets hope it carries more than 6. I hope it is wider too.

quizz - 9/28/2010 1:29:49 PM

+1 Boost

That size would just make it a re-badged Sienna with a hybrid engine, wouldn't it? I expect it has to be substantially smaller (6 passengers) than the Sienna to justify an all new body structure.

truckman - 9/30/2010 12:54:08 PM

+1 Boost

good point quizz

Bmw8ter - 9/28/2010 6:00:46 AM

+1 Boost

Forget practicality. When it comes to personal people carriers, comfort should be first class. I wish the Italdesign Giugiaro Columbus had been massed produced. Now that looked like a hell of a people carrier.

quizz - 9/28/2010 1:31:11 PM

+1 Boost

I think that's why it's going to be a "lexus" model, so that they can spend a little more on comfort and luxury in an already niche market (luxury compact minivan hybrid)

quizz - 9/28/2010 1:27:53 PM

+2 Boost

I have been waiting for this model since the first Prius. A compact yet practical hybrid mini-van for around town errands and child carriage is exactly what young families like myself are waiting for. We have a mini-van, but it's a bit unwieldy, yet still preferable to an SUV (we never take the thing off road, more fuel efficient, easier to load/unload, sporty performance unnecessary with 2 screaming kids in the back).

A compact 6 passenger hybrid mini-van just roomy enough and with all the fun techno-gizmos in a luxurious Lexus shell is a niche completely un-served right now. As long as it can do all that and do it in under 9 seconds, I'm happy and ready to trade in.

thstone - 9/28/2010 3:59:02 PM

0 Boost

Its going to look like a slightly bigger Honda FIT.

nguyenvuminh - 9/29/2010 6:34:50 AM

+1 Boost

I'm all for mini minivan. Rarely do I carry more than 6 people. 90% of the time, it's just my family of 4 (with two being young children). The sliding door is very practical. The size is just right in terms of ease in maneuvre. And although I like the feature-designs of Mazda 5, I am particular disturbed by Mazda's lack of commitment in higher fuel economy design be it hybrid, electric or diesel. So this would be a remarkable entry into this market segment.