The Toyota Prius+++ has been updated for 2016, benefiting from a quieter cabin and CVT transmission and upgrades to the infotainment system as part of the latest revisions.
The Prius+ is currently the only seven-seat hybrid MPV on the market, but excessive engine noise and a poor CVT transmission have been major bugbears in the past.
To address the issue of engine noise, Toyota says it has reduced the revs from the car's 1.8-litre petrol engine by around 1000rpm. Overall power output has been maintained by using more electric power to support the engine, resulting in what Toyota claims is a more relaxed, smoother and quieter drive.
At the same time, the CVT transmission has been revised to provide more linear acceleration and respond more accurately to throttle inputs.
Elsewhere, the cabin has been given more sound insulation to reduce road and wind noise, while the Prius+ now gets the latest version of Toyota's Touch 2 infotainment system. The touchscreen unit, which was revealed at the Geneva motor show in March, features new menu designs and more connectivity options. The car's 4.2in driver's information display also receives new graphics.
Prices for the Prius+ currently start at £26,995, and the updated model is already on sale. Its rivals include the Ford S-Max, Citroën C4 Picasso and Volkswagen Golf SV.
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