Toyota Prius α/Daihatsu Mebius -2015 minor change-

2015 Daihatsu Mebius

2015 Toyota Prius α

Toyota's hybrid MPV, the Prius α (Alpha), along with its Daihatsu equivalent, the Mebius, has been updated for the 2015 year and for this minor change, these hybrid MPVs have been given slightly new updates from the outside and on the inside as well as new features. Let's cut this analysis short, okay?

2015 Daihatsu Mebius interior

2015 Toyota Prius α

The exterior of both the Prius α and the Mebius are slightly refreshed with a keener look that looks like it finished having its beauty rest for the time being. Aside from the new front look, the Prius α and the Mebius are the first cars to come with the world's first Bi-Beam LED Headlamp. This energy-efficient headlamp is an optional extra employs low beam and high beam lighting in one source. Also, to keep it safer on the roads, they've employed the new Lane Departure Alert and Pre-Crash Safety System as well.

On the inside, the multi-information display has been updated with improved texture and visibility to the drivers' eyes, Although there's not much difference between the post-MC to the pre-MC model, both the Prius α and the Mebius are different from their number of seats. While the Prius α is available in either a 5-seater and the 7-seater, the Mebius is available only with 5 seats.

In five-seater configuration, the luggage capacity is around 535L but when the rear seats are folded, it's now doubled to 1,070L. Apart from that, there's a deck under tray as well for those who have some other stuff to store.

Performance remains the same from the 2ZR-FXE hybrid engine which provides a standardized 99PS/5,200 rpm of power output and 142Nm/4,000rpm of torque output. When both the electric motor and the engine on mobile, power output churns out a total of 136PS of power. Fuel economy is 26.2km/L on JC08 mode standards and they're both mated with a CVT gearbox.

The Prius α starts at 2,479,091 Yen (around $25,000) while the Mebius starts at the same price as the Toyota version.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation/Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.