Despite being unveiled to the public twice already, details on the new Toyota Prius 2016 are still scarce. But a new leak from a staff manual has helped shed light on the Japanese hybrid.
Indian Autos Blog picked up on the leaked manual posted on Japanese website Minkara.
Reportedly, it revealed that an E-Four AWD option will be offered on higher trim levels. To achieve the setup, an electric motor will have to be added on the unpowered axle.
"So perhaps the Prius will use an additional electric for its rear axle, augmenting the hybrid setup that powers the front axle," GreenCarReports speculated.
Adding another motor does bring a penalty in fuel efficiency. With an E-Four AWD mode, it reportedly drops to 35 km/l.
The Toyota Prius 2016 leak also revealed that it will be powered by a 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE Atkinson cycle engine paired to an electric motor. According to IAB, the powertrain is good for 40 km/l on the JC08 cycle.
"Toyota has said this engine is capable of more than 40 percent thermal efficiency under certain operating conditions," GCR said.
The Japanese hybrid's aggressive styling was first seen in spy shots. And according to the leaked manual, buyers will also be able to personalize the hybrid with a TRD body kit.
Two bumper options will be available with one of them having LED daytime running lights, per IAB.
"The side profile gets sill extensions and a wide array of custom rim choices that range from 15 inch to 18 inch," the website said.
Other options include a tailgate spoiler and centrally-mounted dual exhaust tips. No TRD bits were shown for the interior but IAB expects the sporty seats, aluminium pedals and badges.
With the Toyota Prius 2016 leak coming from Japan, speculations say the TRD styling kit may be exclusive to the hybrid's home market.
