by Joe Jeffrey
Toyota Prius gains ability to tow caravans following introduction of new discreet accessories
Toyota Prius owners in the UK will now be able to haul a caravan behind their eco-friendly hybrid.
Proving that it isn’t just the big innovations in technology and performance that matter, Toyota has engineered the new Prius to be able to tow a trailer or lightweight caravan for the first time in its 19-year history. The fact the world’s best-selling hybrid car can now sport a tow hook and pull a trailer or light caravan, Toyota says, adds another dimension to its practicality and extends its appeal to a wider range of customers.
The Prius’s new-found ability is thanks to heat management measures that have been introduced in the hybrid system’s main electric motor-generator and the differential. As a result, the car has a maximum towing capacity of 725kg – ideal for trailers or smaller, lightweight caravans.
Attaching the hitch seems simple enough, and the accessory will come complete with clear green and red indicators to show when a secure connection is in place. And, for when you aren’t towing something, the company has afforded drivers the option to simply unhook the hitch and store it in the boot.
Toyota claims that thanks to improved head management of the hybrid system’s generator and differential all hardware required is concealed underneath the number so as to not spoil the Prius’s defined shape. A spokesperson for Toyota said: “Most of the connecting hardware is concealed behind the lower lip of the rear bumper, so the clean lines of the rear of the car are preserved.”
The all-new Toyota Prius has also recently secured the top five-star rating in independent Euro NCAP safety testing, so if you’re looking for something different and safe to tow your trailer or caravan with next time around, this could be a wise choice.
What do you think? Might a Toyota Prius be the next car to be added to your wish list?
