据日本媒体报道，丰田计划在今年冬季发布普锐斯小改款车型，新车外观更接近现行版普锐斯Prime。据日本网站报道，丰田已经注意到在第四代和现行版普锐斯发布后，销量出现下滑。在日本市场，Aqua（相当于美版美版普锐斯）已经超过普锐斯，成为车厂最畅销混动车型。而这种现象在上代普锐斯销售期间是不可想象的。报道称，丰田似乎意识到，普锐斯存在争议的造型风格是导致其市场销量下降的原因，而即将发布的中期改款车似乎要改变这些。新款普锐斯的动力系统并没有升级，但配备了丰田最新的SafetySense系统，车重也将进一步降低，燃油经济性更突出。新车最大改变将是外观。新车前大灯将重新设计，将采用类似普锐斯Prime的三LED光源。前进气口和雾灯底座也更大，使前脸更具侵略性，而前后轮拱进一步外延，使其看起来不那么单薄。最后，尾灯组内也将集成LED转向灯。新车将于今年12月或明年1月发布。

 

Toyota Prius to receive much-needed facelift

A subtly redesigned Toyota Prius is scheduled for debut this winter, according to reports from the Japanese press. It will adopt a look that is more like the existing Prius Prime, the information suggests.

 

According to Japanese site Spyder 7, Toyota has noticed a drop in sales numbers after the introduction of the fourth- and current-generation Prius. In Japan, the Aqua (known as the Prius c in the US) has dethroned the Prius as the company's best-selling hybrid model, an turn of events unthinkable during the previous-generation Prius's reign.

 

The reports say that Toyota seems to realize that the Prius's controversial styling as been its downfall, and the upcoming mid-model refresh will seek to address that. The Prius will receive no drivetrain improvements, though Toyota's latest Safety Sense system is expected and some weight savings will result in slightly better fuel economy. Most efforts will be focused on the exterior styling.

 

Spyder 7's sources say the headlights will be redesigned to house three LED elements, similar to those of the Prius Prime. The front intakes and foglamp housings will also be bigger, making for a more aggressive fascia, while flares over the front and rear wheel arches will make the flanks look less slab-sided. Finally, the taillights will adopt LED sequential turn signals.

 

The world premiere is scheduled for January 2019, but could come as early as December 2018.