According to a Japanese newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun, Toyota is planning to extend its Prius hybrid family with a larger variant. The model is reported to be a tall wagon or a crossover model and will be the first Toyota hybrid vehicle to use a lithium-ion battery pack.

The newspaper said that sales of the model will begin next year in Japan with pricing to start at an equivalent of $22,000.

It was reported last month that Toyota is planning a Prius coupe that will be later joined by a Prius MPV.

The 2010 Toyota Prius uses a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which is less powerful and larger than lithium-ion.

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2010 Toyota Prius:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Inside Line