Without question Toyota has put significant effort into its completely redesigned 2016 Prius. It is, after all, a very important model for the Japanese automaker in terms of both reputation and sales. So let's get down to details. With styling echoing that of the hydrogen fuel cell-powered Mirai, the new Prius is definitely edgier than ever, with a sporty design that "conveys a feeling of forward motion." The fourth-generation Prius is also a bit larger than its predecessor, measuring in at 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider, and 0.8 inches lower.

It's built on the brand's New Global Architecture, which will also underpin the next-gen Camry. The interior is also larger than before; both front and rear seat passengers have a more spacious cabin and there's additional trunk space as well. Combined with a new front suspension and rear double wishbone suspension, Toyota is promising more "driving excitement." We'll see. The chassis is now 60 percent more rigid and there's a lower center of gravity. Interestingly, Toyota hasn't announced full powertrain details, only that the new Prius will have a 10 percent fuel economy improvement and an increase in thermal efficiency of more than 40 percent.

The nickel-metal hydride battery has decreased in size, but is also more durable and has increased charging performance. Safety features include lane departure warning, a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beam. The dash layout is an evolution of the previous model with that center-mounted, functional styling. A total of seven exterior colors will be available, such as the Hypersonic Red you see in these release photos. Sales will begin at the end of the year and more details, notably about the fuel economy, are expected at the official 2016 Toyota Prius reveal in Las Vegas.