Black on the outside, bright on the inside.

Toyota has announced a cabin configuration change for its facelifted fourth-generation Prius hybrid.

The current car has been in production since late 2015 and is powered by a combination powertrain, consisting of a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine and dual electric motors, good for a total system output of 100 kW.

Providing the car’s electric drive power is an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which can recharge in two hours and 20 minutes from a 200Vwall socket. Prius also features a roof structure solar panel, which can boost electric-only range by 6 km, if you park it out in direct sunlight for most of the day to charge.

What is new in terms of design? Well, Toyota has upgraded the car's appearancea touch and you now have an option of dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, of a five-spoke design. Black and bright red also become exterior colour choices.

The most pronounced change for this new facelifted Prius is found inside, where the car’s rear seating has been changed from a two- to proper three-seater layout. Interior architects took the decision to delete the car’s massive centre armrest in the rear, thereby freeing up space for a middle passenger.

Prius is now a true five-seater occupant vehicle, as opposed to the slightly compromised configuration it was previously. Customers will also have option on a lighter cabin ambience, with contrasting light grey now available as a door panel, seat and dash trim colour.

Another design evolution includes additional sound insulation material, to make the Prius cabin even quieter on the move.