I'm thinking about the common parts: NiMH battery pack - the smaller one should fit in both, reducing the parts count 1.8L engine - should fit in the Prius v Although they may require a new EPA certification, the reduced parts count might simplify inventory. Otherwise, I would expect a two year delay before they get their model change . . . perhaps less. The Prius v first followed by the Prius c. Bob Wilson
Given that they were launched for the 2012 MY in late 2011, if they run the same 6 year cycle as the Prius, you won't see them until 2017 as a 2018 MY vehicle.
I can see Prius v (lowercase v for the Prius v wagon) sales number drop or discounted to move. Why buy a less efficient hybrid, when everyone knows a more powerful and more gas efficient, in the hatchback, is coming soon?
Wait... in 2 years a NEW Camry is coming out!? I THOUGHT 2015 was the new Camry!?!?! Son of a .....!!!!!!!!!!
It's the midlife/mid-generation update. Granted, it's one of the most intensive updates we've seen (just as much as Honda's revamp of the 2013 Civic Sedan/2014 Civic Coupe). This generation's Camry is breaking mould and going on a 6 year cycle. It's been running on 5 years for a number of generations now. Looks like Toyota's going to split the v and c so that it can spread out the Prius family launches . Next gen Prius v should be good. I just hope it can either lose weight or gain power to improve the power:weight. It's fine with one or two occupants but a bit down on power for a full load.
If a hatchback would suit your needs, why would you ever have considered the v before? It is 10 MPG less than the current hatchback and slower with a lower top speed. I assume all v owners wanted features the hatchback could not provide. (true seating for 5, cargo room, etc.) I do not see any new features in Gen 4 that makes it have equivalent cargo room, so it offers nothing to me. (Others will find features they need but they were not v owners, I bet)