The Toyota Prius has been refreshed with tweaks to the way it looks on the inside and out with prices starting at $36,590+ORC.

When this generation Toyota Prius was first launched back in 2016 it was the first model to be built off the Toyota New Global Architecture. This platform improved the Prius and it’s gone on to improve every other Toyota that’s been built on it.

To keep Prius fresh Toyota has given it a slight makeover on the inside and out. On the outside, the five-door hatch gets new front and rear bumpers, the former adding an extra 35mm to the vehicle’s length. There are new character lines and headlights to give the Prius a sleeker and more hunkered down appearance.

Both the Prius and top-spec Prius i-Tech feature refreshed 15-inch and 17-inch wheels, respectively. The Prius gets a 15-inch wheel with a redesigned 10-spoke cover while the Prius i-Tech features 17-inch five-spoke alloys in a new silver and black finish.

On the inside, the changes include new materials and tweaks to the infotainment system, although there’s still no Apple or Android connectivity. You do however get Siri eyes-free and Miracast which is a half-way mirroring of your smartphone on the infotainment screen…it’s not the same thing, though. Beyond that, you get AM/FM/DAB+ radio, USB and Aux inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic alerts, voice recognition, and Toyota Link apps including weather, fuel finder and travel times.

There’s been a redesigning of the centre console too, which now incorporates two cupholders, seat heating switches and a wireless phone charger.

The Prius also offers the Toyota Safety Sense which includes active cruise control, pre-collision safety system, lane departure alert with steering assist and auto high beam, together with reversing camera and seven airbags.

Toyota Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said “Since we launched the original Prius in Australia in late 2001, this innovative fuel-efficient small car has been bought by over 20,000 customers who value its optimal balance of performance and fuel efficiency, refinement, styling and practical five-door hatch design.

“Its strength in the marketplace is a testament to the proven benefits of the Toyota Hybrid System that we have rolled out across more models including Camry and Corolla hatch and will later this year, be offered in RAV4 and Corolla sedan as well.

“This update to the fourth-generation model that brings with it enhanced contemporary styling and the latest multimedia technology will add more customer appeal to the Prius hatch, ensuring it continues to contribute to Toyota’s dominance of the hybrid vehicle market,” he said.

2019 Toyota Prius pricing

Prius: $36,590+ORC

Prius i-Tech: $44,050+ORC