As the original Prius prepares to celebrate its 10th birthday, Toyota is planning to finally expand the hybrid lineup, adding an MPV model. While not common in North America, MPVs are a hit in other parts of the world where our minivans are seen as gargantuan.

A single photo showing the Prius MPV peaking out behind the current model was released on the official Prius Facebook page and by the looks of it, the MPV model won’t be a whole lot bigger. The slight size increase all around should lead to more interior room and the Prius MPV will likely get three rows of seats – similar to the Mazda5. In many ways, the MPV model looks a lot like the new Auris Hybrid unveiled at the Paris Auto Show.

We don’t expect any upgrades to the powertrain, as Toyota is likely to debut any big upgrades on the flagship model.

[Source: Prius Facebook Page]

Notoriously good at keeping secrets, Toyota has decided to blow its own cover and has released a smattering of details on the Auris HSD Concept that will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show tomorrow (September 15th).

Designed specifically for the U.K.,the Auris HSD Concept uses the same Hybrid Synergy Drive powerplant as found in the current third-generation Prius. With a 1.8-liter gasoline engine and electric motor, power output should be about the same with 134 ponies under the hood. With a slightly heavier package acceleration should be close with a 10 second 0-60 mph time. Fuel-economy is expected to be similar as well, but not quite as high as the Prius, due in part to a drag coefficient that isn’t quite as good as 0.28 cd, as compared to the Prius’s 0.25 cd rating. The Prius gets a rating of 51/48 mpg, so even a close rating will still be impressive.

Aerodynamic enhancements have been made over the current Auris, however, with different front and rear bumpers, underbody panels, a larger rear spoiler, a ride height that has been lowered by 20mm, low rolling resistance tires and special 18-inch wheels that cut air turbulence in the wheel arches.

Like the Prius, the Auris HSD Concept will get four driving modes, including ECO, Power and EV mode. The EV mode will allow the car to travel 1.25 miles or 2 km on just electric power at speeds up to 31 mph.

Another similar feature between the two cars are solar panels on the roof which work to power the fans in order to keep the car cool when parked. Toyota says it continues to look into ways to expand the use of solar panels on its hybrids and shows an example on the Auris HSD with solar panels on the dash that can be used to power cellular phones.

Toyota plans to bring a production model of the Auris HSD Concept to market in the U.K. in the second half of 2010 and will build the hybrid at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) in Burnaston, U.K. The launch of this new model will usher in a new era for Toyota in Europe as it plans to offer all of its models with hybrid technology by 2020.

As the Auris is based on the Corolla platform, can a hybrid Corolla be far behind?

GALLERY: Toyota Auris HSD Concept

Official release after the jump:

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