The 2016 Toyota Prius is expected during the Las Vegas motor show scheduled for September 8. Now, thanks to some spy photos, we get to see the new electric vehicle in its full glory.

The 2016 Prius was caught without camouflage during what is believed to be a Malibu photo shoot.

The 2016 model is the fourth generation of the Prius. The spy photos reveal a design that looks very similar to the Mirai hydrogen model. The 2016 Prius is expected to go on sale early, during 2016. However, one of the most popular hybrids and electric vehicles will face heavy competition, especially from the likes of Kia and Hyundai; both these companies have caught up the Prius in terms of design, comfort and efficiency.

All reports so far point that the 2016 Prius will carry over some of its most important features and get just a few cosmetic and modest tweaks.

The first obvious change is the new platform. Under the 2016 Prius, Toyota has placed the New Global Architecture (TNGA) that is lighter and more compact than the previous components. Toyota will use the new platform for both the front and rear wheel drives. The biggest advantage of the new platform is that it is lighter, but also allows the company to mount the engines lower down, which will result in a safer drive experience and more efficient vehicle.

The new platform also saves Toyota money for production, which the company says it will invest in new technologies, including an autonomous system for driving.

The spy photos taken at Malibu also reveal the interior, which is still the same as with the previous models. The 2016 Prius will have the same all-digital array, with some updated graphics and software. The main difference is the sleeker center console.

Fuel efficiency and powertrain options for the 2016 model have yet to be announced. However, the company has already said that the 2016 Prius will be more efficient. Some sources suggest that the standard battery will still be used for the base model, but Toyota will offer a lithium-ion battery for the higher-end trimmings that will deliver more miles. And even the entry model will be boosted, with fuel efficiency increased by 10%. The improvement will bring the new model up to 84mpg. As for powertrain options, some sources suggest a combined engine with a 1.8-liter petrol engine and an electric motor.

All-wheel drive is also a possibility, thanks to the new TNGA platform. But the biggest advantage of the 2016 Prius is time, as the electric vehicle will enjoy a few months of supremacy in the Europe market before competitors like Hyundai release their plug-in hybrid.