Tokyo - The new third generation Toyota Prius can be ordered with the option of a solar roof that powers a ventilation system keeping the car cool while it is parked in the sun.

The solar panels, integrated into a sliding sunroof, power an electric air circulation fan which runs independently from the engine.

The driver can activate the system from the remote key switch, cooling the air to a preset temperature or bringing it down from as much as 80 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius.

Available for an additional price of 1,000 euros (1,400 dollars) the solar feature can be ordered for the Life and Executive versions.

Other options available for the Prius, which hits the European showrooms this month, are LED headlights, a 40 Gigabyte navigation system with a European-wide map and a park assist that measures available parking space as the car cruises along.

The new Prius comes with new design features and an improved hybrid system that brings fuel consumption down to an average of under four litres per 100 kilometres with a carbon dioxide emission figure of 89 grammes per kilometre. (dpa)