are the small clips in the back for groceries?

That is what the hooks are for. The grocery bag thing is not really the purpose of them. As per user's manual. The also do not support much weight (as per what etched on the plastic above them).

The cargo net is expensive here in Germany, 60-70€. I have a foldable plastic box, much more functional and way cheaper

I use the steel loops to keep above mentioned box with straps in place.

 

My owner's manual specifically says they are "grocery bag hooks", not to exceed 8 lbs.

But my cargo net works much better.

What other silly meaningless stuff can we people argue about?!

 

This is a bit odd. Our 2010 came with this, I tuck it under the hatch floor, have never used it. It's a bit mesh fabric, worth $10~20?

 

I just ram the groceries up against the rear seat backs making sure there's no lateral movement and keep acceleration to a minimum

 

i always keep acceleration to a minimum.

 

Welcome to Europe.
Here all the official accessories you can order and add, after delivery (not BTO): https://www.toyota.de/download/cms/dede/PRIUS_Zubehoer_tcm-17-63673.pdf

And these are their respective prices:
https://www.toyota.de/download/cms/dede/PRIUS_Preisliste_tcm-17-63670.pdf
Number 21, shows at 55€ the cost of the net....(19% VAT included - which still doesn't make it that cheap...).

 

46€ for a mesh net, without VAT, is still too expensive IMHO...

 

How much would VAT be?

 

19% in Germany. But VAT varies quite a lot within the EU.
A list here:
European Union value added tax - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia