Performance

The Toyota Prius has a normal 1.5-litre petrol engine rated at 76bhp that works in conjunction with an even smaller electric motor. Yet despite this, the Prius is comfortable on the motorway. It may not have the grunt of a bigger engine, but it's still reasonably quick and never feels or sounds overworked. All cars come fitted with an automatic gearbox so it's a doddle to drive. At slow speeds the electric motor works alone and is recharged by the petrol engine when it's being used.

Driving

Its whole purpose may be to help to save the planet, but it's a better handling car than you'd think. There's plenty of front end grip and the ride soaks up the bumps well to give a smooth and nicely refined ride. The steering is well weighted yet not too heavy for around town.

Space

Toyota have put a lot of effort into getting as much space out of the Prius' interior as possible. So room for four adults' knees and heads is plentiful, but a lack of width means it really is only a fourseater. Boot space isn't huge at 408 litres (the result of placing the electric motor's batteries under the floor) but it can be extended by folding over the 60/40 split rear seats.

Build Quality

The Prius is extremely well-built and the level of finish to the interior is excellent. It's constructed from the finest materials and has a slightly techy feel, like it's come off the bridge of the USS Enterprise. Although this second generation of Prius is reasonably new, there's no doubting it won't be as robust as other Toyotas, despite its complexities. And if there are any worries, it has an eight-year warranty on the hybrid technology.

Equipment

There are three trim levels; the T3, T4 and T-Spirit. All have climate control, alloys and four powered windows. The latter two are fitted with CD changers and the T-Spirit has satnav, a rear parking monitor and parking assist.

Safety

Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist are all standard on the car, as are eight airbags. And despite the car's dipped bonnet, it still scored an excellent five stars in EuroNCAP's crash tests.

Owning

Running costs will be low, mainly due to excellent fuel economy. Official figures say 65.7mpg, although real world figures are closer to diesel rivals. Residuals should be quite decent, especially as hybrids are becoming more and more accepted in the car market.

Value

With even the entry level model being priced at over £17,700, it's by no means the cheapest family car on sale - it's almost double the price of some family hatchbacks. Yet its amazingly cheap running costs should mean you'll reclaim some of this back.

Verdict

Proof that you don't need to drive a wacky little Noddy car to save the planet. The Prius is very practical, versatile and has excellent road manners... so treat it like a normal five-door hatch which is extremely cost effective to run.

Toyota Prius rival
Honda Civic Hybrid

Toyota Prius road tests
Toyota Prius T-Spirit - January 15, 2007
Toyota Prius T4 Auto - February 21, 2005
Toyota Prius T4 Auto - November 10, 2004
Toyota Prius T4 Auto - October 15, 2004