Toyota Prius

There are some blindingly clever technologies in the Toyota Prius, but the overall result is intriguing not game-changing. And we have no great desire to be thus intrigued.

• Comfort

  The Prius is far more roomy than other eco-cars, and if you keep economy in mind and drive gently it's also very quiet, especially in town where competing diesels rattle and vibrate.

  

• Performance

  The Mk3 Prius has a new 1.8-litre engine, increasing power by 24 per cent to 134bhp. Not a figure that will make you catch your breath, but the extra oomph makes motorway cruising much more relaxing because the engine isn't buzzing quite so extravagantly. There are now three driving modes; Eco, Power and electric-only EV. 'Power' does just that, and makes the throttle less restrictive so it's much easier to overtake. It's no diesel for in-gear punch, but the Prius does at least do overtaking now without feeling like you're trying to make it explode. As with the last Prius, the electric motor lends a torque-laden hand with accelerative duties and then when you brake, reverses itself, acts as a generator and charges the battery. The 'Eco' mode makes it feel like you've got a tennis-ball lodged under the accelerator pedal, but ti does encourage you to be gentle.

  

• Cool

  Only among a know-nothing section of the metropolitan chattering class.

  

• Quality

  There are some cheap plastics on the dash and the seat material is a bit fuzzy, but you've got to respect the engineering. Even in a car as complicated as this, there have been very few breakdowns.

  

• Handling

  'Comfortable' is probably the best way to describe the Prius's handling. Light steering makes it easy in town, but if you're looking or a B-road laugh, the lack of feel provides anything but. There's plenty of grip but also too much body roll.

  

• Practicality

  Lots of room in here for five adults and thanks to the flat floor in the rear, middle-seat passengers have somewhere for their feet. At 445 litres, the boot is a generous size as well.

  

• Running costs

  If you can get the tax breaks, this is cheaper than comparable diesel hatchbacks. Otherwise, probably not, simply because fuel isn't the main cost of running a car, and the depreciation on a Prius is nothing special.