Car reviews

The third Toyota Prius may not look that different from its predecessor but thanks to several key improvements it's actually a big leap forward. Like before it's a hybrid, so uses a conventional petrol engine alongside an electric motor, but it is now a realistic alternative to low-emission diesel cars when it comes to performance and driving. There's just one gearbox - an automatic CVT - but it has seamless changes while the 1.8-litre engine and electric motor deliver responsive performance. It's cleaner and more powerful than the previous Prius while in town it can operate purely in electric mode, using no fuel and with zero emissions. Unlike before, if you choose a Prius you don't have to make sacrifices in performance for the sake of owning a hybrid.