Toyota Prius Hatchback (09 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
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.
4 out of 5

Other Toyota reviews

4 out of 5

Running costs

Incredibly low CO2 emissions mean the Prius is free to tax and if you drive into the centre of London, you won't have to pay the London Congestion Charge as hybrid cars are exempt. Potential economy of 72mpg means visits to the fuel pumps will be rare while insurance rates are 6 for the T3 trim and 7 for the T4 and T Spirit. Toyota servicing isn't as cheap as other mainstream makes, but the Prius is designed for low maintenance costs. The brake pads have a life expectancy of more than 60,000 miles, the mainly stainless steel exhaust system should last more than five years while the low-rolling resistance tyres can go for 30,000 miles. The engine also uses a maintenance-free timing chain and has no drive belts, giving excellent reliability. As it's a hybrid it doesn't need a conventional starter motor or alternator either.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

10,000 miles.

Warranty

Five years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£0.00 - £10.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
    49
  • B
    104
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

It's little surprise that this is an area where the Prius excels. Thanks to it's Hybrid Synergy Drive it emits just 89g/km of CO2 - easily the lowest emissions for a family car by quite some margin, which also means it is free to tax. Economy is an impressive 72mpg. Be aware though that cars on 17-inch wheels aren't quite as efficient - they emit 92g/km of CO2 and return 71mpg. Elsewhere the Prius uses plant-based foam in areas such as the seat cushions while the high voltage battery is 95 per cent recyclable. It's even built at an environmentally factory which has reduced its CO2 emissions by 50 per cent.

Find the exact engine and CO2