This Prius scored the maximum five stars in the tougher Euro NCAP crash tests introduced in 2009. This new overall rating covers Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and a new area of assessment: Safety Assist Standard. Features on the Prius include seven airbags and active headrests which protect passengers from whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.

There’s also traction control, brake assist and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+) that works to bring the car under control in the event of a skid. On the outside, the bumper structure is designed to minimise the risk of leg injuries and the front wings feature an impact absorbing bracket to reduce the chances of a head injury.

The Prius is longer than an Auris but not quite as large as an Avensis. It’s a good car for families thanks to a large boot with a wide opening and low load lip while a luggage capacity of 445 litres (443 for the Prius Plug-in) is considerably more than a Volkswagen Golf. The rear seats have the usual 60/40 split and fold flat too, creating a long area for items such as bikes.

Total loadspace is 1,120 litres with the seats folded down. There’s also a really useful underfloor boot storage tray which is ideal for keeping items out of sight or to stop them sliding around the boot floor. In the front there’s good storage including a split-level glovebox and a large central bin between the seats. The small door pockets are a little disappointing though.

If you opt for the Plug-in you’ll need to have a driveway or some facility that allows you to charge the car up. A single wallbox is available for home-charging or for small businesses.