The Parkers Verdict

You don’t buy a car like the Toyota Mirai for rational reasons. It’s not cheap to buy (nominally, it cost £66,000 in 2017, with a discount of £4,500 thanks to the government OLEV grant), and costs a similar amount to lease than a hugely more appealing Tesla Model S.

It’s also dynamically so-so, with an unsettled ride, lifeless steering and adequate performance. Inside, it’s commodious and well equipped, but not especially so. Especially compared with the more conventional alternatives.

But to measure it in those terms would be to completely miss the point of the Mirai. It’s a taste of the future that Toyota has brought to us nice and early – and, rather like its electric rivals, if your life situation can make it work for you, then it’s an interesting and satisfying car to own.

There’s nothing quite like having your own access to an empty fuelling station that won’t cost you at the pump – and equally, you can’t knock the fact that your car emits nothing but pure water.

And in these times of increased environmental awareness, there’s a great deal to be said for that.

Keep an eye out for the full Toyota Mirai review coming soon