This is the first Hybrid car to be crash tested by Euro NCAP and it performed well, gaining a five star rating. The safety body described Prius as having “a very strong and stable passenger safety cage.” In addition every model has front and side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Traction Control (E-TRC), Stability Control Plus (VSC+).

Security is taken care of by an alarm, immobiliser and remote central locking.

The boot is large and has a wide opening, making it ideal for carrying large and awkwardly-shaped loads. There’s no evidence of battery packs or hybrid mechanicals intruding into the load area. The seats split and fold for added load area. The glovebox is large and splits in two places for extra room. There are also large door bins, cupholders in the back and a handy sunglasses holder.