Overview

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.

No compromises

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.

Prius Plug-in

The Prius Plug-in was introduced in 2012 and unlike the standard Prius you can charge the car from the household mains. It’s still a petrol-electric hybrid and you can travel up to 15 miles and up to 51mph on electric power alone without using the petrol engine. The electric motor draws its power from a lithium-ion battery that you charge from the mains and a full charge takes about an hour and a half. The real advantage is that its CO2 emissions are 49g/km, but zero if you travel on electric power alone. Official average fuel economy is claimed to be an impressive 134.5mpg.

To plug-in or not to plug-in?

The Plug-in costs around £6,000 more to buy than the standard Prius even when you factor in a £5,000 government grant for electric vehicles. Still this isn’t about cost, as the Prius Plug-in is about making a statement about your responsibilities toward the environment. You have a choice between the two but both fulfil the desires of a motorist with a conscience. Read the full Toyota Prius review for more details.