Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £18,370 to £22,130
Improved drive, low emissions, real-world improvement in fuel consumption, clear head-up display.
Intrusive road and wind noise, limited rear headroom, expensive.
Vastly improved Prius is finally a credible rival to any diesel hatch and the best hybrid money can buy.
Engineers are confident that even with the tougher, more stringent Euro NCAP crash tests, the Prius will romp off with the full five stars.
That's because the third generation employs a new stronger platform that uses more high tensile steel allowing for a more rigid body shell.
As well as the added strength, the Prius's front end has been specifically designed to reduce injury with the use of more impact-absorbing materials.
Under the bonnet 'hard-points' like the bonnet catch have also been relocated away from harm's reach.
Seven airbags, including a driver's kneebag and ESP are standard and Toyota will offer new technology such as the Prius's all-new head-up display. This delivers speed and navigation information, which means the driver does not need to take his or her eyes off the road.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Toyota Prius
wrote on 01 02 2007
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