Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £18,370 to £22,130
Low emissions, fuel economy, low running costs, eco-friendly image, well-equipped, roomy cabin.
Advanced technology still not that well-proven, complex controls, CVT transmission only.
May be too much of a leap of faith for some as yet, but this is the (not too distant) future of family motoring.
The Prius received a full five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating thanks to its eight airbags that are fitted as standard, including side and curtain 'bags, and the bodyshell and structure which has been developed over that of the old Prius for improved rigidity and minimised cabin deformation. There are ISOFIX child seat mounting points, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, three rear three-point seatbelts, an immobiliser and alarm, an advanced electric cut-off system and rear LED taillights, which illuminate up to 10 times faster than traditional brake lights.
The advanced electronic drive- and brake-by-wire systems have quicker responses than hydraulic set-ups, and all these electronic systems are integrated in with electric traction control, uphill assist control for hill starts, vehicle stability control (VSC) which works directly with the electric power steering, plus, of course, the essential ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and Brake Assist.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Toyota Prius
wrote on 01 02 2007
wrote on 11 10 2006
wrote on 01 10 2006
wrote on 09 06 2006