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 rides as well as Toyota's refined Avensis, and has supportive, well-shaped seats. The electric air conditioning system is effective, and the cabin is extremely pleasant. Fully-electric mode is somewhat disconcerting at first - you can't be sure the car is even switched on - but gliding around town silently and stealthily (beware of cyclists who may not have heard you) is a serene and de-stressing experience.
The only downside is that when you're at full throttle, the petrol engine has to work hard, and it gets a little loud and raucous. This Prius is much roomier than its predecessor and its wide tailgate covers a usefully deep, spacious, accessible boot, uncompromised by any extra battery packs and running gear.
Rear seat passengers have loads of legroom, and all occupants benefit from plenty of headroom, elbowroom and shoulder space, and the airy, pleasant cabin.
There's a full complement of storage boxes, cubby holes, door bins and cup holders, too.
A six-speaker CD player is fitted to the entry T3 car, with T4 and T Spirit models receiving a nine-speaker JBL system complete with six-CD autochanger.
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