I just lately spent every week highway testing the revelation that’s the fifth-generation Toyota Prius…
When it was launched in 1997, the pioneering Prius might not have been essentially the most enticing of vehicles, however it was the primary mass-produced petrol-electric hybrid, and a number of other million have been produced.
Now in its fifth iteration, it’s higher than ever – and it has lastly emerged as a swan.
Obtainable solely as a plug-in hybrid, the brand new Prius turns heads, for all the best causes.
As soon as a favorite of Uber drivers, the most recent model – with its futuristic, aerodynamic styling, low roofline, cool C-shaped headlights and stretched wheelbase – has a much wider attraction.
Athletic and fascinating, it’s up in opposition to a wide range of household hatchback PHEVs, together with the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 308, Skoda Octavia and Vauxhall Astra.
Priced from £37,895, the Prius pairs a 150bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electrical motor and 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery, giving a wholesome whole output of 220bhp and a claimed EV vary of as much as 53 miles.
All that energy interprets right into a 0-62mph time of simply 6.8 seconds and a high velocity of 110mph, whereas CO2 emissions are as little as 12g/km.
On paper, it’s able to as a lot as 564.9mpg in case your journeys are modest and you retain your battery charged up. Nonetheless, as with all PHEVs, on longer journeys it’s merely working as an everyday hybrid.
The distinction with the Prius is that fairly than gasoline economic system dropping right down to the late 30s/early 40s mpg (like some rivals), this automotive is super-efficient.
With out a lot effort, I achieved 60mpg on a long term and 50mpg in on a regular basis driving.
If I’m sincere, a part of the explanation for that’s right down to the CVT auto gearbox, which revs uncomfortably excessive in the event you speed up exhausting, then settles down once more. In different phrases, a wise, smoother driving type is the one option to keep away from the engine din.
That mentioned, the CVT is way improved, however it does dent the driving enjoyable, which is a disgrace as a result of the chassis is greater than as much as the job.
Should you do press on, the automotive is agile, stays flat in tougher corners and delivers an honest flip of velocity. And since the driving place is low, you’re feeling extra concerned with the automotive.
Grip ranges are good for a front-wheel drive automotive, whereas the steering is mild and, general, the Prius feels planted.
You possibly can select between HEV (default) and EV modes, plus Regular, Eco and Sport drive modes too. There’s additionally a ‘B’ on the gear shifter, which will increase the depth of the regenerative braking, slowing the automotive down extra successfully and charging the battery on downhill stretches of highway.
Inside, there’s loads of house up entrance, however taller passengers received’t be so glad within the again, the place the low roofline implies that headroom is compromised and getting out and in is usually a battle.
It’s not excellent up entrance although for taller drivers both, as a result of in an effort to see the motive force’s show, the steering wheel needs to be lowered so it’s almost on our lap. Peugeot drivers could also be fantastic with that, however it’s not splendid.
Visibility is one other casualty of that rakish design. It may be difficult to see spherical these sharply-angled A pillars. Oh, and there’s no rear wiper on that slim, tailgate window.
The infotainment system is OK and does the job, however it’s fairly fundamental. On the plus facet, it’s good to have bodily buttons for local weather management, and the heated/cooling seats.
Uber drivers received’t be proud of the bags house on provide. A shallow 284-litre boot is modest for a household hatchback-sized automotive.
Total, the construct high quality is nice, however there’s a bit an excessive amount of exhausting, black plastic contained in the cabin.
The seats are cozy although and the experience is nice, ironing out all however the worst imperfections our roads have to supply.
Lastly, the Prius affords peace of thoughts. Toyota has lengthy been related to reliability. Now the model affords a market-leading guarantee to again that up.
Should you service your automotive at a Toyota supplier yearly, the guarantee (initially three years) continues for as much as 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Verdict: Should you’re on the lookout for a super-economical household hatchback with critical kerb attraction and relaxed long-distance cruising, then the most recent Toyota Prius ought to high your shortlist. Simply bear in mind to strive before you purchase as a result of it’s not with out a few compromises.
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