Toyota Prius Road Test / Car Review

When the original Prius and its Honda rival, the Insight, were first launched, many were impressed with their technology and green credentials. Using an electric motor to augment or temporarily replace a conventional petrol engine was a great idea. Unfortunately both cars were rather compromised, the Honda by its ^'squeezed from a toothpaste tube' styling and impractical two-seater layout and the Toyota by its dull driving manners, cramped cabin and distinctly lacklustre lines.

Toyota's second generation Prius changed all that and gave the company leadership in this sector. It has recently been improved with changes to the styling of its headlamps and rear light clusters and a restyled front grille. Inside the cabin, comfort for passengers has been enhanced, with an adjustment to the hip point for those sitting in the back. Buyers will also find smarter upholstery colours, a soft-touch paint finish for the dashboard and the introduction of a leather-trimmed steering wheel across the range. Fresh options include full leather trim, new metallic paint finishes and, on T Spirit models, a rear parking monitor and Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA).

The current Prius mirrors the first generation model's technique of being able to run on its petrol engine and then switc