Production Year: 2004 - present

Now in it's second iteration, the Prius is recognised as being technically very good but with slightly odd-ball looks.

The Honda Prius is powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive which basically means it has a conventional petrol engine assisted by an electric motor. See the technology section for more detail.

The petrol engine is a 1.5 litre VVT-i unit which is assisted by a self-recharging 50kW/400Nm zero-emissions electric motor. The driving experience is good as the car is powerful enough for normal use but the electric motor is only enabled below 22mph so the Prius doesn't really have the pulling power at higher speeds due to the extra weight of it being slightly larger than a small hatch and the weight of the electric motors and associated gubbins.

The Prius borrows components from the Avensis and Corolla so ride and handling is quite good. There's plenty of grip with steering being precise and well weighted.

As the Prius is only available with a CVT (Constantly Variable Transmission) engine noise is slightly higher than you'd get in a car equipped with a manual or automatic gearbox. The reason this gearbox is the only option is that it keeps the engine and gear ratios operating at optimum levels to increase fuel efficiency. Driven gently the problem is less noticeable but at higher speeds wind and road noise intrude slightly.

The Prius has an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty on the hybrid drivetrain which is a very reassuring (and brave!) move by Toyota. Re-sale values are reasonably firm but there's a fairly limited market at present. This may change with the many hybrids that are being launched at the moment.

As you'd expect from Toyota, fit and finish is superb. It'd be very suprising if there were any reliablilty issues with the car.

Interior comfort is good and features a space-age dashboard with many controls on the steering wheel. It can take time to familiarise yourself with all the controls and the seating position is slightly high but all round, it's a good place to be.

Summary

A good, reliable buy but those looks won't age well.