Toyota Prius Hatchback full 9 point review
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Performance
At low speeds, the Prius can run on its electric motor alone. As speeds rise, the 98bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine takes over, but the electric motor still provides some extra assistance when needed. The system works smoothly and gives good flexibility, so the Prius feels reasonably perky.
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Ride & Handling
The Prius gives you a reasonably comfortable ride. OK, it can feel clunky on rutted urban streets, but it's not uncomfortable and it feels settled on the motorway. The light steering complements the car's easy-going nature, but the lack of feedback is a little disconcerting on a country road. Body control could be tighter, too, but there's plenty of grip.
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Refinement
It's possible to run on electric power alone at low speeds, and that means your progress is virtually silent. The petrol engine kicks in smoothly, too. Wind and road noise penetrate the cabin as you go faster, though, and although the petrol engine is quiet when you're cruising, but it drones when you’re getting up to speed.
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Buying & Owning
List prices for the Prius aren't exactly cheap, and there are plenty of other hybrids that cost a lot less. However, you should be able to wangle a decent discount from your dealer, yet resale values are strong. The low CO2 output means you pay company car tax at the minimum 10 percent rate, and theoretically, you'll be able to average as much as 72mpg.
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Quality & Reliability
The interior feels very solidly built, but the velour seats and dull, grey dash plastics make the Prius's cabin feel disappointingly drab. Still, you'll have no worries about reliability. In both our annual Reliability Survey and the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey, Toyota and the Prius are always among the front-runners. Plus, the car is backed up by a fine five-year/100,000-mile warranty.
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Safety & Security
Toyota has most of the bases covered here. All models have stability control to help you avoid an accident, and if you can't, there are front, side and curtain airbags to minimise injuries. There's even a driver's knee 'bag, with anti-whiplash headrests to complete the impressive safety package. Security measures include an alarm, immobiliser and deadlocks.
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Behind The Wheel
The huge digital display on top of the dash gives you masses of information, from how much fuel you've got to how the drivetrain is working. For something so complex, it's impressively clear. There's lots of adjustment for your seat, too, but the head-up display is a bit pointless, the foot-operated parking brake is irritating and rear visibility is rubbish because of the spoiler across the back window.
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Space & Practicality
The Prius copes well with carrying five people. The cabin has impressive head- and legroom all round, and because there's a flat floor in the back, middle-seat passengers even have somewhere to put their feet. The boot is a good size despite the high floor, and there's more storage space underneath, too.
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Equipment
Entry-level T3 models give you most of what you need, including air-conditioning, front and rear electric windows, a head-up display and 15-inch alloy wheels. T4 trim adds bigger alloys, keyless entry, cruise control and a Bluetooth handsfree system, while T Spirit models provide sat-nav, parking sensors and a reversing camera.
Prius used car reviews
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Toyota Prius Hatchback 1.8 VVT-i T3 5dr
The cheapest Prius is also the greenest Prius, and surely that's the point, isn't it? It still comes with all the kit you really need, so this is our favourite version of the car.
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