USED Toyota Prius Hatchback (03 - 09)

My car

Most of my driving is around semi-rural roads with some motorway and urban use, I regularly get around 57mpg and have seen 60+mpg on one tankful of mostly gentle country road driving.

I find the performance is more than good enough to keep up with other traffic and when extra power is required, pick-up is good and progress is swift to the legal limit. The CVT transmission and the overall quietness of the car make it very relaxing to drive.

The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of legroom and headroom all round - legroom in the back is particularly impressive. The only downside is that the boot is a bit shallow, but there is a very useful extra storage area under the boot floor, and the way the luggage cover blind can be stowed away here is an object lesson in practicality for other makers.

The only criticism I have is the poor range of colours available. With such a technically advanced car, I'd have thought that Toyota could have been a bit more adventurous in its choice of colours. Its also a pity that a few useful practical extras, such as electrically folding door mirrors, are just not available.

The JBL stereo is outstanding, the satelite-navigation is simple to use. The dashboard layout is unusual but very intuitive to use with familiarity.

All in all, it's a clever, well thought-out car that I would happily recommend to anyone.

My car

In the latest WhatCar review the MPG is ludicrously given as 44 mpg. On a run from Abingdon to Norwich, I have just recorded 60 mpg. So, what's the explanation? I would say:

1) On motorways I kept to 65mph, 2) I used cruise control whenever possible, 3) I used the regenerative braking as often as I could.

In brief, I give the computer as much control over the car as I can. If I drive in my previous style, foot down and cruise control at 70, I can still return 49 mpg. I do not have difficulty in pulling away from rest. The comparison to a "milk float" (J Clarkson) is funny, but totally misleading. The Prius uses the electric motor to add a boost when extra acceleration is needed.

It is again often said that the hybid system only allows electric-only power at 22 mph. I can easily drive the last mile to my home on electric power only, at 40mph, and I do this every day. The computer is swithcing off the petrol engine far more than any review I have read suggests.

The build quality is excellent. No hint of additions to calm vibration, but peaceful, quiet progress where I can make full use of the superb radio.

Overall , this car works and I think it a pity to put other potential drivers off by giving, what I think, are completely erroneous assertions about its perfomance

My car

Excellent! 11% tax for company-car drivers and you don't need to wear a hair shirt!

Light and responsive to drive, Toyota reliability, spacious interior, all the electronic kit that you could want - it even survives a trip to Ikea!

The boot isn't that deep, but it is sufficient. I haven't got better than 57mpg, but wouldn't want to go back to a diesel car - wonder when they'll do an estate version...

My car

Much nippier than you expect with lots of internal room. The engine gets noisy under acceleration and the ride is a little harsh but it works as a car and, if you're a company car driver, that 11% tax band makes it a serious proposition.