Our verdict

Both cars are genuine alternatives to regular diesel hatchbacks. The Toyota Prius, particularly, makes sense if you do a lot of town driving, where it’s really frugal, while the Hyundai Ioniq is a closer match to a diesel’s economy on the motorway. By a narrow margin, though, the Ioniq triumphs.

It is disappointing that it’s pricier to run as a company car and to lease, but the differences are relatively small, so we feel this is outweighed by the fact it’s quicker, more fun to drive and better equipped.

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1st – Hyundai Ioniq

For Cheaper to buy; better equipped; quicker; more fun to drive

Against Slightly firmer ride; not as cheap on fuel and company car tax

Verdict Better all-round package, and still offers sensible running costs

Rated 4 out of 5

Read our full Hyundai Ioniq review

Find a great Hyundai Ioniq deal

2nd – Toyota Prius

For Very low company car tax; cheaper to lease; superb urban economy

Against Boomy engine; grabby brakes; below par infotainment system

Verdict Just loses out, but still a fine car and great for business users

Rated 4 out of 5

Read our full Toyota Prius review

Find a great Toyota Prius deal

Also consider:

Specifications: Hyundai Ioniq

Engine size 1.6-litre petrol plus electric motor

List price £21,795

Target Price £19,295

Power 139bhp (combined output)

Torque 108lb ft @ 4000rpm (engine)

0-60mph 10.3sec

Top speed 115mph

Gov't fuel economy 83.1mpg

True MPG 46.9mpg

CO2 emissions 79g/km

Specifications: Toyota Prius

Engine size 1.8-litre petrol plus electric motor

List price £23,600

Target Price £21,889

Power 121bhp (combined output)

Torque 105lb ft @ 3600rpm (engine)

0-60mph 11.0sec

Top speed 112mph

Gov't fuel economy 94.1mpg

True MPG 50.5mpg

CO2 emissions 70g/km

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