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Toyota Prius
- By Green Car Guide
- Published 14/05/2008
- The Top 10 Green Cars
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Petrol Electric Hybrid
Toyota Prius
Model/Engine size: 1.5 T3 petrol electric hybrid
Fuel: Petrol Electric Hybrid
Fuel economy combined: 65.7mpg
Since its launch the latest generation Prius hybrid has been pretty much universally regarded as the most environmentally-friendly production car, and celebrities ranging from Leonardo di Caprio to Cameron Diaz have been passionate advocates.
The five-door Prius hatchback uses battery power to back up a 1.5-litre petrol engine and it emits just 104g/km of CO2, which is amongst the lowest of any production car on sale.
The battery is recharged during braking and coasting, and it can propel the Prius in silence at urban speeds. The car switches between petrol and electric power almost seamlessly, and it has reasonable get-up-and-go under acceleration.
The battery pack is hidden under the floor behind the rear seats and it kicks into action when additional power is required and recharges when the brakes are applied. Unlike the Civic you can switch to running the car solely on electric power, but you can’t travel much more than a mile on electric. The car’s parts are guaranteed for eight years.
Achieving the official 65.7mpg seems difficult in real-life driving; however, annual road tax is very low, there are savings for company car drivers, and it’s exempt from London’s Congestion Charge. It’s also roomy and well-equipped.
Some people see the Prius as expensive, but take into account the savings in fuel and taxes, its advanced technology and its feel-good factor, together with its potential resale value as petrol becomes more expensive, and it’s better value than people imagine.
Although some diesel superminis may be marginally more economical, there is nothing to touch the Prius for its economy in relation to its size and practicality.
Fuel economy extra urban: 67.3mpg
Fuel economy urban: 56.5mpg
CO2 emissions: 104g/km
Green rating: VED band B - £15
Weight: 1325 Kg
Company car tax liability (2008/09): 10%
Price: £18,255 (From £18,255 to £21,155)
Insurance group: 7
Safety: NCAP 5 star
Max speed: 102mph
0-62mph: 11.5 seconds
Petrol Electric Hybrid
Toyota Prius
Model/Engine size: 1.5 T3 petrol electric hybrid
Fuel: Petrol Electric Hybrid
Fuel economy combined: 65.7mpg
Since its launch the latest generation Prius hybrid has been pretty much universally regarded as the most environmentally-friendly production car, and celebrities ranging from Leonardo di Caprio to Cameron Diaz have been passionate advocates.
The five-door Prius hatchback uses battery power to back up a 1.5-litre petrol engine and it emits just 104g/km of CO2, which is amongst the lowest of any production car on sale.
The battery is recharged during braking and coasting, and it can propel the Prius in silence at urban speeds. The car switches between petrol and electric power almost seamlessly, and it has reasonable get-up-and-go under acceleration.
The battery pack is hidden under the floor behind the rear seats and it kicks into action when additional power is required and recharges when the brakes are applied. Unlike the Civic you can switch to running the car solely on electric power, but you can’t travel much more than a mile on electric. The car’s parts are guaranteed for eight years.
Achieving the official 65.7mpg seems difficult in real-life driving; however, annual road tax is very low, there are savings for company car drivers, and it’s exempt from London’s Congestion Charge. It’s also roomy and well-equipped.
Some people see the Prius as expensive, but take into account the savings in fuel and taxes, its advanced technology and its feel-good factor, together with its potential resale value as petrol becomes more expensive, and it’s better value than people imagine.
Although some diesel superminis may be marginally more economical, there is nothing to touch the Prius for its economy in relation to its size and practicality.
Fuel economy extra urban: 67.3mpg
Fuel economy urban: 56.5mpg
CO2 emissions: 104g/km
Green rating: VED band B - £15
Weight: 1325 Kg
Company car tax liability (2008/09): 10%
Price: £18,255 (From £18,255 to £21,155)
Insurance group: 7
Safety: NCAP 5 star
Max speed: 102mph
0-62mph: 11.5 seconds
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Article Series
This article is part 1 of a 10 part series. Other articles in this series are shown below:
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Toyota Prius
