2014 TOYOTA PRIUS 1.8 Hybrid

Hollywood stars, Irish families, environmentally conscious drivers – they are all members of the Prius club. Undoubtedly the most popular hybrid around, it ticks so many boxes it is assured of its place in the motoring history books. This is much larger, roomier and better equipped. Sit behind the wheel and you will see there have been some serious improvements. Laced with the latest technology, it is more practical, comfortable, and efficient than ever before. The cabin has a huge amount of space; there’s more than enough room for five passengers, each has plenty of leg/head room, and the boot is a decent size. The Prius goes on a combination if a 1.8-litre engine and an electric motor, so it is really efficient. It emits minimal CO2, and returns really good mpg. When driving in the city it is a refined and relaxed machine. There’s hardly any engine noise from inside the cabin. Excellent handling and responsive steering make it a doddle to manoeuvre.

•  Do not jump start. Hybrids should only be trickle charged

•  It is probably the best hybrid you can get

•  Superbly efficient in terms of CO2 emissions and fuel economy

•  It’s excellent to drive and very easy to manoeuvre

•  Reasonable price tag and fairly low running costs

•  It can get a bit noisy when the engine is over-worked