Toyota pegs Prius prices, mostly.

The new Prius is almost here, so Toyota has announced how much its third-generation hybrid will cost when it hits showrooms in August. We'll be driving it very shortly, so look out for our first drive, but it already bodes well for the green newcomer because it boasts some impressive statistics.

Thanks to a new Hybrid Synergy Drive hybrid system that's 24 percent more powerful, yet ten percent more economical than the outgoing car, the new Prius will emit only 89g/km of CO₂ and achieve 72.4mpg combined. However, Toyota's genre-defining hatch has never been cheap, so the Japanese maker has announced that it will keep prices the same as the old version for the base model T3 and the range-topping T Spirit. But, the mid-level T4 version - which you might expect will be the best seller - will be £835 more expensive.

The entry point into Prius ownership is £18,370, which will bag you a T3 model complete with a head up display, multifunction steering wheel, heated mirrors and front fog lamps. If you want residual-enhancing alloy wheels, you'll have to move up to the pricier T4 spec, which also adds Bluetooth and rain sensing wipers. Go all out for the T Spirit model and added to that lot is parking sensors and satellite navigation - but you'll need a cheque for a heady £21,210.

Mark Nichol