Toyota Prius : DONT ASSAULT THE BATTERY

Toyotas Prius is the car that popularised hybrid technology. June Neary likes it. A lot

A lot has been said and written about economical cars over recent years but when were talking about green motoring, theres one model that springs to mind more vigorously than any other. The Toyota Prius was the car that popularised hybrid power, if the modest proportion of the UK car market which hybrids account for qualifies them as popular. Basically the Prius has a petrol engine and an electric motor and these work in tandem to reduce the amount of energy expended in running the car, saving precious petrol along the way. Some touted the Prius as the saviour of the planet, others merely as the future of the automobile but in more recent times some of the sheen has worn off.

There have been doubts raised over the Toyotas impressive fuel economy claims and rival manufacturers have developed ways of matching the green credentials of the Prius by more affordable conventional means. I must admit that I still have faith in the Toyota. It looks the part for one unusual, even slightly futuristic, and if youre going to choose a car because it allows you to do your bit for the planet, why not let everyone know how conscientious youre being?

The Prius is resolutely high tech in many respects. This was the first car to feature a fully electronic brake by wire system that allows for the brakes to recharge the battery packs when you use them. Theres a push-button ignition system and a by-wire gearshift that dispenses with the traditional floor-mounted gear lever in favour of a dashboard-mounted joystick that drivers tap back and forth to shuttle through the gears. Another interesting inclusion is the electrically operated air-conditioning system also debuted in this Prius.

Unlike conventional set-ups that draw their power from the engines fan belt, this system can provide an uninterrupted supply of chilled air, even when the petrol engine has shut down in favour of the electric motor. All that comes in addition to Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive system that provides the motive force. Buyers have responded well to the sharky coupe-like styling and a neat front end of the Prius. Yes, the wheels still look a little too small but the shape will no longer mark you down as some sort of bearded eco-warrior as the Toyota has become quite a common sight on the road.

With split folding rear seats and a hatchback, its even agreeably practical, the body boasting a drag coefficient of 0.26.

The current Prius mirrors the first generation models technique of being able to run on its petrol engine and then switch to exclusively electric operation when conditions are favourable. Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive offers impressive emissions and strong fuel economy performance for a car of its size. Sometimes the Prius silent running takes a little getting used to, but under many high-density traffic situations, this car offers totally emissions-free motoring. It drives very well too with the unorthodox engine providing good pulling power from low revs and the chassis coping well with changes or direction and gripping in a surefooted manner.

A more powerful 50-kilowatt motor that operates at higher voltages offers 50 per cent more electric power than the Mk1 Prius, while sleek aerodynamics and an efficient petrol engine mean the car will accelerate to 60mph in less than 11 seconds, peak power being rated at 113bhp. The Prius also offers respectable ride comfort, the suspension easing the car over bumps in the road without undue drama. More important even than the green image of the Toyota Prius, is the cars green reality. The current taxation climate means that green cars are growing ever more affordable to run and the Prius, with its 65mpg combined cycle economy and 104g/km emissions, is one of the cleanest and cheapest ways of getting about.

Doubts have been raised over how achievable such figures are under driving conditions that lean more heavily on the petrol engine than the electric motor but even if you cant replicate them, you should still be able to equal or better the environmental performance of the best non-hybrid rivals.

The Prius range starts with the entry-level T3 model and from there, its possible to progress on to a T4 or T Spirit. End up, as many buyers do, paying close to £20,000 and youre looking at a similar outlay to that youd spend on a top specification family hatchback: this Toyota should have little trouble justifying that kind of price given the amount of technology on board. It looks and feels quite unlike any other car on the road.

The Toyota Prius is highly economical and its distinctive looks mark it out from the crowd. These days, the best diesel-engined hatchbacks can come very close to equalling the Prius in terms of outright fuel economy but they dont constantly remind you of their parsimony in the way that the Toyota does. Whats often forgotten is that the Prius is also a practical and well-built car. It certainly doesnt force buyers into making sacrifices to access its thrifty fuel consumption.

If youre after a super green motorcar, the original is still amongst the best.