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This independent review of the Toyota Prius hybrid car and has been written by two British drivers
following a one week test drive around Southern England in the VVTi T3 version of this ground breaking green car.
Being complete strangers to hybrid cars we were surprised at how few sites existed that included a prius review written from personal experience. There are numerous commercial sites with information on engine size and mpg but very little insight from drivers who have actually driven the Prius. This guide is our attempt to add something to the green car debate.
Toyota Prius Hybrid Overview
The Prius is Toyota's contribution to the hybrid car market. The term hybrid car simply refers to a vehicle that is powered using a combination of electric and conventional internal combustion engines.
Put simply, the idea is that a small petrol engine charges a high performance battery which in turn powers an electric motor.
The electric motor is used at low speed with the petrol engine cutting in at above average urban speeds.
Of course it's not as straightforward as that with both engines complimenting each other depending on driving conditions. This explains the Hybrid Synergy Drive name which is Toyota's term for this method of propulsion.
On the face of it there appears to be many positive aspects to this car in addition to its environmentally friendly nature. Not only does it produce figures of 60 mpg on an extra urban cycle but it can reach 60 mph in less than 11 seconds and is insurance group 7. In addition to this its UK congestion charge exempt and is one of the safest cars in its class. It really did sound too good to be true but then a week behind the wheel would soon put the theory to the test.
Latest Update
Hybrids are not the only green cars and we'll be adding a series of reviews on the alternatives
currently available in the UK. See our uk alternative fuels review and uk electric car review for the first installments.
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