Toyota's Plugged-In Prius

Toyota’s latest plug-in hybrid seemed to answer all the shortcomings raised by its predecessor, although it’s not without compromise. Four seats and a small boot mean this car will likely only suit business buyers more than interested families. However, that’s not to suggest it isn’t without merit, since its high level of technology, refinement and economy is hard to beat.

- Jonathan Musk

When I first had the chance to drive the new Prius Plug-in around the Catalonian coastline (Issue 17), I was immediately impressed at how good it was as an electric car. It has more torque than virtually any other plug-in hybrid in its price range, which meant tackling the busy Barcelona streets was a doddle.

Travelling out of town, the electric range all-but ran out, consequently starting the engine. It’s whisper quiet. Toyota’s now infamous electric CVT – despite all its faults – offers a charismatically smooth operation that beggars belief. It’s genuinely difficult to tell when the engine has turned on thanks to a seamless hybrid transition, until you come to a stop.

At this point, pressing the throttle pedal results in a lack of response, when compared to electric mode. Likewise, acceleration is accompanied by the familiar sound of an Atkinson cycle four-pot singing its heart out, while the car inches forwards at an altogether different pace. That may be slightly over-dramatising the point, but the hilly route from Barcelona to northern Catalonia meant the engine was perhaps more audible than on flatter ground.

Back in the UK and with the car for a week, I was keen to find out how it fared on British roads. I’m happy to report that it felt better, as our pot-holed roads actually aided the car in masking other engine noises. Smooth Catalonian tarmac, ironically, highlights sounds a British driver would never notice.

Driving