Toyota's Plugged-In Prius
AutoVolt Magazine|July-August 2017

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
Toyota's Plugged-In Prius

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

This story is from the July-August 2017 edition of AutoVolt Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July-August 2017 edition of AutoVolt Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUTOVOLT MAGAZINEView All
BMW Prices Up All-Electric i4 Saloon And iX SUV
AutoVolt Magazine

BMW Prices Up All-Electric i4 Saloon And iX SUV

DUE for UK launch in November 2021, BMW has released pricing details for the new all electric i4.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 33
Volvo Trucks announces new family of heavy electric HGVs
AutoVolt Magazine

Volvo Trucks announces new family of heavy electric HGVs

VOLVO Trucks will boost its electric truck range in 2022, with the arrival of three more zero emission HGV models. Joining the FE and FL Electric trucks which are aimed at urban routes and use, the new FH, FM and FMX Electrics will cater for the heavier road transport sector.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 33
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTE
AutoVolt Magazine

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTE

Can a hybrid hot hatch really deliver the best of both worlds? Alex Grant finds out.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 33
REACH FOR THE SKIES
AutoVolt Magazine

REACH FOR THE SKIES

Electric flying racing cars have literally taken off, thanks to pioneering efforts from the Airspeeder team.

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 33
POLESTAR 2
AutoVolt Magazine

POLESTAR 2

With motorsport in its DNA, has Polestar cracked the electric driver’s car?

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 33
HYUNDAI IONIQ 5
AutoVolt Magazine

HYUNDAI IONIQ 5

The retro-inspired first instalment of Hyundai’s new-generation EV line-up has substance worthy of its head-turning styling.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 33
Kia EV6
AutoVolt Magazine

Kia EV6

Hot on the heels of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, sister car the EV6 heralds a fresh new design direction for Kia, as well as the first of eleven electric cars (including seven dedicated) to launch globally by 2026.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 33
BEAUTY... and the BEAST
AutoVolt Magazine

BEAUTY... and the BEAST

With five rounds, nine teams and no fossil fuels; the first season of Extreme E is a no-holds barred proving ground for next-generation electric technology, and the result of some competing sustainability requirements.

time-read
9 mins  |
Issue 33
Audi prices Q4 e-tron
AutoVolt Magazine

Audi prices Q4 e-tron

THE new Audi Q4 e-tron all electric SUV is now on sale on the UK, with prices starting at £40,750 OTR for the standard model and £42,250 OTR for the more swoopy, coupélike Sportback model.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 33
2021 JAGUAR E-TYPE ELECTROGENIC
AutoVolt Magazine

2021 JAGUAR E-TYPE ELECTROGENIC

The Jaguar E-Type, dubbed “the most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrari needs little introduction to classic car fans the world over. Its design is so iconic that the E-Type is frequently credited as blurring the lines between definitions of art, sculpture and vehicular transportation.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 33