It’s all quiet on the driving front this week as Al Suttie tries the Toyota Prius.
1 – Some say the Prius isn’t fun to drive, but sneaking up on pedestrians in EV mode is worth it for the look on people’s faces.
2 – There’s also some light relief when you press the starter button and a little cartoon Prius drives across the dash display.
3 – The styling of this Toyota also makes me smile, though I suspect others were grimacing. Still, each to their own.
4 – That’s your lot for fun, though, as the Prius is not the most engaging car to drive, even when you the full combined EV and petrol power.
5 – 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds is reasonable, but, jeez, do you have to work the motors hard to achieve this.
6 – Much of this sensation is down to the CVT (continuously variable transmission) that causes the petrol motor to drone.
7 – The CVT ‘box is smooth and the rest of the Prius’ controls are light, so it’s effortless to drive in town or on the motorway.
8 – A shame there’s a fair amount of road noise as otherwise the Prius would be a good long distance machine with its 85.6mpg combined mpg.
9 – Look beyond the mediocre driving manners and the Prius is exceptionally well put together, frugal and well equipped in Excel trim.
10 – With satnav, wifi and wireless phone charging, it’s a techy’s dream, but not if you’re sat in the rear with limited headroom.
