With its full hybrid powertrain, the new Toyota Prius is one of the most technically advanced cars on the market. Toyota’s extensive use of sophisticated technology is central not only to Prius’s market-leading environmental performance, but also to reduced running costs that shape the new model’s “total economy” profile.

Toyota’s new generation Hybrid Synergy Drive system has been substantially re-engineered to be more compact and much lighter than before, contributing an improvement in fuel economy of up to 10 per cent in combined cycle driving compared to the previous Prius model. That means more miles for every pound spent at the pumps, plus an extended range – 714 miles from a full 45-litre tank. The official figure of 72.4mpg achieved by the T3 Prius is the best in the world for any production petrol engine.