Having driven a Toyota Prius for three years and just bought the 2008 model, this review is based on informed opinion and experience.Does the Toyota warrant its exceptionally popular appeal, on environmental and performance grounds? Read my independent review to find out...

The model reviewed is a right-hand drive Toyota Prius T5 Spirit with a 1.5 liter petrol engine (left-hand drive models vary slightly). It is classed as a hybrid since it is driven by both petrol and electric propulsion. The Prius is a hatchback with five doors and rear seats that fold flat - however, the space inside is more comparable to a saloon car. Standard Prius features include power steering, air bags (multi-system), air conditioning, regenerative braking (where the energy produced when braking is fed back into the battery) and iPod adapter for plugging an iPod into the sound system.

The Prius T5 Spirit comes with extra systems, including:

• Satellite navigation system
• Rear camera for parking
• Bluetooth cell phone control
• Toyota's Assisted Parking (I will describe these later).

All of the above features are exclusive to the T5 Spirit. There are three seats in the rear of the car and they split to allow one/two people to use a single seat while a longer item may fill the boot/trunk. On this right-hand drive model the single seat is behind the driver; I believe this is the same seat split for left-hand drive models.

Instead of a conventional dashboard, the Prius has a digital speedometer which can be easily changed from kilometers to miles (very convenient for anybody driving in Europe). A dedicated information screen provides data for the remaining gauges such as climate control and audio, and these can also be controlled through buttons on the steering wheel. The steering wheel controls include air conditioning control, sound, bluetooth/phone, satellite navigation controls (limited) and horn.

When I bought my Prius in 2005 it was not the desirable car of film stars and celebrities. In late 2005 Toyota offered a free car for official use to every cabinet minister of the British Labour government but this was politely declined as being impractical. What a missed publicity opportunity by the UK government!

London Congestion Charge Exemption

Because the Prius is one of a few vehicles exempt from the congestion charge, currently £8 per day (about $15.50). That's £40/$77 a week or £160/£310 a month, just to access London, for the cost of a yearly £10 administration fee. Former mayor Ken Livingstone wanted to increase it to £25 a day, but it remains to be seen what Boris Johnson will do. Manchester looks as if it will introduce a similar charge; it is likely that other governments throughout the world might follow this model.

Anybody who considers buying a car knows the vast difference between manufacturer's estimates of economy and actual figures. Manufacturers need to sell cars and will do everything they can do to enhance the specification. In the past the economy figures were based on data taken from a test track, in perfect weather conditions (typically very warm), and with no other factors to interrupt the car such as congestion, terrain, poor road conditions or traffic. No wonder drivers were puzzled when they drove their new cars for a month and got 20% less economy than the manufacturer's figures.

I found the difference between Toyota's figures and my own during actual driving conditions to be relatively. Toyota's best-expected economy for the 2008 Prius on 'Extra urban' (ie., motorway/freeway continuous driving) is 67.3mpg [80.82mpg US gallons] whereas I managed 64.5mpg [77.5mpg US gallons] on a long drive in good weather conditions. The Toyota urban figure is 56.5mpg [67.85mpg US] - even in winter, when economy is not so good due to cold engines and the disadvantage of driving through cold air - I still get around 53-55mpg [63.6-6mpg US].

Economy depends on a number of factors, especially correct tyre pressure, sensible driving and the payload of the car. Toyota provide lots of tips on driving the Prius, especially the technique of feathering the throttle/accelerator pedal when driving. The car's manual includes a CD, instructing you how to drive as well as how to park. As with any car, you should avoid stamping on the pedal, especially from a stop.

Regenerative braking

When you use sustained braking (as opposed to a quick tap of the pedal), the Prius feeds power back into the battery, a technique known as regenerative braking. This can then be used for accelerating; the onboard computer determines the distribution of power. The effect is best seen when making a long descent, perhaps needing to keep your foot on the brake pedal to keep witin the speed limit. The computer display shows the conversion of this energy within the battery cells, a great incentive for gentle and sustained braking practices! 

Performance and Handling

Although the Prius has a 1.5 liter petrol engine, this is not a fast car and acceleration is sluggish at best. If your driving is normally on single-carriageway roads where you need to pass traffic a lot, I don't recommend this car. What this car has done for my driving is to slow me down, make me allow more time for my journeys by starting earlier and, crucially, allowed me to enjoy driving again. The power steering is beautifully balanced and once you get used to the dimensions of the car, it is easy to drive. The rear view camera enhances parking; my only criticism with the view is that the front pillars (supporting the roof and containing the front window/windshield) can slightly obstruct the view.

Fantastic ride and comfort

The balance, steering and general control of the Prius is nothing short of excellent. One way of measuring this is by cornering - if you are being hounded in the rear by another car, just acellerate into a corner and see if they can get around as fastand comfortably! The suspension is good - not too stiff and handles well with a full load. Tyre pressure should be adjusted if you're carring a lot of weight.

Safety issues

The cabin of the Prius is protected by numerous airbags - should you be unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, you have a great chance of survival and a reduced chance of receiving broken bones and serious injury. The Prius Driver's Instruction Booklet does stress the need for cautious due to the lack of engine sound, especially when you drive in areas where people are walking. It might add that one of the most dangerous places in which to drive is at a gas/fuel station. Several times I have approached a pump at low speed, causing the car to go into silent or battery mode and people have walked out in front of me without looking, often from behind the petrol pump. Likewise, you need to be extra cautious when driving in residential areas where small children, often lacking streetwise skills, will walk or cycle in front of you without looking properly.

Resale value

Currently, the Toyota Prius is one of a minority of cars that holds its value from new, or even second hand. This is due to demand exceeding Toyota's production figures, ensuring that the car is an investment in financial terms. This situation may change as Toyota increase production, and other hybrid manufacturers (such as Honda's excellent hubrid Civic) come on stream.

This is a beautiful car and, if you can acquire one, will enhance your lifestyle. Not only will your fuel bill be much lower and your conventional petrol/gas car but - and unlike diesel cars - you will be producing far lower emissions. You get proven technology since Toyota was the first manufacturer to produce hybrids and get a free year's membership to their excellent Club Toyota.

Be aware that this car turns heads! In other words, it is different due to its shape, lack of normal engine sound and reputation, so you do find people staring at the car or, if static, they might approach you to ask questions!