Toyota Prius T4 Hybrid 1.8 VVT-i 5dr Car Review - March 2012

With a maximum power output of 98 bhp at 5200 rpm and torque figures of 105 lb-ft at 4000 rpm, the Toyota Prius Hybrid 1.8 VVT-i offers decent performance levels for its class. A top speed of 110 mph is more than sufficient and acceleration, whilst not the quickest, is fairly reasonable – reaching 0-62 mph in 10.4 seconds.

The handling of the car is fairly firm and steering is largely responsive, making the drive comfortable. Efficiency is also high in this model, with carbon emissions of just 92 mpg putting the car into the free road tax band. Fuel efficiency is capable of reaching 70.6 mpg on a combined cycle.

Unfortunately, the Prius continues to maintain its reputation for poor appearances and the Hybrid 1.8 VVT-i is less than stylish. The interior looks quite cheap and lacks the high quality expected in modern cars but there are still a fairly decent range of standard equipment fitted.

Standard equipment includes power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control and an advanced stereo system with CD compatibility. MP3 connectivity is available as a dealer fitted option whilst other features are available at an additional cost.

Rear parking sensors, for example, cost £368 whilst leather seats are available for an additional £1,455 and a metallic paint finish costs £450. A built-in sat nav is not available as an option but Bluetooth connectivity is provided as standard.

This hybrid vehicle is hugely practical for families, offering the economic benefits which are expected alongside a number of other great features. The hard, cheap plastics of the interior let the overall build-quality down but otherwise the car feels stable and secure on the road.

The boot capacity ranges from 446 litres to 1,120 litres depending on whether the seats are kept in place or folded down. Space within the cabin is fairly generous, even in the backseats, and there is ample leg room for both adults and children. The sloping roofline does restrict headspace in certain areas of the car, however, but this is not overly problematic.

Safety levels are high thanks to an advanced safety kit which boasts driver, passenger and front side airbags all as standard features. This helped the car to achieve the highest rating in the NCAP crash test for overall safety, achieving the maximum five stars. To protect the car from theft, an alarm and immobiliser are also fitted as standard features.

To provide buyers with assurances over their purchase a five year warranty for 100,000 miles is provided with a service recommended every 10,000 miles.

Priced at £22,770 the Toyota Prius T4 Hybrid 1.8 VVT-i isn’t the least expensive car on the market. However, the low running costs make it great value for money for buyers looking for long term ownership.

Capable of achieving 70.6 mpg on a combined cycle, refuelling is infrequent and inexpensive. The low carbon emissions of just 92 g/km also mean the car falls into the cheapest road tax band (A) which makes it exempt from these charges. Insurance premiums are also likely to be fairly low with the car falling under insurance group 15.

For those looking for long term ownership of a reliable car, the Toyota Prius T4 Hybrid VVT-i is a great option. It represents great value for money.