Road Test
Toyota Prius 1.5 T Spirit
Test Date 10 February 2004
Price When New £20,832
Verdict
The Prius' case rests on its ability to make financial sense. Prices start at a fairly serious £17,495, rising to £19,995, but hybrid power means company car drivers would pay tax on just 11 per cent of the purchase price, while drivers commuting into the capital would be exempt from the Congestion Charge. Factor in the £1000 Government Powershift grant, strong fuel consumption, group seven insurance and the lowest road tax possible and that case looks strong.
Whether it’s strong enough to persuade most buyers to pick the Toyota over an Accord CDTi or any of the other highly talented and more dynamically satisfying turbodiesel rivals remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: hybrid power is a seriously viable alternative.
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