The great advantage of electric motors is their ability to produce colossal torque from zero revs and the Toyota’s is no exception. But before you start salivating at the prospect of tree stump-pulling urge, be aware that the combined maximum torque of 335lb ft from both power sources is only available below 22mph and maximum combined power output is just 122bhp. So, although Toyota reckons performance should be on a par with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, on the road the Prius is left in the shade, trotting to 60mph in a middling 11.9sec and barely managing three figures flat out. Bursts of strong acceleration reveal the petrol engine’s slightly uncouth nature, too, revs and noise rising markedly just as in a CVT-equipped car.
Make the battleground an average British B-road and the gap between the Prius and a conventional rival such as a Mondeo TDCi grows further, blame lying squarely on the Toyota’s well-weighted, but feel-less, electric steering and unexceptional front-end grip.
Motorway runs are tackled with reasonable competence – although poor stability in high winds and an inability to deal with sharp transverse ridges without fuss, grind – and our 44.1mpg touring consumption is comparable with figures you’d expect from a turbodiesel, if well down on Toyota’s claims.
But it’s in town that the Prius really comes into its own. The way the transmission switches smoothly between power sources is deeply impressive and the petrol engine’s ability to switch off in stationary traffic doesn’t just save on fuel bills, but the consequent reduction in noise and vibration means it’s relaxing for the occupants, too, while the clever electric air-conditioning system still keeps the cabin at the desired temperature.