How much does it cost to run?

Incredibly low CO2 emissions mean the Prius is free to tax and if you drive into the centre of London, you won’t have to pay the Congestion Charge or London ULEZ as hybrid cars are exempt. Real-world economy of more than 55mpg means visits to the fuel pumps will be rare while insurance rates are 6 for the T3 trim and 7 for the T4 and T Spirit. Toyota servicing isn’t as cheap as other mainstream makes, but the Prius is designed for low maintenance costs.

For the Toyota Prius Plug-in running costs should be very affordable if you minimise your petrol usage and stay in the EV mode as much as you can. Clearly, the amount you spend on electricity depends on your tariff but one UK power supplier promises to supply 20 hours of discounted off-peak electricity between 8pm and 4pm, and just four hours of peak electricity from 4pm to 8pm.

We would say you are talking a few pounds for each individual charge.

Reliability

The brake pads have a life expectancy of more than 60,000 miles (see the note in the review overview for fuller explanation), the mainly stainless steel exhaust system should last more than five years while the low-rolling resistance tyres can go for 30,000 miles.

The engine also uses a maintenance-free timing chain and has no drive belts, giving excellent reliability. As it’s a hybrid it doesn’t need a conventional starter motor or alternator either.

How green is it?

It’s little surprise that this is an area where the Prius excels. Thanks to its Hybrid Synergy Drive it emits just 89g/km of CO2 emissions – easily the lowest emissions for a family car by quite some margin, which also means it is free to tax. Economy is an impressive 72mpg. Be aware though that cars on 17-inch wheels aren’t quite as efficient – they emit 92g/km of CO2 and return 71mpg.

Elsewhere the Prius uses plant-based foam in areas such as the seat cushions while the high voltage battery is 95% recyclable. It’s even built at an environmentally factory which has reduced its CO2 emissions by 50%. Toyota Prius Plug-in emissions are 49g/km.