Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid now on salePricing revealed for latest Toyota Prius
12 April 2012
The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the most economical car that Which? has ever tested – and it’s now available to order from £27,895.
Although it costs nearly £3,000 more than the range-topping regular Prius, the extra money buys a car we found capable of 83.1mpg.
The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid achieved 83mpg in our extensive tests
Prius Plug-in Hybrid: 83mpg in Which? testing
While that’s still someway short of Toyota’s official 134.5mpg claim, it’s almost 20mpg more than we achieved in the standard Prius.
This is mainly thanks to the larger lithium-ion battery pack, which can be recharged via the mains. This gives the Prius Plug-in a total electric-only range of 14 miles, while the electric-only maximum speed is increased to 62mph.
CO2 emissions are officially rated at just 49g/km – meaning zero car tax (VED).
Not so hot on the motorway
Whether the Prius Plug-in is worth the premium does rather depend on where you plan to drive it, however.
The new Prius will be available to buy at £27,895 from July 2012
As with all hybrids, this car is most efficient around town and on journeys that take in lots of different kinds of roads.
During longer motorway stints, where the electric drive is used less, we found it barely more economical than a conventional petrol Prius.
£5,000 electric car grant
Full list price is £32,895 – but, since the Prius Plug-in hybrid qualifies for the £5,000 government electric car grant, it’s available to buy at £27,895.
It comes in just one trim level, with items such as a touchscreen satellite navigation, rear-view camera and eight-speaker DAB digital radio all included.
It arrives in Toyota showrooms on 9 July 2012.
- Prius Plug-in Hybrid - read our full review of the new model
- Eco cars rated - the best electric cars compared with conventionally-fuelled alternatives
- Car tax guide - see where your car falls in the new car tax bands
