BEST USED HYBRID Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius (2016/16, 1.8 Hybrid Business Edition, 79k miles, £11,590)
THE Prius has a fine reputation for environmentallyfriendly motoring. It’s a great option if you’re looking to minimise your fuel bills without sacrificing other features, such as comfort or technology.
That’s because this fourth-generation Prius, which was introduced in 2015, moved to an all-new chassis, based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture platform. A sophisticated suspension set-up delivers a refined ride and impressive body control, so while the Prius focuses on sipping fuel, it’s actually surprisingly good to drive.
The 1.8-litre petrol engine and electric motor set-up claimed sub-100g/km emissions at launch, and the 2016 example we found will be free to tax.
Business Edition spec is the trim level to go for. This features dual-zone climate control, LED lights, Toyota’s Touch 2 infotainment system, a colour head-up display, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blindspot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, heated seats and even wireless phone charging.
The CVT gearbox means the engine can drone if you ask for maximum acceleration, but this is at odds with the Prius’s relaxed and efficient character. Keep things settled, and it’s perfectly refined and comfortable.
You can add practicality to its broad list of attributes too. The platform was designed with hybrid powertrains in mind, so the batteries don’t eat into space in the rear, while the 343-litre boot is still fair.
Just watch for high-mileage examples. Many Priuses have been used as taxis thanks to their efficiency. The batteries are known to be reliable, but we’d hold out for a lower-mileage model such as the one we found. Showing just over 79,000 miles, there should be plenty of life left in this car; and at £11,590 it’s a bargain.