We review the Toyota Prius from price to economy and all its features

AS I mentioned, the electric revolution was more or less kicked off by the Toyota Prius.

Since its release in 1997 around 3.5million have been sold, making it the most popular hybrid in the world. Just head to any city and you’ll see tons of them, usually with a taxi sticker in the window.

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That’s because they make total sense for anyone in charge of a car service. At slow speeds the Prius is running off the batteries so saving big time on fuel (funny how those savings never seem to be reflected in what they charge for a journey).

The 2016 version isn’t exactly an overhaul but in fairness to Toyota that’s because there’s not much room for improvement.

There’s not much room for improvement

The firm has updated the body to give it a more angular, shark-like profile but it’s still not what you would call a good-looking motor.

But there’s a reason for that – Toyota claims it has made the car as aerodynamic as humanly possible.

Less wind resistance equals lower fuel consumption and emissions.

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Inside it’s had a useful revamp, using high-quality materials and creating more space. It feels ultra-modern, exactly how an EV should, so you feel like you’re driving the future.

The console layout is pleasing and practical, with controls at the fingertips, a good-looking colour screen and a wireless phone charging dock in the centre.

Performance isn’t scintillating, for obvious reasons. It does 0-62 in around ten seconds but it does deliver that delightful, hushed whooshing sound when in EV mode, as though you’re gliding on air.

There’s no doubt this car will save you money and time spent at the petrol pump

Handling on the new Prius has been vastly improved – it now feels rigid and purposeful, which is down to a change in how they make the bodyshell.

Around town it is agile and far less flabby than the old version and on motorways the ride is both quiet and comfortable.

While Toyota has made some progress in designing an EV which appeals to everyone, and not just eco-warriors or the thrifty, its main selling point is still its phenomenal economy.

Toyota claims it can return up to 94mpg, up from 72 on the last model. And while we know not to trust manufacturer figures, there’s no doubt this car will save you money and time spent at the petrol pumps.

It’s still not quite a driver’s car but no electric vehicle ever will be, no matter what Tesla will have you believe. And for now, the Prius is still the best at what it does.