Prius redefined

WHEN you're already one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the planet, eking out a couple more kilometres per litre may not seem like a big deal. To Toyota though, it is. The Japanese giant and world's biggest carmaker would like to emphasise that its new Prius petrol-electric hybrid's mileage has improved from 25 km/l to 27 km/l (under the combined cycle). Best of all, it is accomplished by being a more engaging drive.

The Toyota Prius is the world's best-selling hybrid. It was the first production model of its kind when it debuted in 1997, and its technological abilities and reputation have grown such that the name Prius is now synonymous with hybrid. But its focus on fuel economy came at the expense of performance, and the main gripe of some owners was its lack of power.

To address this, the latest generation model gets better acceleration and handling, thanks to a stronger motor and a new rear suspension.