Toyota Prius i-Tech 2016 Long-term review - 5

Toyota Prius i-Tech

The Prius brand is polarising, as are its looks – and I’m not sold.

This fourth-generation Prius is more refined, more economical and a better drive than its predecessor. But its angular looks and failure to elicit any emotion at the wheel leave me wanting. Big time.

Manufacturers like Tesla have redefined green car goals – it’s proof that eco-friendly driving and good looks need not be mutually exclusive, albeit at a different price point.

Behind the wheel, the Prius is very quiet – I’m not just talking about the engine, there’s no road noise. The cabin feels well insulated and the suspension is great – a big step forward from the last Prius. And the electric-assist steering offers decent feedback, and it’s light enough to make city-based driving simple. And the car itself is heavy enough to feel planted on the freeway. Still, I feel nothing.

Combined with its 1.8-litre petrol engine, the electric hardware can produce 90kW and 142Nm, and it has surprising get-up. Plant your foot and pace is immediate, which I really like. Changes in the power supply mode from petrol-electric to EV mode and back again are pretty much undetectable. Another likeable feature. It also offers good balance and handling. Surprising. Hard not to like it a little bit. Just a bit.

The interior does feel like a future-car, but it’s not a high-end future. It’s sparse and tech-laden. And, as with the exterior, you’ll probably love it or hate it. I hate it, because it feels sterile and purely functional. Where’s the emotion?

There’s plenty of smart technology to remind you of its eco-credentials and I really love how it spurs you on to do a better job next time, with a score to show just how economical your drive was. I also enjoyed watching the clever displays that show where your power source is coming from at any given time, it also made for a good talking point with sceptical passengers (and kids). It also made me more conscious – I pushed off slowly from standstill and just slowed down everything to be honest. Slow and steady wins the eco-race.

It’s also not without all of the must-have mod-cons to keep the masses happy – Bluetooth, satellite navigation etc – and they all work seamlessly.

For a tech-savvy vehicle however, the foot-operated park brake is completely out of keeping.

Comfort and passenger space were a highlight. The front cabin feels really big, thanks in part to the streamlined dash arrangement I think. It feels really clean and open. The front seats [heated] are really comfortable. It takes me no time to get comfortable – just not with the design.

The kids and their car seats were easily accommodated in the second row – and a third child sat in the centre without any problem.

A telling sign of my life stage was my excitement at the size and shape of the boot! The large hatch opens (albeit a bit heavy) to reveal 502 litres of greatness. It’s really big and easy to access.

The Prius has a claimed combined consumption of 3.4L/100km, making it the most frugal Prius ever, but the average sat around 4.8 for my test period – mighty impressive, despite not hitting its target.

At the end of my week in the Prius, I have a much greater appreciation for the technology at hand, but, still, it has not won me over. Inner charm is not enough.

2016 Toyota Prius i-Tech pricing and specifications:
Price: $42,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 72kW / 142Nm
Motor: Water-cooled DC, permanent magnet
Output: 53kW/ 63Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic (CVT)
Fuel: 3.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 80g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: TBC

Related reading:
Toyota Prius i-Tech Long-Term Test – Update 3
Toyota Prius i-Tech Long-Term Test – Update 2
Toyota Prius i-Tech Long-Term Test – Update 1
Toyota Prius i-Tech Long-Term Test – Introduction