New £37k Toyota Prius is sleeker, more efficient and pricer than ever before

• Starting price of £37,315
• Plug-in hybrid only
• Order books open March 4th

It was confirmed last year that the latest Toyota Prius would find its way to the UK, and now we have official pricing – it starts from £37,315. Unlike Prius models of the past, it’s available exclusively with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, replacing the self-charging system that the original Prius introduced to the masses nearly 30 years ago.

Toyota’s planet-saving pioneer has long been a popular choice with the UK’s private hire industry, thanks to low emissions, good fuel economy and impressive reliability. The latest-generation Prius promises to tick all of these boxes, while a fresh injection of style could make it a popular choice for families and company car drivers alike.

What do I need to know about the new Toyota Prius?

Other than the new look, the most radical departure from the previous Prius is the standard-fit plug-in hybrid system. A 2.0-litre petrol engine works in conjunction with an electric motor, combining to produce 220bhp. Provided you keep the battery topped up, the new Prius should manage up to 53 miles of pure-electric driving – around 14 miles more than the old Prius Plug-In, but slightly behind the 62-mile range of the latest Volkswagen Golf.

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The greater reliance on electric power results in a lower CO2 emissions figure of just 12g/km, which will offer company car drivers an affordable Benefit-in-Kind tax figure. Improved acceleration is a welcome side effect, too, with 0-62mph now completed in 6.8 seconds.

Externally, the new Prius carries the Japanese brand’s latest design language, with its LED daytime running lights outlining the ‘hammerhead’ front end. Despite being 46mm shorter than its predecessor, the wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) has actually grown by 50mm, and the whole car sits 50mm lower.

All UK cars come with keyless entry, privacy glass, parking sensors, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital driver’s display and Toyota’s latest driver safety and assistance package.

How much will the Toyota Prius cost and when can I order one?

The Prius is offered in the UK in two trim levels; entry-level Design models cost £37,315, and top-spec Excel models cost £39,955. The latter adds 19-inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, a digital rear-view mirror and a power tailgate to the Design model’s kit list.

UK customers can place an order from March 4th with the first cars expected to arrive in July.

Plug-in hybrids offer a compelling balance of petrol and electric driving – read our top 10 list of the best