Toyota Prius 2008
By René Gervais
Handling impressions
Of course, I didn’t just research the Prius, I also drove it. Thus, I am able to say that this champion of fuel efficiency does not compromise on the essentials of a modern vehicle; it offers plenty of comfort, lots of room and, you guessed it, virtually silent running. These features make up the heart of every respectable luxury vehicle. I am not, though, comparing it to the great touring cars but for urban use, you would be hard pressed to find fault. The Prius also does well on the open road, contrary to other hybrid models and has impressive cargo space,
You won’t be shocked if I don’t consider it to be a top performer or a dream to handle; this is not its vocation. When I received negatives reactions to this hybrid, the fuel bill at the end of the tryout made me forget that negativity. I must admit, however, that reaching the average 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres seems difficult. Without straining the vehicle during the tryout which took place mostly in the city, I managed an average of 5.9 litres per 100km.
Conclusion
To opt for a very eco -friendly vehicle speaks, above all, to your commitment to lessening environmental problems; I don’t think people will buy this vehicle on a whim. Progress rarely stops and so we are a long way from the Honda Insight which had everything except practicality. The Prius handles roughly like any conventional vehicle giving less credence to the economic argument and bolstering its ecological appeal. I believe greater concerns rather than marketing ploys may be the way of the future. |