Probably the strangest thing about the Toyota Prius is that it is has plastic trims - over its alloy rims. And, while a cigarette lighter wouldn't be appropriate in a "green" car, the lack of a 12V power socket in an electric hybrid is decidedly odd!
The fact that the two items mentioned above are the most conspicuous aspects of South Africa's first commercially available hybrid vehicle speaks volumes, because, in all other respects, it is not unlike driving your average family hatchback, complete with the quirks and foibles that we invariably discover after time at the wheel.
Reams have been written about the Prius' drivetrain so, in a nutshell, it uses a combination of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to drive the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission.
Maximum power and torque available at any one time are 82kW and a stonking 478Nm, with the car's electronic brain deciding when and where to deploy the available energy. It also uses regenerative braking to keep the 39kg battery topped up so you'll never need to plug the Prius into anything.
But the question asked by every onlooker invariably was: "So what's the fuel consumption then?"
The short answer is that it is good but not mind-blowing and owning a Prius (well, actually, you can't own one, only lease one from Toyota Financial Services for four years) is unlikely to save you money.
Rather, it makes a number of statements; including the fact that you as a driver are environmentally aware and are prepared to make some personal sacrifice for the greater good of mankind.
Our Prius averaged 6.1 litres/100km, according to the trip data computer, over almost 1 000km of travel on suburban and open roads. It also included our Gerotek test session, though as a percentage of the total that was insignificant.
However, it did seem to have a major impact on consumption. Before our testing the car seemed to be stuck on six litres/100 but that moved to 6.5 afterwards and slowly edged back down.
It can be said that in terms of overall fuel consumption the Prius is in the same league as a modern small turbo-
diesel such as Renault's Clio and Citroen's C3.
As a driving experience, the Prius had no surprises and proved particularly suited city driving. When running on electricity it was eerily quiet.
Apart from a change in sound level the shifts between power sources are virtually seamless (though you can detect a slight tremor as the petrol engine kicks in) and the user-friendly gearbox will certainly appeal to those who prefer two-pedal motoring.
The constant hum (which becomes something of a drone when cruising as the CVT keeps the engine near its torque peak) takes a little getting used to, until one accepts the fact that you won't feel any gear changes or the associated change in engine tone.
Instant torque
Performance is brisk. The instant torque from the electric motor will be appreciated when hurrying across busy junctions or overtaking from a low speed.
Maximum speed, for the record, is a middling 170km/h but that sort of velocity becomes unpleasant if there's a crosswind, which seriously affects stability.
The sense of discomfort is not helped by the slightly vague and artificial feel of the electrically assisted steering.
The Prius's stopping ability is the most impressive part of the dynamic package. Despite the modest size of the discs, they haul the car down with real authority and perfect stability, repeatedly stopping from 100km/h in only 2.8 seconds.
Handling is better than you might expect, though the steering is not going to see enthusiasts queuing up to drive it. Suspension is straightforward and, while there does appear to be inherent understeer, it isn't excessive.
The 195/55 rubber holds the road with enthusiasm and, when grip runs out, the Prius' impressive array of electronic driving aids - among the most aggressive I've ever encountered - do a commendable job of keeping the nose tucked in.
Striking elements
The Prius' cabin is in keeping with the radical exterior, which, with a drag coefficient of 0.26, is exceptionally aerodynamic.
Striking elements include an oddly shaped steering wheel, centrally-mounted touch screen, digital instrumentation in the far distance at the base of the windscreen (which, irritatingly, reflects off it at night), stubby gear lever protruding from the fascia, and a start button/key card.
The screen has four sub-menus, including air-conditioning and audio system, but many drivers will find it is too far away and the action of a touch - as opposed to a feel - not sufficiently tactile. Fortunately, all the more frequently used controls are on the steering wheel hub.
The steering column has limited rake adjustment and no reach adjustment so will be a little low for most tastes. This is partly due to the slightly elevated seat. Despite the driving position, rear visibility is poor by virtue of the body shape and the rearview mirror doesn't help much.
Blind spots aside, the overall feel is reminiscent of an MPV and, in terms of the cabin architecture and layout, it isn't far off either. There are plenty of flip down/slide out storage areas, including cupholders and a huge central storage bin.
Toyota says the interior volume is only five percent down on the Camry and that trim is equivalent to the large sedan's GLi. There's plush grey velour on the seats, door cappings and central bin but it is likely to wear rapidly if over-exposed to pre-teens.
Space is very generous, with limo-like rear legroom, and decent headroom despite the steep windscreen. The boot is shallow, thanks to the high floor, but there is additional storage space beneath it and dig deeper and you'll find the space-saver spare.
The rear seats split 60/40 and fold to provide a long, flat surface. In terms of cabin practicality, the Prius has few shortcomings despite room having to be found for a number of additional drivetrain components.
SUMMARY
The Prius doesn't make complete sense and the lease agreement (which limits you to 20 000km a year and that on tarred roads only) will make many potential users baulk at paying R5 100 a month and getting nothing back at the end but Toyota's decision to produce the car and introduce it here makes an unambiguous statement about the company.
I could cynically dismiss it as a marketing exercise but would prefer to see it as a glimpse of a brave new world. - Star Motoring