New Prius Plug-in costs £27,800 11 | 04 | 2012

TOYOTA'S NEW PRIUS Plug-in — which, despite its name, remains a hybrid — emits just 49g/km CO2 and, with the government’s low carbon vehicle grant, will cost £27,895. The standard car, which emits 89g/km of CO2, costs £21,560. Both are available to order now at Scottish dealerships, with first delivery in July.

Utilising lithium-ion battery technology, when compared with the nickel-metal hydride batteries in the standard car, means the new Plug-in can cover longer distances and reach higher-speeds on electric power alone.

And the clever back-up system in the hybrid means once its battery charge is depleted, the Prius Plug-in will revert to petrol power, meaning you'll never be stranded.

And when it comes to recharging, the Prius Plug-in can use either a standard domestic supply or an on-street charging point: there's a five-metre recharging cable stored beneath the boot floor.

LED lights, sat-nav, voice recognition, rear-view camera and Bluetooth connectivity, are all standard. Leather upholstery, privacy glass, parking sensors and chrome exterior trim are options.

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Jim McGill