I started my Driver’s Education class in the summer of 2008, and after a couple hours of class work, my instructor put me at the wheel of a brand new Prius. This example was designed specifically for driving instruction, since it had a second brake pedal for the passenger and “Student Driver” decals along the sides. My initial snail-pace cruise around the parking lot was, at that moment, the most fun I had ever had in my life. I relished the feeling of being in total control (save for the occasional stomp on the passenger-brake by my instructor when we got too close to a curb). The experience of driving a modern hybrid was a bit disconcerting for me as a novice driver. Most of the traditionally mechanical controls were electronic in the Prius. The parking brake, gear selector, and starter were all buttons on the dashboard. Speed was indicated by a digital display, and the tachometer was absent entirely. Acceleration was silent (until the gas engine started), and the brake pedal provided no feedback. Driving the Prius felt more like operating a computer than controlling a vehicle. The Prius had a back-up camera to make up for its poor rearward visibility, but since this was a luxury most cars didn’t have, the instructor kept a towel draped over the screen, requiring me to turn around and look out the split rear window to reverse. It was only after driving my Mom’s Corolla that I finally got accustomed to what it felt like to drive a "real" car. This car was not one that I would ever choose to drive of my own free will, but it provided a door into a world that I would soon fall in love with, and so I have developed a respect for it (with mild reservations).

Excellent car with great mileage and fantastic looks. The single owner factor is critical as the family has handled the vehicle with great care. The power is excellent does not present any challenge for fast ramp ups. The surprise element is the hatchback gives it a huge amount of space making it a true utility vehicle as well.

49mpg and nicely equipped with nav, phone and mp3 player integration. Driver space a bit tight and awkward. OK performance and acceleration. High quality feel. Good trunk space and variability. Does everything to make you think mpg rather than speed.

Quiet, comfortable, full of gadgets (reverse camera, bluetooth, satnav.....) economic and quick enough. Very lazy and relaxed drive but sometimes a bit buzzy when pushed. EV mode is cool in car parks and travelling at 40mph or more using no fuel is great.

It saves me money, but it's beating me to death on my 90-mile round-trip commute to work. The hatchback is great; The way the opening is shaped, I can load a lot of whatever by folding down the back seats.