Author: Robin Roberts
Toyota was one of the first to introduce hybrids and now it is preparing to launch the next generation of models.
The Prius Plug-in extends the family of Toyota models with exceptionally low emissions down to 49g/km, so its £27,895 after receiving the Goverent’s low-emissions vehicle grant.
There is just one equipment level which includes head-up display, Toyota Touch and Go Plus with satellite navigation, voice recognition and advanced Bluetooth, rear-view camera and LED headlamps but you can order leather trim and privacy glass as options. Available to order now, first customer deliveries will be from 9 July.
Like its sister model, it is powered by a smooth, refined and ultra-efficient full hybrid powertrain, but thanks to new, rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology, it can cover longer distances and reach higher speeds on electric power alone, cutting tailpipe emissions to zero.
Once the charge in the battery is used up, the car switches seamlessly to its hybrid system, so the driver need have no anxiety about journey distances. As a result, Prius Plug-in achieves a new low benchmark in its class for official CO2 emissions, 49 g/km. That means company car drivers will pay company car tax at the rate of just 5%,
Recharging the battery is simple and speedy, using a power point linked to a standard domestic or workplace supply, or an on-street charging point. Prius Plug-in comes with a charging cable set as standard, including five metres of cabling, that can be stored neatly in a dedicated area beneath the boot floor.
Toyota has teamed up with British Gas as its UK partner which can provide both fleet and retail customers with site surveys and install the appropriate hardware and Toyota dealers will take care of all the paperwork associated with the plug-in grant from the Government.
The arrival of the Prius Plug-in will open up new opportunities for business car leasing and make managers review their business car tax calculator .