• Updated inside and out
• Raised equipment levels
• Prices from £21,350 on the road

The third generation Toyota Prius has been given a refresh, with tweaked styling and increased equipment levels.

The Prius’s hybrid drivetrain remains unchanged, meaning class leading CO2 emissions of 89g/km and a claimed combined fuel economy figure of 72.4mpg. With such low emissions, the Prius is not only road tax exempt, but is also free from London’s Congestion Charge.

The exterior styling has been changed to reflect Toyota’s current design theme. As with the Yaris, the front bumper has been re-profiled to give the car a lower, wider look. The front fog lights have been repositioned to the lower grille and there is a new design of rear light cluster.

Top of the range T Spirit models now get automatic LED headlamps, while power-folding heated door mirrors are now standard across the range.

Two new colours, Dark Blue and metallic Cabernet Red are also available.

Inside, Toyota has aimed to raise perceived quality – a criticism of early Prius’ – by using soft-touch plastics and darker colours. The centre console and air vents now have silver inserts, to further lift the interior ambience.

The front seats have also been redesigned and offer a wider range of adjustment, so taller drivers can now get comfortable behind the wheel.

Equipment levels have been raised for 2012, with Toyota’s touchscreen control system fitted as standard on all models. The system includes Bluetooth and audio connectivity, plus a rear view camera.

Toyota Touch & Go Plus is fitted as standard to T Spirit models. It adds sat-nav with traffic based route guidance, voice control and access to Google Local Search, provided you have a compatible mobile phone.

A technology pack is also available for the T Spirit, which includes a further uprated multimedia system, adaptive cruise control and Intelligent Park Assist, which recognises viable parking spaces and gives voice guidance for inch-perfect parking.

Further options include black leather upholstery, rear parking sensors and a boot liner. A style pack is also available for T4 and T Spirit versions, which adds chrome trim to the car’s exterior.

The new Toyota Prius will be in showrooms from March, with entry level T3 models starting at £21,350. The Prius line-up will grow later in the year with the addition of a plug-in hybrid and a seven seat MPV version.

By Daljinder Nagra