Electric/hybrid | On the road

Toyota Prius PHEV Excel

By Bill McCarthy

The Prius was a game-changer when it was introduced in the 1990s. As the first mass-p roduced full hybrid car, it took the world by storm and sparked a global rush toward electrification.

Its combination of a petrol engine and electric motor attracted eco-conscious consumers, including a host of Hollywood celebrities, which greatly increased its visibility.

Originally, its quirky design was dictated by the need to accommodate the battery, but it has since evolved – transforming from an ugly duckling into a strikingly attractive swan. Now in its fifth generation, the Prius signature wedge shape remains, but it is sleeker, with a lower roof and an extended wheelbase.

The curved bonnet, raked windscreen, classy slim LED lights, concealed rear door handles, and sloping silhouette all contribute to a modern, sporty image that is a match for anything in its class. In fact, when covered in branding, recognising this model as a Prius might have proved a challenge.

This particular Excel model celebrates Toyota’s sporting arm, Gazoo Racing. Inspired by success at the Le Mans 24-hour race, it highlights GR’s development of racing hybrid technology since 2012 and was used as a promotional tool at the iconic French event this year.

Much improved interior

Stepping inside, the Prius boasts a classy, driver-focused cabin that cleverly blends traditional controls with advanced technology. While the design is more functional than cutting-edge, it’s dominated by a crisp 12-inch infotainment screen.

This system manages key features like cloud-based navigation and smartphone connectivity, all accessible via the intuitive ‘Hey Toyota’ voice control.

A seven-inch digital driver’s display is positioned directly in the line of sight to minimise distraction. The black-themed interior features colour-coordinated accents, smart switches, and ambient LED lighting for a premium feel.

Enhanced practicality

Practicality is a key strength in this latest model. You’ll find more usable storage throughout, including a seven-litre glovebox and a rear-opening centre console. Importantly, luggage capacity has increased to 284 litres (up from 251 litres), thanks to the battery being relocated under the rear seat.

Performance and economy

Once the battery depletes, the petrol engine seamlessly takes over. The system also recaptures energy through regenerative braking to charge the battery on the move. For business users, the low emissions translate into a very low Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rate.

Improved ride and handling

Driving dynamics have been significantly improved. By placing the battery under the rear seat and positioning the fuel tank lower, Toyota has achieved a lower centre of gravity. This results in a more stable and agile ride.

MacPherson strut front suspension and a double wishbone rear suspension further enhances handling and ride comfort. The cabin remains quiet and comfortable, with minimal wind and road noise, making it a practical and pleasant family car.

Comprehensive safety equipment

This car comes equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. This suite includes a raft of airbags and::

A pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
Lane Departure Alert
Radar Cruise Control
Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Electronic Stability Control and a Reversing Camera

Prices start at £39,995 for the entry model, with this range topping Excel starting from £37,895.

Verdict

The continued success of the improved Prius after over 25 years is a testament to its enduring quality. It now delivers a mix of classy styling, rapid performance, and low-running costs. With its low emissions and decent, if not class leading,electric-only range, it remains a formidable contender in the competitive UK market.

Factfile

Toyota Prius PHEV Excel

Price: £39,995
Mechanical: 220bhp combined 1,987 litre petrol engine and electric motor driving all from wheels via single speed automatic transmission
Max Speed: 110mph
0-62mph: 6.8 seconds
Economy: 47.6mpg WLTP (403, constant full charge)
Insurance Group: 31A
C02 emissions: 12g/km
Bik rating: 9%
Warranty: 3yrs/62,000 miles

GENESIS G80 Electrified

By Bill McCarthy

Genesis is making a powerful statement in the luxury EV market with the Electrified G80. This all-electric executive saloon combines classic limousine styling with cutting-edge technology and a high-tech cabin.

Styling and road presence
The Genesis G80 Electrified is a substantial car that commands attention. Its elegant design, featuring a distinctive crest grille and ‘Two Line’ quad headlights, delivers a refined, Bentley-esque presence. For this electrified model, the wheelbase has been extended by 130mm, enhancing its imposing profile and creating more rear legroom.

Exterior updates include a new bumper, polished 19-inch alloys, and a seamlessly integrated front charging port that opens and closes electrically. At the rear, the signature ‘Two Line’ tail lights feature new graphics.

Price and options
As a luxury brand sibling to Hyundai, the Electrified G80 isn’t cheap, with a starting price of £74,800. However, it undercuts similarly powerful all-wheel-drive premium rivals.

The price can rise with several optional packs, including:

Comfort Pack: £1,780
Second-Row Comfort Pack: £2,640 (adds power-closing doors, heated seats, and controls)
Nappa Leather Pack: £2,620

A hi-tech luxurious cabin
Step inside, and the G80 embodies what Genesis calls the ‘beauty of white space’. The atmosphere is one of serene calm, balancing elegant, uncluttered surfaces with advanced technology.

The centrepiece is a stunning curved 27-inch OLED display that blends the digital cluster and infotainment screen. This system controls everything from navigation to smartphone connectivity and supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. It can be operated via a crystal-like console dial, voice commands, or via the multi-function steering wheel controls.

Comfort, and practicality
The most significant upgrade is in the rear seats, where the extra wheelbase creates limousine-like legroom. The optional second-row comfort pack transforms it into a true chauffeur-grade experience.

Boot space is 323 litres, which is reasonably spacious but notably shallow due to the underfloor battery. Standard equipment is comprehensive, featuring a premium 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a fingerprint authentication system, and a UV-C storage compartment steriliser.

Performance and refinement
On the road, the Electrified G80 delivers exceptional performance. Its dual electric motors – one on each axle – produce a combined 370PS and a mammoth 700Nm of torque, enabling a 0-62mph time of just 5.1 seconds.

Despite this power, it remains a sublime motorway cruiser, whisking occupants along in near silence. The 87.2kWh usable battery provides a practical WLTP range of 323 miles. The ride is exceptionally smooth, aided by the ‘Road Preview’ electronic suspension that scans the road ahead to actively iron out bumps.

Comprehensive safety
The G80 comes with a full suite of advanced safety systems. Key ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) include:

Highway Driving Assist 2 for semi-autonomous motorway driving.
Collision avoidance for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Lane-keeping and lane-centring assist.
A 360-degree camera system with parking sensors.

Verdict
The Genesis G80 Electrified is a tech-laden luxury saloon that successfully blends traditional executive comfort with a zero-emissions powertrain. It boasts a spacious, premium cabin, a 323-mile range, and stunning performance, although the boot is relatively modest. While expensive, it undercuts its direct premium rivals and delivers a magic carpet-like driving experience.

Factfile

GENESIS G80 ELECTRIFIED

Price: £74,800 (£84,925 with options)
Mechanical: 370PS, twin electric motors driving all wheels via a single-step automatic transmission
Max speed: 139mph
0-62mph: 5.1 seconds
Range: 323 miles (WLTP)
CO2 Emissions: 0g/km
Insurance Group: 50
Warranty: Five years, unlimited mileage

On the road

Category Archives: Electric/hybrid

The new Prius: how good is it?