Toyota’s Prius remains the most recognisable hybrid vehicle on our roads and in third generation guise, it was not only greener and more frugal than its predecessor but also larger and more powerful. It was, in short, a hybrid that had more mainstream appeal and became a real viable option for many family buyers who previously would never have considered a model of this kind. Let’s see how it stacks up as a used buy.

If you’re one of those customers new to the hybrid concept that Toyota is hoping to attract, then there’s a bit of mental adjustment necessary once behind the wheel. Push the round ‘Start’ button and flick the little blue CVT gearbox lever into D (hybrids are always automatic) and there’s..silence. Your first reaction is to push the button again, but no: this is how it is. In theory, assuming the batteries are charged, this Prius will run in electric-only guise at speeds of up to 31mph and will remain in milk float mode for just over a mile if you select the ‘EV’ (Electric Vehicle) option from the button to the left of the wheel. That’s fine if you’re in stop-start city motoring but out-of-town, staying battery-powered requires such a relaxed pace that you’ll quickly find other irritated road users queuing up behind you. At least the spoiler bisecting the rear window means you won’t be able to see them very well.