2000 Toyota Prius Hybrid review from UK and Ireland

Air Con wasn't working when I got it, they fixed it, now goes fine. Dealer lost the log book at first service, was given endless promises of another, when it came it wasn't filled, in so I now have a car with no service record up to 30,000 miles, will never buy another car from that dealer again (unless they come up with my service record).

Car itself is fab. Due to Hybrid drive, there is no starter or alternator to worry about, and even the brakes will last the life of the vehicle due to the regenerating brakes (car absorbs its momentum by using the motor as a generator to charge the battery).

The Toyota Prius is the car that came top of American consumer surveys as the car they'd still buy again having had experience of it - need I say more.

Jeremy Clarkson says it's slow, it isn't! I love it when it takes off as if propelled by a giant magnet, and leaves other drivers struggling with gears, clutches etc - come on guys, junk your 'Model T' technology and think hybrid.

I've heard it said on an electric vehicle forum, that the torque (turning power) of the electric motor is 400NM (the electric motor in a Prius produces 400NM at zero to 1200 rpm). The petrol

engine (1.5) in the same car produces 115NM at 4,000 rpm. As you will see, the electric motor produces more torque, but at the bottom of the

rev range - meaning a quick get away - Wheee!!! ;-) )