When Toyota unveiled the fifth-generation Prius, the reaction to the car’s impressive performance and concept-car looks was surprisingly strong. Consumer in the UK were doubtless disappointed to learn that they wouldn’t be able to buy the hybrid, then. However, there is now hope.
The Prius will be offered for sale in the UK after being kicked out of the lineup last year. Although the car is currently sold on the European mainland, Toyota cited the UK’s preference for SUVs and crossovers as the rationale for not offering it in 2023.
Now, though, strong demand for hybrids has prompted the automaker to offer the new Prius in the UK, reports Autocar. Although the precise reasoning behind the change of heart has yet to be revealed, it will no doubt be a welcome one for consumers who want something fuel efficient that has sleek styling.
Read: 2023 Toyota Prius Coming To Europe Solely As A 220 HP PHEV
The new Prius is offered both as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid model globally. However, in Europe, only the plug-in hybrid powertrain is available. It combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a front-mounted electric motor that produce 220 hp (164 kW/223 PS). Meanwhile, the 13.6 kWh battery can convey the car up to 53 miles (85 km) on the electric motor alone, according to local testing standards.
That powertrain made the fifth-generation Prius a big improvement over the fourth-generation model, and the theme of big improvements continues inside. Toyota said it focused on giving the new model better materials and tech, to make it a nicer place for owners to sit.
That’s all well and good, but it also makes the new Prius more expensive. With a starting price of €45,290 ($48,055 USD/£39,536 at current exchange rates) in Germany, it isn’t cheap for a car its size. Regardless, Toyota must think there’s enough interest in hybrids to drive sales.
And there’s good data to back that up. A report from S&P Global published last week shows that hybrid and PHEVs accounted for 10 percent of global vehicle sales in two of the last three months, suggesting that there is a strong appetite for the electrified vehicles.
