The Prius was one of Toyota's most-significant product launches of the 20th century
It now continues into the 21st century with a sporty chassis tune and evocative styling
The Toyota Prius represents a milestone moment for the brand.
Launched in 1997 as the world’s first hybrid vehicle, it ushered in a new era of electrification in the industry and also signalled a commitment to reducing the emissions of the world’s new car market.
Adopted by the likes of former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Hollywood comedian Will Ferrell, it remained slightly Japanese despite being a world-market car.
Despite its Eastern quirks, its unique and aerodynamic design also resonated with logical minds in the west, along with a host of virtue-signalling celebrities we won’t name.
The original Prius was undeniably dorky, but the all-new, third-generation model fixes that. The styling has identity and emotion, despite maintaining the same unique aerodynamic silhouette as the first generation.
The deeply scalloped sections under its rear doors make it look strangely sporty and slippery, and its flowing roofline also looks fast. Its inherent chassis design is sporty too, with a rear double-wishbone setup and front MacPherson offering pleasant driving dynamics.
Toyota pitches the car as fun to drive and engaging, and the suspension does feel firmer than you’d guess. With decent handling, incredible reliability, and a minimal fuel bill—3.5 litres of fuel for every 100km travelled—the 2023 Toyota Prius is genuinely worth considering.
The car pictured – 2023 Toyota Prius Z
Built in January 2023, this Toyota Prius is a top-spec Z model. That means it’s powered by a 2.0-litre ‘M20A-FXS’ four-cylinder petrol hybrid driveline with 164 kilowatts of power.
It is front-wheel drive and features an automatic transmission. Standard touch points include heated, cooled, and electric leather sports seats; a heated steering wheel; keyless entry; an English-reading infotainment system and digital gauge cluster; Apple CarPlay; and Android Auto phone connectivity.
Tech features include Toyota’s Safety Sense system with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and more. This example was purchased from USS Tokyo as a grade 5.0A vehicle, or ‘close to new’.
There are no major scratches or defects on the inside or outside, and the car is wholly original.
Quick facts
- 2023 Toyota Prius Z
- Top-spec ‘Z’ model
- 164kW hybrid four-cylinder petrol
- Fuel efficient – 3.5L/100km offical claim
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay + Android Auto connectivity
- Heated and cooled sports seats
- Leather interior trim
- Heated steering wheel
- Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking
- Price includes three-months NSW registration
- Price includes federal SEVS compliance making the car registrable in any state or territory in Australia
- Price includes a NSW roadworthy
Meaning "to go before" in Latin, the Prius has led the expansion of HEVs over the 25 years since it was first launched as a new-generation eco-car with outstanding fuel efficiency.Toyota Japan, launch of the all-new third-generation Prius, Japan
