Next-generation Prius lands green car award
Green fleet operators looking to save on fuel costs and cut carbon emissions need look no further than the next-generation Toyota Prius when seeking to add to their fleets, it would seem.
The upcoming model, which is set to hit UK showrooms at the beginning of August, proved its environmental credentials by beating nine other vehicles to the title of WhatGreenCar Car of the Year 2009.
Featuring a new 1.8-litre petrol engine and a lighter power-train, the latest Prius boasts a fuel economy of 72.4mpg and carbon emissions of just 89g/km - 14 per cent less than the current model.
Judges made the award on account of the Prius's top environmental performance, as well as the "seamless integration" of green features as part of its design.
Dr Ben Lane, managing editor of WhatGreenCar, said: "While this year's judges were rightly impressed by the range of green car technologies employed by the ten-car shortlist, they were unanimous in their acclaim for the new Prius."
The vehicle, priced from £18,730, will be delivered by Toyota's Tsutsumi eco-factory in Japan, which meets half of its electricity requirements from solar panels to help reduce emissions.
