The latest Prius costs a few thousand pounds more than the old model, but to soften the blow Toyota has loaded it with kit. That means standard equipment includes LED lights, electrically adjustable front seats and a wireless phone charger.

The Prius’ safety credentials have yet to be put to the test by Euro NCAP, but with automatic emergency braking, active cruise control, a head-up display (so your eyes need never leave the road) and the tough new platform, we would expect the car to build on the excellent record set by the old model.