At the end of my 1,000-kilometre test week, which included city streets, highways and country roads, I wound up with an average of 5.24 L/100 km. Similar route and driving conditions with the Golf TDI previously translated into 6.25 L/100 km.
Of course, had I driven the Prius exclusively downtown, I would have had a lower number to report due to fully-electric operation. In real life, though, people hit the highway and get out of town on a regular basis. So, unless you spend the vast majority of your time in urban areas, choosing to pay the extra $3,000 for a Prius (over a Golf TDI) comes down to nothing more than a desire to drive something different.
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| This hybrid is pleasant to drive and, unless you focus on hypermiling, it behaves just like any other car. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
Of course, had I driven the Prius exclusively downtown, I would have had a lower number to report due to fully-electric operation. In real life, though, people hit the highway and get out of town on a regular basis. So, unless you spend the vast majority of your time in urban areas, choosing to pay the extra $3,000 for a Prius (over a Golf TDI) comes down to nothing more than a desire to drive something different.
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