Entry and exit are simple, and there are adequate at-hand storage facilities for smaller items. The rear seats fold flat to accommodate larger items, and there's even a bit of covered storage underneath the rear floor panel.
If cutting-edge and high-tech are your thing, you'll love it inside the Prius. Nobody needs to know you're pretending to pilot a shuttle-craft, either. Some may wish for more color or contrast inside though, and the Honda Insight does offer easier-to-read gauges and a more conventional layout.
Complaints? Taller passengers will wish for more headroom, and rear-seat passengers of above-average size may find limited shoulder room. Finally, the oddly-shaped rear hatch windows can impede rearward vision.
On the road
Prius cruises peacefully with noise levels kept nicely in check. The suspension is comfortable without being spongy, and it rides nicely over just about anything. Note that the optional 17-inch wheels can cause a harsh, noisy ride over rougher surfaces.
Prius takes a solid grip on the roads surface in windy conditions. Where the Honda Insight can feel like a four-wheeled kite in crosswinds, Prius maintains a relatively locked-down feel. Unlike the last-generation car, it actually feels like the steering wheel is attached to something, too.
Drivers can even choose between several levels of powertrain responsiveness, depending on their mood and the driving conditions in question. A default mode offers a good all-round throttle feel, while the 'ECO' mode relaxes the car and numbs the throttle to save fuel. You'll only want to use this setting when you're not in a rush.
A 'Power' mode enhances responsiveness and dials up performance, making it ideal for merging, passing or when you're running late. Opposite to this is an 'Electric Vehicle' (EV) mode that forces the Prius into battery-only operation for short, low-speed trips.
Surprising performance
The big surprise on my test-drive was the Prius's power output. The 22 percent increase in power from the outgoing model is experienced as eager acceleration and snappy passing thrust when called upon. Prius hauls along nicely when pushed, offering plenty of jam to get by 18-wheelers with confidence. You no longer need binoculars to pass.
Oh, and if you’re that guy in the Dodge Ram who shouted ‘Light 'em up!’ from across the intersection, it can’t.
 |
| The suspension is comfortable without being spongy, and it rides nicely over just about anything. |
If cutting-edge and high-tech are your thing, you'll love it inside the Prius. Nobody needs to know you're pretending to pilot a shuttle-craft, either. Some may wish for more color or contrast inside though, and the Honda Insight does offer easier-to-read gauges and a more conventional layout.
Complaints? Taller passengers will wish for more headroom, and rear-seat passengers of above-average size may find limited shoulder room. Finally, the oddly-shaped rear hatch windows can impede rearward vision.
On the road
Prius cruises peacefully with noise levels kept nicely in check. The suspension is comfortable without being spongy, and it rides nicely over just about anything. Note that the optional 17-inch wheels can cause a harsh, noisy ride over rougher surfaces.
Prius takes a solid grip on the roads surface in windy conditions. Where the Honda Insight can feel like a four-wheeled kite in crosswinds, Prius maintains a relatively locked-down feel. Unlike the last-generation car, it actually feels like the steering wheel is attached to something, too.
Drivers can even choose between several levels of powertrain responsiveness, depending on their mood and the driving conditions in question. A default mode offers a good all-round throttle feel, while the 'ECO' mode relaxes the car and numbs the throttle to save fuel. You'll only want to use this setting when you're not in a rush.
A 'Power' mode enhances responsiveness and dials up performance, making it ideal for merging, passing or when you're running late. Opposite to this is an 'Electric Vehicle' (EV) mode that forces the Prius into battery-only operation for short, low-speed trips.
Surprising performance
The big surprise on my test-drive was the Prius's power output. The 22 percent increase in power from the outgoing model is experienced as eager acceleration and snappy passing thrust when called upon. Prius hauls along nicely when pushed, offering plenty of jam to get by 18-wheelers with confidence. You no longer need binoculars to pass.
Oh, and if you’re that guy in the Dodge Ram who shouted ‘Light 'em up!’ from across the intersection, it can’t.
 |
| The 'Electric Vehicle' (EV) mode that forces the Prius into battery-only operation for short, low-speed trips. |