TOYOTA has revealed more details of its forthcoming new Prius hybrid model, including the fact that the CO2 figure will set new standards by being under 90g/km.
This is the third generation of the Prius, which will go on sale in the UK in July with a larger 1.8-litre engine and a power increase of 22 per cent.
Despite this, latest technology has enabled economy to improve by ten per cent to more than 70mpg whilst CO2 emissions fall from the current 104g/km to a new low of just 89g/km.
This makes the car exempt from taxes and congestion charges and even the benefit-in-kind levy for company car users will be less than seven per cent in comparison to 35 per cent for gas guzzlers.
More than 90 per cent of the components in the Hybrid Synergy Drive system are redesigned to make it lighter and more compact whilst also improving the car's operation in cold weather.
The latest model boasts an exceptionally low drag coefficient of Cd 0.25, which reduces wind resistance and the interior has an innovative dual-dashboard design that houses a series of driver-assistance features that are said to be unique in its class.
These include a head-up display, a steering-wheel mounted Touch Tracer control to monitor and operate a range of equipment functions, a solar-powered ventilation system to keep the car cool when parked and a new version of Toyota's Intelligent Parking System.
When the newcomer arrives this summer it will face stiff opposition from the rival hybrid Honda Insight, which has just gone sale with prices starting at just £15,500.
The current Prius costs from £17,870. Prices for the new model are expected to be announced at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3.