Toyota Prius 2005 review: first drive

The Prius is one of those new fangled hybrid petrol-electric cars from Toyota that runs on the smell of an oily rag using a combination of petrol and electric power.

It has an electric motor as well as a small 1.5-litre petrol engine, that work in tandem to produce a maximum 82kW.

Toyota claims the Prius uses up to 50 per cent less fuel than an equivalent-sized conventional car.

Our tests so far have borne out these claims, but what has really impressed us is the practicality of the vehicle.

It's a lot bigger inside than it looks, with plenty of room in the back for two adults.

However, we have discovered one flaw in an otherwise spotless report card.

It seems you cannot tow anything with a Prius, not a sausage – this for many will rule out the hybrid as being the main family car.

When you think about it, dragging a trailer, boat or caravan behind the car is going to prevent the technology from doing its stuff?

It wouldn't get a breather during which the system could go into recharge mode – it would be forced to work flat out all the time.

To confirm our suspicions, we asked Toyota who in turn was forced to consult the experts back in Japan for a definitive answer.

For towing, we are told, it is necessary to reinforce both body and parts which increases vehicle weight, impacting on fuel economy and mileage.

It would also be necessary to increase the size of the radiator to ensure satisfactory engine cooling and the HV system, especially when towing uphill.

The Prius's engine bay is not large enough to support such a large radiator, and if installed would again increase vehicle weight.

So there you have it.

What about a bike rack?

Well, there is always the option of fitting a rack to the roof.

Of course that is going to increase wind drag astronomically.

We have, however, read of one inventive owner who has manufactured a rack for the back of the car.