LOTS OF PEOPLE have raved about the Toyota Prius. I'm not one of them. The hybrid electric and petrol-powered cars are marvels of science, but they remind me of soulless, techno, four-door microwave ovens.
But, whether I like them or not, Priuses are slowly taking over our roads, as petrol prices rise and families, government officials and celebrities see the sense of using - or being seen in - fuel-efficient cars.
A drive in a Prius can shock traditionalist revheads, however. I've just picked up the latest updated version at Crown Motors' depot in Watson's Estate, North Point, an experience that could be described as a cultural shock, after all the fasties I've tested lately - even with the hybrid's new grille, headlamps and rear-light clusters.
The Prius' key fob is like a grey plastic bar of soap, and when you plug it into the dashboard, its centre screen greets you in glorious colour. The biggest shock is when you press the big, round 'power' button. Nothing happens. The silence is eerie just 24 hours after the thunderous roar of the Aston Martin V8.
Then, the Prius gives a tiny beep to confirm that you've engaged drive with the tiny fascia-mounted joystick, and you make your way off without a whisper.
The cabin is as ergonomic as you would expect in a Toyota, and with several upgrades on the 2005 European Car of the Year's interior. Toyota has improved passenger comfort, head and legroom with a soft-touch paint finish for the dashboard and the introduction of a leather-trimmed steering wheel for the deluxe version. The trim's more colourful than the original, utilitarian combination of leather and suede-effect Alcantara: Crown Motors now offers options in red, green, silver and white, black, bronze and blue. And grey arrives on April 4, says spokeswoman Shirina Kwan.
Build quality is first-rate, with intelligent use of recyclable, light-weight materials everywhere. The hybrid isn't lavishly equipped, but has plenty of sensible storage space. For a medium-sized saloon, the Prius is accommodating, with plenty of legroom for near-six footers in all seats. The rear bench seat is practical, splitting 40:60 to form a flat loading area.