TOYOTA’S third-generation Prius hybrid brings significant strides in engine and handling performance, draped in a sexier outer skin, but continues to be the standard bearer for fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Toyota believes that will make it more attractive to a wider audience and so expects it to be the most popular Prius ever, despite the fact it’s significantly more expensive at both base and premium-specification levels. Offsetting a near-$40,000 starting price are higher levels of standard safety and convenience features, slightly more space and improved refinement, while the $53,500 i-Tech flagship delivers the same Corolla-like qualities of the standard Prius, but adds a host of cutting-edge Lexus technologies like radar cruise control, a pre-crash safety system and the option of a self-parking system.