TOYOTA has a problem: Almost 20 years ago it created the volume-production hybrid as an alternative to fuel-thirsty family cars and yet its intended audience remains largely disinterested.

The Prius is an expensive car to develop, costly to produce and complex to maintain. Yet it can emit less than 80 grams of CO2 for every kilometre travelled – less than half the average of passenger cars and proportionately as cheap on fuel.

There are two main reasons: Prius is not a car for everyone, especially traditionalists who just want to know the location of the steering wheel and the fuel cap.

The second is that conventional cars with better driving dynamics are making inroads into Prius’ once envied economy.

Now we have a 2016 version, the fourth generation and one that shares nothing with the outgoing model.

With a new platform promising to return fun to the art of frugal driving, a host of safety goodies and better ride and comfort, this could be the one to lure back cautious buyers.

Click here for the full review...