Hybrid is the new practical way towards green motoring and it actually delivers a more relaxed and rewarding drive than a conventional car.

Toyota's Prius, the most popular hybrid vehicle in the world, is quite young in the UAE market but the environment-friendly vehicle is gaining market share slowly.

The new Prius can deliver enhanced fuel efficiency of 26.1km a litre. So it gives around 10 kilometre additional mileage per litre compared to a conventional car, which is good saving and on top of that the car is environment friendly.

Toyota's Prius was the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle - petrol-electric - when initially launched in December 1997. The auto giant has since sold over 3.5 million Prius around the globe.

Close to two decades on, the Toyota Prius brings with it groundbreaking environmentally-friendly performance, a bold new design and a fun-to-drive spirit. The new Prius also features enhanced safety in a more compact package that is lighter in weight with world class aerodynamic, delivering and enhanced fuel efficiency.

The car that has charmed people all over the world is sure to capture the hearts of those in the UAE. The new Prius was firsts revealed at the 13th Dubai International Motor Show in November 2015.

Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Toyota vehicles in the UAE, officially launched the fourth generation of Prius in January 2016.

Al Futtaim Motors is aiming for a gradual increase in Prius volume. The dealership is targeting three core audiences for the new hybrid vehicle in Toyota family. The first one is young, trendsetting, tech-savvy and environmentally conscious people. Secondly, government sector and then small businesses are also the target customers.

"We predict that the 4th generation Prius, which now enjoys a bolder design, groundbreaking environmental performance, and a fun-to-drive spirit will appeal to young trendsetters who want everything that is new and cool, with the added benefit of being environmentally ethical and brimming with technology that does not confuse," said Saud Abbasi, managing director of Toyota at Al-Futtaim Motors.

Toyota's hybrid Camry is already running successfully in Dubai commercially as a taxi but Prius is first time introduced in this region.

Prius is available in two grades, Dynamic model available at Dh89,900, and the Iconic model, available at Dh97,900. Unlike many hybrid vehicles, the Prius is not a 'plug-in' that needs a recharge before venturing onto the streets. So car owners don't need to look for charging stations.

Prius might be a good choice after the deregulation of fuel prices in the UAE from August 1, 2015. Although there is no big difference in fuel prices at the moment in comparison to subsidised oil prices before deregulation, rising crude prices in international market will also push fuel prices up in the country in coming months.

The new Prius' development concept is based on the idea of 'Beautiful Hybrid' and promises three forms of joys: Joy of Efficiency as the car achieves enhanced fuel economy, Joy of Ownership reflected by the emotional exterior design and powerful presence of the car, and the Joy of Driving which exemplifies its fun-to-drive spirit.

The design of the Prius isn't the only thing turning heads. The latest model was developed to represent the first wave of Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) - the company's latest auto- making innovation that makes a fresh start by putting the joy of driving above all else.

Just imagine pressing the accelerator and silently gaining speed with just the motor. Before you know it, the engine and motor are working together in a way that is almost eerily smooth. The steering wheel responds with precision in the hands as the Prius goes exactly where you want it to go, rounding the turns with delightful handling accuracy.

With its maiden entry into the Middle East, drivers here are sure to be pleasantly surprised and overwhelmingly satisfied by the entire driving experience.

Revolutionary design

The prototype for the Prius was unveiled in September 2015 in Las Vegas. Murmurs of wonder and amazement at its revolutionary new design could be heard bubbling through the media crowds that gathered to see it suspended from wires as it literally descended onto the stage.

Media reports in the Middle East have also commented on the dramatic makeover of the Prius, which has resulted in an edgy, emotional styling that completely overturns people's established notions.

Toyota's commitment to such a memorable, cutting-edge design and the impetus for moving forward with it came from none other than the pioneering hybrid vehicle itself. In fact, the name Prius means "to go before," and it is in the DNA of the Prius to constantly push the limits of the human imagination.

It is no surprise that the hybrid technology in the Prius delivers outstanding environmental performance, but the 'Beautiful Hybrid' development concept takes it to the next level in terms of design and driving performance as well-drawing praise from around the globe.

Buyers are loving it

Since the Prius is new in the UAE market, its owners are still getting used to the vehicle, but almost everyone says that they love it.

Sharjah-based Ghada Wasfi bought the Prius almost a month ago and says that it is her first hybrid vehicle.

"I really enjoy the driving dynamics of the Prius and I'm liking all aspects of driving it. What I like the most in the Prius is its innovative hybrid technology and the fact that I'm being environmentally friendly while commuting," said Wasfi, who is an Egyptian national.

She said she would definitely recommend the Prius to anyone who is considering buying a new car. She owned a Toyota Corolla before buying the new Prius.

"I anticipate growth for the Prius in the coming years, particularly as people become more aware of hybrid technology and the benefits behind it," she said.

Abu Dhabi-based Leizel Jane Berberio bought the Prius on March 14, 2016. Before purchasing the Prius, Berberio owned a Toyota RAV4. The Philippines national went to Toyota showroom for buying a new model of RAV4 but fell in love when she saw the Prius.

"I was actually going in to buy the 2016 MY Toyota RAV4, but was pleasantly surprised when I saw the Prius for the first time," the Filipina said.

"It was nice, and I was amazed with all the features, specifications and most of all the interior design. I'm happy and grateful that I've chosen Prius. I love it the most specially the color, styling, and you can't hear the sound of the engine - which is perfect - and it's super smooth when you drive it," she explained.

She added: "I can save petrol. Since it will automatically change into electric mode and it's the most fuel-efficient car in the market today. Yes! It's worth the money!"

How does the hybrid car work?

A vehicle is classified as a hybrid if it utilises more than one form of onboard energy to achieve propulsion. In practice, that means a hybrid will have a traditional internal-combustion engine and a fuel tank, as well as one or more electric motors and a battery pack.

Hybrid cars are sometimes mistakenly confused with electric vehicles. Hybrids are most often gasoline-burning machines that utilise their electric bits to collect and reuse energy that normally goes to waste in standard cars.

Theoretically, diesel-electric hybrids would be even more fuel-efficient, but hybrid systems and diesel engines both represent extra cost. So far, installing both in the same vehicle has proven to be prohibitively expensive.

Employing a petrol engine and an electric motor, the Prius can be powered by the engine, the electric motor or a combination of both, automatically choosing the most efficient mode for the best mileage and lowest emissions.

The new Prius is about far more than the exceptional fuel efficiency that comes with hybrid technology. The ample torque also delivers exhilarating acceleration that belies the engine's 1.8-litre displacement.

The Prius represents the pinnacle of hybrid technology and a showcase for new, relevant technologies from Toyota that raise levels of driving performance, convenience and comfort.

Prius progress history

The first generation Prius stunned the automotive world in December 1997. But that was just the start with more exciting developments on the horizon.

The second generation Prius arrived in 2003, and was completely redesigned to be larger, with improved aerodynamics and even better fuel economy.

The third generation in 2009 built on previous achievements in every aspect, taking advantage of continuous research and world-class technology.

When the fourth generation Prius was unveiled in September of 2015, it not only offered significantly improved fuel economy in a more compact package and attractive design, but it was lighter, roomier and performed even better than previous models.

So, the Prius just gets better and better. And the world has recognised its advantages. Over 3.5 million satisfied customers have put their faith in the Prius to make it the world's most popular hybrid.

Combining a gasoline engine and an electric motor, this vehicle benefits from the best features of both. The batteries, made more compact to hide under the rear seats, are continuously charged when braking and decelerating-so you don't need to plug in a power cord as you would with electric-only vehicles. And, of course, you also don't have to stop for gasoline as much as you would with a conventional gasoline vehicle. The new Prius offers superb energy efficiency.

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