SIX years after the launch of the original Prius, and with more than 130,000 sold worldwide, Toyota is unveiling an even more advanced version of the hybrid power car.

The second generation Prius is a blend of futuristic design and technology that delivers space, comfort and performance as well as economy.

With its unique and advanced Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, the latest Prius is the cleanest car currently available to the motoring public and it successfully demonstrates that being "green" does not equate to dull performance or compromised packaging.

The new Toyota Prius can return a fuel consumption that is comparable to the best diesels. Production of CO2 and NOx is also radically low. Figures for consumption are 65.7mpg for combined and 67.3mpg for extra-urban driving. In the urban cycle, Prius returns 56.5mpg but can still accelerate from nought to 62mph in less than 11 seconds.

The new hybrid system, making its debut in the Toyota Prius, is the first to be developed according to a revolutionary Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Current generation hybrids rely on the petrol engine to produce peak performance, with the electric motor as an ancillary. Toyota's system gives the electric motor a more significant role and also focuses on stronger performance. A more powerful 1.5-litre petrol engine works together with the smaller, more efficient electric motor to deliver excellent performance.

The Prius also takes full advantage of the latest lightweight materials technology. Everything from the bodyshell to the accelerator has been subjected to a weightloss programme since less mass to haul around helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions as well as enhance vehicle performance.

The new Prius has ample space for driver and up to five passengers plus their luggage.

While it is instantly recognisable as an evolution of the original Prius, at 4,450mm it is 135mm longer than its predecessor and has a wheelbase longer by 150mm, at 2,700mm.

The interior features rear seats that fold flat and have a 60:40 split. Toyota's designers have paid special attention to the cabin's interior ergonomics with the innovative use of design features and technologies such as Bluetooth telephone interface and the location of many controls on the steering wheel.

The new Toyota Prius is priced to rival cars in its class and its entry-level model is £17,495, but qualifies - along with all other Prius models - for a £1,000 grant under the Government's Energy Savings Trust powershift scheme, bringing the cost to the customer down to £16,495.