AHEAD of its time. That is, quite simply, how Toyota describes the Prius, its dual-powered petrol/electric hatchback which goes on sale in January.

The first generation model was launched three years ago, but few of the motoring public were keen to recognise its true worth. Only 130,000 sold worldwide and fewer than 1,200 over the three years it was available in the United Kingdom.

But undaunted by what at first sight might seem an appalling return for such technology, Toyota has moved the Prius onwards. Compared with the first model, the latest edition is so much better, so much faster, and with quite superb acceleration as well as greater torque.

It is also the cleanest car available on the market, its production of harmful emissions can be measured as low to non-existent.

Where this new arrival gets its extra energy boost is via an exciting and new development known as the Hybrid Synergy Drive. The earlier model's electric current was fixed at 247volts, producing 45Ps whereas the new car uses up to 500 volts and produces 68Ps.

The car's economy also gets a welcome boost with the new electric motor: 65.7mpg combined and still able to zip-along to 62mph in under 11-seconds.

Toyota launched the Prius in Florence, a forward-looking city packed with cars, but already recognising the need for new silent and clean engines, providing electric power pumps for scooters. The scooters are clean and when moving in the city silent... just like the Prius can be.

Toyota is lining up its new model against rivals such as the Ford Mondeo Zetec 2.0-litre turbo diesel, Renault's 1.9-litre Laguna and the Vauxhall Vectra 2.0-litre turbo diesel, note not petrol-driven opposition but economical diesels which the Prius out-performs in its dual petrol/electric role when it comes to economy motoring.

The Prius emissions category is 104g/km, which for UK drivers puts it into the AA band for tax purposes, and it is also eligible for the Government's £1,000 Powershift rebate.

The five-door, five seater will be available here in three specification levels, the T3, T4 and T Spirit, but there is very little difference between them, except for the on-the-road prices of £17,495, £18,295 and £19,995 respectively.

Equipment levels are high throughout, eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist traction control and stability control, all standard.

The T4 model has been fitted with a nine-speaker audio system with a six-disc autochanger, as well as cruise control and front foglamps, while the Spirit is a step higher with telephone facility with DVD-based full-map satellite navigation system, with voice recognition as well as touch screen control.

There are up to 16 press-button controls fitted on to the steering wheel, for audio, ventilation and communications. All very neat and tidy, but not immediately convenient because, until really familiar with their layout, it means the driver having to keep glancing down to make sure of hitting the right button.

There is another fuel-saving first with the latest Prius. Convention says a car's air conditioning system needs the car's engine to function, so when it is being used it is also taking a share of the liquid fuel.

The Prius gets over this by using its electric motor, constantly charged by its road wheels, to carry out this job so saving fuel.

But with all its green credentials, Toyota is eager to point out that the Prius is not intended to be an eco-car sacrificing driving pleasure, comfort and space as a trade off for low emissions.

In fact it is a bigger car than the earlier model, yet only 35kg/77lb heavier because of a huge weight reduction in its production materials, built using aluminium and other lightweight metals.

It has a particularly powerful electric motor, which can push the car along at 30mph for just over a mile (50kh for two kilometres) before the batteries need repowering, but then the petrol engine takes over. It may not seem a very long time but then think of the fuel saving when, for instance, driving in and around York. Speeds will not be high, and this is when the electric motor really comes into its own. Constant stopping and starting is no drain on fuel because the electric motor is constantly being recharged.

On top of this another bonus is that when driving on the open road and going uphill, both petrol and electric motor work together to provide extra power, with the electric battery at the same time also getting its recharge.

As written before - Prius is the most technically advanced car on sale anywhere in the world. It is also the cleanest. No wonder that the name Prius has been chosen by Toyota: it means Ahead Of Its Time.

Updated: 14:57 Friday, November 28, 2003