We refuse to make any “Go, Go, Go” jokes about the Prius. It may deserve them, but it hardly seems fair because once the kinks are ironed out of the platform, the third generation of dedicated hybrids will still be an attractive proposition to some Australians. Also, our editors made us.

The car itself looks a lot like the other Priuses on the road, which is a shame because underneath it’s gotten a lot better. We’ll start here by saying that if you don’t like the exterior of the Prius, the 2010 isn’t going to appear on your list of favorite autos, especially with its cut-off rear end.

In spite of that, the 2010 Toyota is, well, a car. We know, it’s supposed to be one or else why is it on dealer showrooms. But having driven the hybrid pioneer in the past, it felt a lot more like a gadget than it did a proper road-going machine. It starts with a more powerful engine.

You won’t hear it when you start, except the electric burble that makes you feel like you’re back in an 80′s Sci-Fi movie. Still, the new engine, at 1.8 litres, provides a more powerful 73 kW at 5,200 RPM and 142Nm of torque a little bit before that. That’ll get you from naught to 100km/h in a hair under 10 seconds, suitable enough for most needs.

Just because Toyota decided to make it more car-like doesn’t mean it’s foregone its hybrid roots. You’re still looking at 5L/100km of driving done, and that number is even better for urban commuters who are stuck at red lights for long enough. When the engine clicks over to the electric motors, you won’t hear anything except a slightly smaller tug on your wallet. That’s a good thing, although the lack of a true motor whine can be disconcerting to say the least.

That car-like feel is improved on by the enhanced work done to the frame and the suspension. The Prius starts to feel more like a Toyota sedan when thrown into corners, with an actual sense of turning and the regenerative brakes act like brakes, at least to this reviewer’s foot.

The electronic doodads that remind you it’s a hybrid tend to get a little cumbersome, with a variety of gauges telling you what a good little green soldier you are. I could have done with more legroom and fewer pats on the back, but then I’m not the target market for the Prius. Those who are choosing the Toyota to be environmentally conscious will likely enjoy the gobs of information.

Using the Japanese measurement of golf bags to measure boot space, we’re looking at three, so a foursome would be best served by meeting the last member at the course. Otherwise it’s up to most everyday tasks.

Right now, if you’re looking at a hybrid, the Prius is the one you want if you’re looking for people to look at you. Honda’s Insight isn’t quite at the same level, and other automakers seem to be grafting on hybrid systems rather than designing new cars from scratch. At least with the 2010 Prius, you can buy it for the statement and then drive it like a car.

Specifications:
Engine: 1796cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
Motor: Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Power: 100kW (Combined)
Torque: 142Nm
Induction: Multi-Point/NiMH Battery
Transmission: Single Speed Planetary
Driven Wheels: Front
Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
Top Speed: 165km/h
0-100km/h: 9.9 seconds
0-400m: Not Tested
CO2 Emissions: 106g/km
Fuel Consumption: 5 litres/100km (As Tested)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 45 litres
Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
EuroNCAP Rating: Five Star
Airbags: Dual Front, Side & Curtain
Safety: ESP with Traction Control
Spare Wheel: Space Saver
Tow Capacity: N/A
Turning Circle: 10.2 metres
Warranty: 3 year/100,000km
Weight: 1325kg (Tare)
Wheels: Alloy 15 x 6.0-inch