The new Toyota Prius Plug-in can reportedly achieve a new low benchmark in its class for official CO2 emissions.

Like its sister model, it is powered by a smooth, refined and ultra-efficient full hybrid powertrain, but thanks to new, rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology, it can cover longer distances and reach higher speeds on electric power alone, cutting exhaust emissions to zero. And unlike all-electric vehicles, once the charge in the battery is used up, the car switches seamlessly to its hybrid system, so the driver need have no anxiety about journey distances.

As a result, Prius Plug-in achieves a new low benchmark in its class for official CO2 emissions: 49g/km.

Recharging the battery is simple and speedy, using a power point linked to a standard domestic or workplace supply, or an on-street charging point. Prius Plug-in comes with a charging cable set as standard, including five metres of cabling, that can be stored neatly in a dedicated area beneath the boot floor.

The Prius Plug-in is offered with a single equipment specification that, true to the car's reputation for user-friend technology, includes a generous range of advanced features. These include LED daytime running  lights and headlights; Toyota Touch and Go Plus with touchscreen controls, satellite navigation, voice recognition, rear-view camera and advanced Bluetooth for phone connection and audio streaming, a DAB digital tuner, eight-speaker JBL sound system, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control.

Heated front seats, 15-inch alloy wheels with wheel caps and leather steering wheel trim are also included in the package.

Black leather upholstery and rear privacy glass are available as options, together a Protection Pack (rear parking sensors and boot liner) and a Style Pack (exterior chrome trim elements).

Four exterior colours make up the palette for Prius Plug-in, led by Sky Blue (metallic), a new shade exclusive to the model. Tyrol Silver and Novus Grey metallics and White Pearl Pearlescent are also available.

In the cabin the upholstery is Minowa black fabric with optional Setana black leather.