We bought our Prius V new in 2012. The best part of this car is the fuel economy. We very seldom get worse than 6L/100km and can achieve 5L/100km babying it but there really is no major increase in fuel consumption by driving it fast. This is better milage than a Smart car! Try not Smart. The second best attribute is the democratic comfort of all 5 passengers accentuated by a dash board visible from all seats. Having only 4 passengers gives the back seat a very comfortable centre armrest. The back seats also slide back and forth for more legroom or cargo depending and tilt for a restful position. The panoramic sunroof is also especially great for a luxury feel for passengers in the back.

After owning this car and seeing how smart a car is to automatically turn off the engine when it is not needed (coasting, slow acceleration, stopped in traffic, breaking, etc.) is an innovation that is worth the initial cost if not in terms of gas savings but in terms of reducing pollution, smog, and noise. Lots of companies have hybrid models but Toyota is the most proven. This is not to mention the convenience technology this car has that I never want to be without -navigation(although this is finicky compared to a Garmin), handsfree cellphone bluetooth, iPod/android media connectivity, Satellite radio, back up camera, smartkey ignition etc. The higher model even had dynamic radar cruise control. New cars are getting better every year and this car is ahead of the curve for 2012.

My biggest beef with this car is that it is basically invisible. When we first traded in our A4 Cabriolet for the Prius V we would routinely be unable to find the car even when it was right in front of us. The styling people at Toyota need to pay better attention to fashion. However, the interior comfort, low cost of ownership and reliability make this car one that i will never want to sell. Sometimes being invisible is great.

The Prius V has surprising pep for what you would consider a fuel efficient car. We have very seldom used more than 6L/100km in spite of driving it with some spirit. The display can help you get even better fuel economy of you want to challenge yourself but the difference is minimal because it gets amazing milage no matter what.

The back seat is pretty plush with tons of legroom, armrests and the rear sunroof gives an light and luxurious feel. The front seats are also very comfortable. All the seating in this car seem to be created equal with the exception of no heated seats in the rear. Everyone, not just the driver, feels like they are being catered to.

The technology is really the biggest thing about this car. Aside from Navigation which is amazing on roadtrips, back up camera, satalite/AM/FM/ CD/ MP3/USB and Bluetooth, the car shuts the engine off when it isn't needed. This happens when coasting, stopped at a light, or stuck in rush hour traffic. It makes so much sense that I will never buy a regular car again.

One gripe is the sunroof does not open to the elements - it only just reveals a clear plastic sky-light which is still nice. The main problem with the car is it is not very stylish. However Prius V's seem to be growing in popularity, and not just with taxis, because people are finally becoming concerned with the environment.