Toyota Prius 10th Anniversary special edition (2010)

The Toyota Prius might be more normally associated with sandal-toting eco saviours, but to mark its tenth birthday Toyota is launching a blinged-up Prius 10th Anniversary special edition with a bad-boy bodykit and blacked-out windows.

Yes, this is one of the stranger creations of the year. The Prius 10th Anniversary special edition marks a big shift for normally cautious Toyota, but remember this is just a UK edition marking a decade of British sales.

The Prius is usually seen as a poster child for the eco-revolt, leading the charge towards the electrification of the car. The 10th birthday Prius keeps the economy mission, but adds a dose of edgy new style.

Toyota offers a choice of two colours: Pearl White or Astral Black. Both come with smoked privacy glass, and a body kit comprising new 17” multi-spoke alloys and front, side and rear skirts.

Happily, the claimed economy figures of the Prius 10th Anniversary special edition are unchanged. CO2 emissions stand at just 92g/km and economy stays at 70.2mpg.

The spec matches the top-of-the-line T-Spirit, so comes with sat-nav, rear parking monitors, park assist, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and head-up display.

One big alteration, however, is the price. The X is limited to 1000 units, and costs £26,150 on the road. Pricey? The regular T-Spirit costs £23,398, while a VW Polo Bluemotion three-door costs £14,445 and is slightly more economical.

First deliveries of the Prius 10th Anniversary special edition will find their way to customers in winter 2010.

By By Ben List