Toyota Prius Generation “X” Revealed UPDATE: ‘Prius 10th Anniversary’

The Toyota Prius Generation X - available in Black or White

Update: We had an email from Toyota this morning asking us to correct this article. Apparently, despite titling the press release they sent us ‘Toyota Prius Generation “X”‘, it seems that’s not what this limited edition Prius is called. It is in fact the ‘Prius 10th Anniversary’, a catchy little moniker that at least does what it says on the tin.

At first we thought we’d just had a stupid moment with this article. But it appears everyone else read this the same. A quick Google for ‘prius generation x’ shows page 1 results from Cars UK, Car Magazine, Zero Customs, Girl Racer, Auto Express, Carscoop, Car Advice… all using ‘Generation X’ in the title.

We think Toyota’s PR man may spend today hunting down their copywriter.

It’s hard to believe that it’s ten years since the Toyota Prius introduced the UK to the concept of a hybrid car. And, despite our belief that the hybrid car is a dead end, Toyota has continued to advance the Prius.

Now in its third generation the Toyota Prius is bigger, more advanced, roomier, more economical and less emitting than ever. We have no interest in its CO2 output – except for working out tax bills – but we do love that the Prius emits very little of the stuff that really matters – NOx and PM.

What we don’t like is that it looks dull and drab and is a poor driving experience. Add to that the fact that in the real world, particularly if you spend any time doing more than 40mph on motorways or dual carriageways, the Prius is not all that economical either.

But what we can’t argue with is that Toyota has managed to turn the Prius in to an iconic car; the poster car for a green generation. Driven by celebs with a green halo to polish (and with a Cayenne Turbo in the garage at home), the Prius has become revered and vilified in equal measure.

Now Toyota are celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Prius with the release of the the Toyota Prius Generation “X” Limited Edition with a set of cosmetic fripperies such as 17″ alloys, privacy glass and embossed leather. Do such things gel with the sensibilities of a tree-hugging buyer?

Toyota are making just 1,000 Generation “X” models, which will be available in either White Pearl or Astral Black and will cost £26,150.

By Cars UK