46: Toyota Prius – Still relevant at a time when hybrids are the norm

It’s not that the Prius isn’t still a very good car, it’s just that Toyota’s hybrid range has expanded so quickly, and impressively, that the original poster-boy for part-battery power has slipped down the rankings a little.

After all, when you can buy a much-more handsome Corolla with the same hybrid engine, what’s the point in buying a Prius? Yet, there is still a point to Prius and it’s the economy stupid (to coin a phrase).

While a Corolla Hybrid can pretty easily skip past the 50mpg mark in daily driving, a Prius, even driven without much overt care for economy, can easily best the 60mpg mark.

That oddball, fish-faced styling may not be as handsome as some of Toyota’s other models, but it’s hugely aerodynamically efficient and clearly pays dividends out on the open road.

47: Ford Mustang – Live life like a movie star

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48: Nissan Leaf – electric pioneer now with a bigger battery

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49: Opel Astra – More rewarding than you might imagine

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50: BMW 1 Series – does enough to justify the premium badge

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And, indeed, at the fuel pumps. That the Prius is also very refined and hugely relaxing to drive is a bit of a bonus into the planet-saving bargain, and if the styling isn’t quite to your taste, well at least it more obviously advertises to the neighbours just what a good eco foot you’re putting forward. Plugin-hybrid version has temporarily disappeared from Irish price lists.

Best model: Prius Hybrid Luxury for €35,415. Price range: €32,250 to €35,415. Finance from €255 per month. Co2 emissions: 94 to 104g/km. Sum up: Seems less vital now that (Almost) every Toyota's a hybrid.