Toyota Prius
The original Prius started the ball rolling on electrification as the world's first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle, fittingly launched with the tagline "Just in time for the 21st Century" and it initially caught the eye thanks to its quirky sedan styling.
On closer inspection the new hybrid technology was the real standout. A specially designed VVT-i 1.5l petrol engine and compact, high-torque electric motor provided driving performance comparable to that of existing similar-sized cars, but with double the fuel efficiency and half the CO2 emissions.
Those figures helped Prius become Japanese Car of the Year honour in 1997-98 before it hit the world stage when exports began in 2000, quickly creating a close bond with environmentally-conscious consumers in Europe and the United States.
