Toyota Prius Declared Most Influential Modern Car by Auto Express
In a landmark decision that has sent ripples through the motoring world, Auto Express has bestowed the title of 'most significant car of the 21st century' upon the Toyota Prius. This unassuming hybrid vehicle triumphed over forty-nine formidable rivals, including automotive icons such as the Tesla Model S, the BMW MINI, and the Audi TT, to claim the prestigious crown.
The Quiet Revolution of the Prius
Launched initially in 1997, the Toyota Prius was among the very first mass-market hybrid vehicles, ingeniously combining a petrol engine with an electric motor. Auto Express highlighted its revolutionary impact, noting that the Prius demonstrated that achieving regular fuel efficiency figures of around 50mpg was not only possible but commercially viable.
The publication's evaluation concluded emphatically: "The Prius made the industry follow, and saw off VW's attempt to fight back with diesel." With over five million units sold globally and the model now in its fifth generation, the Prius has become a ubiquitous sight, particularly favoured within the taxi industry for its renowned reliability and efficiency.
Jeremy Clarkson's Scathing Critique
Not everyone is celebrating this accolade. Former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson has voiced his vehement disapproval, offering a characteristically blunt assessment to The Times. "It's s***," Clarkson declared. "It started the rot which now means all cars are just annoying appliances." His comments underscore a significant cultural divide in automotive appreciation, pitting traditional driving passion against the Prius's pragmatic, eco-conscious engineering.
Beating Automotive Icons
The competition for this title was exceptionally fierce. The Prius secured its victory against a pantheon of modern classics that have each shaped the automotive landscape in their own right. The defeated contenders included:
- The revolutionary, record-breaking Bugatti Veyron.
- The trend-setting Nissan Qashqai, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
- The design-icon Audi TT Mk1.
- The electric pioneer Tesla Model S.
- The reinvented classic, the BMW MINI.
Each of these forty-nine vehicles possessed qualities that helped sculpt the contemporary motoring world. However, Auto Express argued that while some made a loud entrance, the Prius has "quietly - both literally and figuratively - embedded itself into British affections and the annals of motoring history."
Evolving into a Future Classic
Despite Clarkson's disdain, a growing number of experts believe the original Prius is on a trajectory to achieve modern classic status. Classic car specialists, including insurers Hagerty and expert Richard Ingram, champion the Mk1 model as a vehicle steadily accumulating "classic potential."
Mr Ingram elaborated on its enduring appeal: "But the car's back-story is fascinating, and its impact on modern motoring is unquestionable. Being a Toyota, it'll last as good as forever too, so it'll be as much a classic in another 25 years as original fuel-sipping superminis like the Honda Civic and Renault 5 are today."
This recognition cements the Prius's legacy not just as a practical hybrid, but as a pivotal chapter in automotive history. As the industry continues its challenging transition towards full electrification, the Prius stands as a testament to the hybrid technology that continues to play a crucial role in reducing emissions and reshaping global manufacturing priorities.
