Despite the 4.35 l/100km (65mpg) fuel economy reportedly achieved during testing, the 2010 Toyota Prius is expected to return 5.7 l/100km/h (49mph) around town, and 5.6 l/100km (50mpg) for highway driving.

The five-seater plug-in Toyota Prius will be one of ten hybrid models offered by Toyota by 2012, with the Japanese powerhouse expecting to sell 180,000 Prius vehicles in 2010.

The 2010 Toyota Prius is powered by a 1.8 litre petrol engine (up from the previous model’s 1.5 litre unit), as well as the accompanying electric motor.

It is expected to hit Japanese showrooms later this year, and in Europe by the start of 2010.