DIFFERENT STROKES

The new Toyota Prius is a PHEV, while Mazda's MX-30 R-EV is a rotary-engined range extender. Which takes charge here?

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TOYOTA PRIUS vs MAZDA MX-30 R-EV

Japanese pioneers showcase innovative but contrasting tech

REX THE Toyota Prius is a household name these days, famous for pioneering hybrid technology in the nineties and taking it into the mainstream in the 2000s.

However, it's never been one to make tech cool; it's known as something of an ugly duckling, thanks to its all-in approach to aerodynamics, which has given us some odd-looking cars over the years.

The duckling has finally turned into a swan with this new-generation car, though; it's hard to argue it's not the best-looking Prius ever. You might even call it the sharpest car in Toyota's range at the moment, but is there still a good car underneath the new body?

To find out, we've put the plug-in Prius alongside a rival that is getting fans excited, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV. It marks the return of a rotary engine, a type of motor that was previously used in sports cars rather than hybrids. Now Mazda has found a new way to deploy its signature tech, as a range-extender for an EV. We'll dive into how it works later.

So while Toyota has gone for a new look but left the Prius hybrid powertrain alone, Mazda has put an innovative one into an MX-30 that looks no different to the electric model.

ON THE ROAD

THE Toyota's output of 220bhp means it's the faster of the two cars, but both are punchy from low speeds and quiet in town. However, the rotary engine in the Mazda is more audible when it kicks in to charge the battery. Both cars are more enjoyable to drive than they look, offering good road-holding and impressive comfort over bumps and potholes. High-quality engineering in both shines through in the way they drive.