Toyota’s new Prius and Verso

And it makes for an interesting comparison with the new – and similarly styled – Honda Insight also at the show.

GALLERY: Toyota at the Geneva Motor Show

Beneath the identikit styling the Prius is very different from the Honda, which uses a fairly straightforward Integrated Motor Assist to supplement the petrol engine. Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive meanwhile offers a much wider range of modes, including full electric, petrol only from its new 1.8 VVT-i engine or a combination of the two.

On sale in the summer, the third-generation Prius is built on a completely new platform and boasts finely honed aerodynamics to offer a drag coefficient of just 0.25. A lighter drivetrain and extended use of lightweight steel and aluminum boost the economy and emissions figures further, no doubt going down well with eco conscious buyers.

Hybrids are still a niche product though, Toyota’s all-new Verso appealing to a much more mainstream audience. The Verso is another important first for Geneva, Toyota throwing the covers off its new MPV just across the way from where Renault is doing the same with its new Scenic and Grand Scenic.

The Easy Flat-7 folding seat system will be popular with those needing versatile transport, the two-row, five-seat rear accommodation configurable according to need and offering improved comfort and room over the existing model. Standard curtain shield airbags now extend all the way to the third row of seats too.

Safety is a big priority for MPV buyers and features like this will go down very well with families. Pedestrian protection has been addressed with the external design of the car, while a stronger body built with high-strength steel protects those inside. Toyota’s ‘intelligent steering assist’ VSC+ stability control is also standard equipment.

Green technology introduced on the new Avensis will also feature on the Verso, including the super efficient Valvematic 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol engines and the Toyota Optimal Drive economy-boosting measures. 2.0 D-4D and, later, 2.2 D-CAT diesel engines will also be available and the slick Multidrive S CVT gearbox will also be on the options list.