(Edmunds.com) Still the Gold Standard Among Hybrids

2010 Toyota Prius Full Test and Video on Inside Line

Includes both text and video.

Quotes of interest:

More significantly, though, the structure of the hybrid's front end is 100 percent more rigid than before; its rear is 50 percent more rigid; and the whole chassis is 50 percent more resistant to torsional flex.

In addition, Toyota has added steering caster to enhance the car's straight-line stability, plus the steering rack is rigidly mounted to improve on-center feel. The steering ratio remains a leisurely 19.1:1, but the electronic-assist power steering has been recalibrated to make it feel more like real steering.

Although you can't ask for much better than 0.78g on the skid pad from a fuel-sipping hybrid, the 2010 Prius' 59.1-mph slalom speed is 2-5 mph slower than most second-gen Priuses we've tested. If anything, the car's undefeatable stability control system has gotten more aggressive.

On back roads, the car's extra dose of steering caster creates a strong self-centering effect through turns. Understeer keeps you safe, and truthfully, if you're hammering on a 2010 Toyota Prius, you probably need some looking after.

Strangely enough, the parameters for Eco driving vary by market. The most conservative parameters are applied to Japanese-spec Priuses, while the most leeway is given to European Prius drivers. The Europeans, one Toyota engineer told us, demand sharp throttle response, but evidently don't want to be made to feel that they're not driving in a frugal manner. We also learn that the Eco parameters for U.S.-market Priuses were finalized on Los Angeles area freeways, so even if you hate L.A. drivers, they've left their imprint on your 2010 Toyota Prius.