Toyota has unveiled its all-new Prius (the word means 'ahead of its time'), ushering in a new age of hybrid power vehicles. The car is scheduled to go on sale in November this year.

The second generation Prius will build on the achievements of the pioneering original model, launched in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid power passenger car. To date, over 110,000 have been sold.

The new car is improved in every way. It is bigger, faster, more fuel efficient, pollutes less and is more fun to drive.

The new Prius introduces a high-efficiency power system, the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. It is a full hybrid system, which means it can work in full petrol or electric modes or with a combination of both power sources. Performance compares to diesel powered family hatchbacks with a 0-62mph time of under 11 seconds.

The new Prius also offers dramatically new styling. It remains a full size, five-seat vehicle, but now offers a rear hatchback and folding rear seat arrangement for versatile load carrying capability.

Other technical advances featured in the new Prius include a push-button ignition and by-wire, braking, throttle and transmission control (i.e. there is no mechanical linkage, as in 'fly-by-wire' on aircraft). The by-wire gearshift system means Toyota has been able to dispense with the traditional floor-mounted gear level and replace it with a dashboard-mounted joystick which requires just a tap of the finger to operate and frees up space inside the car.

A new air conditioning system debuts in the car, too. It is fully electrically operated rather than running off the engine fan belt, which means it can continue to operate even when the petrol engine is off and the car is running on electric power alone.

Full specification and pricing will be announced later this year.