By RAY MASSEY

It is a car of choice for the famous and the eco-friendly. But the Toyota Prius is much more than a fashion statement.

The hybrid green car, which can run on petrol and electricity, has just been named the most satisfying car to own in a poll of motorists.



Showrooms have reported exceptional demand for the Prius, which is priced from £17,780, especially in London, where there is a two-month waiting list. The car is exempt from the £8-a-day congestion charge.

This is the first time the Japanese family car has been included in the annual league table of British motorists' satisfaction.

Nine of the top 12 places were taken by Japanese models - either those belonging to Toyota, its luxury arm Lexus or rival Honda.

First place was shared by the Lexus IS and the Prius. Both scored 86.8 per cent against an industry average of 79 per cent.

The Skoda was the only European manufacturer to make the top 12. Three of its cars ranked in the leading dozen.

Hollywood actors who use the Prius include Leonardo diCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Jane Fonda, Harrison-Ford and Meryl Streep. In Britain, it is favoured by Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and the Liverpool footballer Harry Kewell. The late DJ John Peel also drove one.

The Prius switches between petrol and electric power to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas blamed for global warming. With its electric motor and petrol engine, it averages about 65.7miles per gallon.

Worst ranked out of 113 cars, was the Smart Roadster, followed by the Chrysler Voyager and Grand Voyager - a past favourite.

The poll was complied by global quality experts J.D Power in association with What Car? magazine.

It was based on feedback from motorists after two years of ownership-Steve Fowler, editor of What Car?, said, "The Toyota Prius clearly demonstrates that car owners think green is good.

"We know there's an increase in consumer interest in environmentallyfriendly cars here in the UK, and with the Prius topping the model rankings in the 2007 study, we may be seeing a trend emerging."