Cool or Clean

At the recent Detroit Motor Show, the next generation Toyota Prius was unveiled. Don't get excited, it's as ugly as its predecessor. No matter how much I try to kid myself, a big reason why I haven't bought into the affordable hybrid market is that they're all bloody hideous to look at.  This is a compromise that I'm not yet willing to make. Is this some sort of unwritten eco/greenie rule that I'm unaware of - like wearing hemp pants and Havianas to formal occasions? I do have some standards.

I know it's not the case, because Honda and Lexus seem to deliver looks and hybrid power in the same package. On top of that, I've seen the Tesla Roadster! It is a fully electric, very sexy looking sports car - totally worthy of the ‘sports' tag given its link to Lotus. It looks gorgeous.  It will be even more appealing when Matt Damon and George Clooney take delivery of theirs this year.

But back to the Prius, the most well known of the hybrid vehicles on the market - is there anyone who seriously thinks it looks ok?  Has anyone got one? If you're driving a hybrid, do you want it to be that much of a statement? What's with the big fat, flat slabs. Where are the sleek curves? Can we please have some better looking hybrids at an affordable price?