Tokyo/Cologne (dpa) – Japanese carmaker Toyota has treated the plug-in hybrid Prius to a facelift, three years after the European market debut of the current model.

A restyled lower grille along with LED daytime running lights and new positions for the fog lamps are the most striking changes to the front of the hatchback. New rear lights have also been added.

The cabin makeover includes a new black theme and an expanded range of multimedia options, including the so-called Hybrid Eco Monitor. This touchscreen display enables the owner to keep track of fuel consumption over a much longer period than was previously possible.

The drivetrain has been left unchanged, with the familiar combination of a 1.8-litre petrol engine developing 99 horsepower and mated to an electric motor which turns out 82 hp. Combined output is given as 136 hp. The car can travel around 25 kilometres in electric mode only and returns overall fuel consumption of around 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid when it went on sale in 1997 and is marketed in 70 countries. Since then overall sales have exceeded two million units.

High School seniors across the country have long since moved their graduation tassels from right to left. And before they start buying mini-fridges and extra-long bedsheets for their dorm rooms, prospective undergraduates need an affordable, safe and mpg-friendly ride that will leave Mom and Dad stress-free during trips to and from school.

AutoWeek editors pick their list of top cars in which to send a kid off to college. The list includes:

• 2009 Hyundai Elantra Sedan
• 2009 Honda Civic
• 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
• 2009 Ford Escape
• 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid
• 2010 Kia Soul
• 2009 Dodge Caliber SE
• 2009 Ford Focus
• 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Sedan
• Used cars will do the trick

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