Perhaps the headline should read lowering the bar as latest figures released confirm the third generation Prius has industry leading low CO2 emissions.

Here at TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk we have covered the next incarnation of the much loved Prius in detail, however it is not until now that we have published confirmed CO2 emission figure for the hybrid.

The current second generation Prius remains one of the lowest CO2 emitting cars on UK roads, with only the current spate of super-frugal diesel supermini’s and city cars, such as the Ford Fiesta Econetic, Volkswagen Polo Blue Motion and SEAT Ibiza Ecomotion bettering its published 104g/km figure.

Our Green Car Manufacturer of 2008 has obviously been keen to redress the balance and again lead the way in low CO2 motoring, and news coming from the Japanese carmaker is that the third generation Prius has a confirmed CO2 emissions figure of only 89g/km. Currently only the super small  two-seater Smart ForTwo 45 can beat this at 88g/km.

This third generation is not just an over haul of the existing model, some ninety per cent of the components in its Hybrid Synergy Drive system have been redesigned. The new system is 22% more powerful while reducing weight and size, and fuel consumption.

The new Prius will go head-to-head with Honda’s new hybrid the Insight when it goes on sale in the UK from July.

The third generation Toyota Prius will receive its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Has news of the Prius stolen the thunder of Honda’s Hybrid the Insight, let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

One of the most eagerly anticipated electric cars in the world – the Mitsubishi iMiev – is on its way to Europe, suggests international news reports.

According to a report in the Nikkei, Mitsubishi will supply more than 10,000 iMiev vehicles to French group PSA in 2011, which will double its previous production estimates. This will then allow PSA to sell the electric cars under the Citroen and Peugeot brands, boosting the company’s green credentials.

Mitsubishi has planned to make 2,000 iMiev vehicles in 2009 with 4,000 units in 2010 before accelerating mass-production. Now it aims to reach around 20,000 units in 2011 with the new agreement allowing the company to lower its costs and boost competitiveness.

The iMiev uses a 47kW electric motor with 133lb-ft of torque and a 330V 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack from Lithium Energy Japan. It is capable of achieving speeds up to 81mph and has a range of 100 miles in the Japanese 10-15 cycle driving conditions.

There has been no confirmation of pricing in Europe at this stage.