Premier Prius

TOKYO: A group of 78 Japanese automobile researchers and journalists have voted Toyota's Prius the New Car of the Year.

The Prius was chosen from 22 new passenger car models released by domestic automakers this year because it is the world's first mass-produced car with "hybrid" engine technology -- the pairing of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, the group said.

Runners-up were Honda's Accord and Mazda's Capella.

The Import Car of the Year award went to Volkswagen's Passat, the group said.