This new year will be bringing with it three new hybrid sedan choices for American consumers. Obviously most of us here are waiting for the Chevy Volt but since that wont arrive until late 2010 maybe one of these will have to do for now.
1. Ford Fusion Hybrid
This is a brand new strong parallel hybrid that has received an official EPA rating of 41 city/36 highway mpg, which makes it the highest mileage mid-sized sedan, beating the Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in city driving. It has a 90 kw electric motor, and 1.4 kWh NiMh battery and is capable of driving electric only up to 47 mph. It also has a 155 hp 2.5L gas engine. There is robust regenerative braking said to capture 94% of kinetic energy, and aggressive fuel shutoff on deceleration. The MSRP is $27,270.
2. Honda Insight
This is a low-priced mild hybrid. It uses what Honda calls Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) that basically delivers electric motor assist on acceleration and at some cruise speeds, and otherwise uses engine cutoff at stops and regenerative braking. There are no official EPA numbers yet but a low 40 mpg range is expected. The original tiny 2 seat Insight got 48 city/58 highway mpg and per Honda the new Insight “won’t be able to duplicate the original Insight’s numbers because of its size.” The car has Prius-esque aerodynamic styling and is expected to be priced less than $19,000.
3. Third Generation Toyota Prius
The latest iteration of the Prius is larger and wider, with a more powerful gas engine up to 1.8 L from the current 1.4 L. It uses the strong parallel Toyota Synergy Drive Hybrid System that has electric only low speed driving capability. Current generation Prius EPA estimates are 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway, and it is possible the new version will top or sustain those. Pricing is also unconfirmed but will likely be in the low to mid-20s. Information is still somewhat lacking as the car’s global unveiling wont be until next week in Detroit.
Of course none of these have a plug, but if you had to pick one, which one would you and why?
What HVAC Mode of Operation Do You Plan to Use in Your Chevy Volt?
- Low Power (slow to heat and cool cabin, more pure electric range) (45%)
- Normal Power (faster heating and cooling, less pure electric range) (40%)
- Doesn't Matter (15%)
Total Votes: 1,452
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