Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Hybrids


Evening readers, as I am currently on vacation, internet access is limited-- sorry for the short post. See you guys next week!


According to hybridvehicle.org, the definition of hybrid vehicle is: “A vehicle with more than one power source such as a small internal combustion engine and an electric motor.” Hybrids are increasing in popularity, as the 21st-century mentality seems to point north to going green.
·             Common Hybrids:

o   Chevrolet Volt:

o   Pros:
§  A car fast approaching markets; arguably the most fuel-efficient car in the market
§  Great looks inside and out
§  Being built by a reformed General Motors (GM), quality and attention to detail is consistently better than previous GM models
·            Wheels and stereo system for instance, both environmentally friendly and energy saving
§  Many standard features
§  Good power on the go
§  Oodles of safety features
§  Still has that American touch to it
o   Cons:
§  Pricey for such a range of vehicles
§  Backseat strictly limited to two
§  Requires specific home charger
§  Buttons and knobs, a tad sensitive
§  Brakes—not much confidence in them

o   Toyota Prius

o   Pros:
§  Great versatility
§  Reasonable price
§  Space efficient
§  Many options available
§  All your celebs should have one by now
o   Cons:
§  Looks horrible
§  Driving position extremely awkward
§  Lacks interior quality
§  Entire front dash including speedometer seems overly cluttered

o   Lexus RX450h:

o   Pros:
§  Great fuel economy being the creation of a high class Toyota
§  An amazing SUV with luxury material, luxury feel, and quality
·            Mark Levinson speakers (optional)
·            Soft touch leather
·            Power boot
·            New
§  Lexus = guaranteed smoothness and refinement
§  Great on long journeys
§  Great reliability
§  Got kids?
o   Cons:
§  Price more than gas powered sibling; equipment the same
§  Compared to gas powered sibling, exterior hard to differentiate
§  Nose of the vehicle, either a love or hate relationship
§  Optional 4WD system not much faith

o   Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid:

o   Pros:
§  Being a Mercedes, quality and reliability come as standard
§  A prestigious, yet environmentally friendly car
§  Additional quietness due to hybrid system
§  Numerous safety features
§  More nimble than gas powered sibling
§  Many standard features
·            Parktronic
·            Mood lighting
·            Massage seats
·            Active suspension
·            PRE-SAFE
§  German touch which one has to love
§  Fits in the lobby of any hotel
o   Cons:
§  Price more than gas powered sibling (S350); equipment more or less the same, less powerful
§  Steep pricing
§  Heavier than gas powered sibling
§  7-G Tronic gearshift tricky to use when working your way into a tight lot

·            Though there are many more hybrids out in the market, this list provides a general gist of the concept. Hybrids come at a cost—the highest rate of insurance claims comes from hybrid vehicles themselves. Take into consideration though, that you’re taking one step closer to nature.

o    Pictures from:

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