Browse » Home » Archives for August 2013

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

by
0 Comments In
2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford hit a grand slam two years ago with the introduction of an all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid. It was awarded the North American Car of the ...

Read more »


Ford hit a grand slam two years ago with the introduction of an all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid. It was awarded the North American Car of the Year prize at the 2010 Detroit auto show, named Motor Trend's Car of the Year

Why did the Fusion Hybrid rack up so many awards? Because the vehicle established a new benchmark in hybrid technology. Marrying a seamless, sophisticated hybrid powertrain to the outstanding Fusion platform – positioned solidly in the middle of the mainstream market – proved to be a winning combination. It's fun to drive and speaks of refinement all around, from handling and braking through comfort and convenience. And then there was the icing on the cake – class-leading fuel economy of 41 city/36 highway and 39 combined.

"The Toyota Prius and other hybrids are great for eco-geeks who hold fuel efficiency, low emissions and high-tech auto technology as sacrosanct – and all other car features as sacrifice. But drivers looking for a smooth, comfortable ride – with a modicum of style and performance – might as well forget hybrids." So went the opinion of many auto journalists who historically dinged hybrids for lackluster driving characteristics, squishy brakes, and clunky transitions between gas and electric power. But that was before the Ford Fusion Hybrid, a family sedan that offers 41 mpg in the city – and more importantly, some fun and refinement behind the wheel.

USA Today emphatically stated, "The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the best gasoline-electric hybrid yet." And Car and Driver said, "High mpg is a hybrid must, but the Fusion interpretation adds a modicum of fun-to-drive, thanks to precise steering."


Ford engineers did a remarkable job of eliminating the flutter-rumble that many hybrids make when transitioning from gas engine to electric mode. In the Fusion Hybrid, the gasoline engine seamlessly starts up and shuts down "with only the very faintest shudder" according to Automobile magazine. USA Today goes further: "There was no – none, nada, zip – vibration or shimmying in the test car when the gasoline kicked in to help the electric. No other hybrid – not even that $112,000 Lexus – can make that claim 100 percent of the time."

The entire line of Ford Fusions – including the base S, mid-level SE, well equipped SEL, and the Fusion Hybrid – were spruced up for the 2010 model year. Car and Driver said, "The refresh makes the Fusion sharper looking, particularly since the weird headlamps of the original have been replaced." Reviewers said the Fusion Hybrid looks like an uplevel Fusion SE or SEL. But not everybody likes the design. Bloomberg wrote, "From the lackluster rims, which look like they're made of plastic, to the generic sedan shape, the Fusion has no flash whatsoever."

The interior, especially the high-tech features, gets mixed reviews, but mostly positive. Detroit News said, "The new instrument cluster looks much more sophisticated, and the dash has an easy flow. The touch points are soft, and every inch of the cabin uses high-quality materials. Car and Driver added, "Inside, the Fusion also receives a new instrument panel, redesigned seats, and more stylish trim, although the quality of some of the materials isn't yet on par with those of the class leaders."

The 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid continues with Ford's SmartGauge technology. Inspired by the Toyota Prius' hybrid energy/consumption monitor, the SmartGauge goes further by helping the driver to learn specific techniques to achieve higher efficiency. The dashboard interface offers feedback to the driver – both visual and sound. In other words, it actually talks to you.

If you like the Fusion Hybrid's more dynamic handling and performance, and smoother hybrid system, compared to the Camry Hybrid, then get ready to pay for it. The 2012 Fusion Hybrid, with a base MSRP of $28,700 is $2,800 more than the 2012 Camry Hybrid LE and $1,300 more than the top line XLE model. Depending on the model, the Camry gets either more or less city fuel economy than the Fusion. Hyundai's Sonata Hybrid is also several thousands less than the Fusion Hybrid and offers a sleek exterior plus generous interior features. The Sonata Hybrid has worse fuel economy than the Fusion Hybrid in the city, but its EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating is better than the Fusion.


For reference, Ford's other hybrid, the Escape Hybrid SUV, is comparably priced to the Fusion at $29,865 and offers fuel economy at 34 in the city and 31 on the highway. (Ford is dropping the Escape Hybrid in March.)

If you don't place a premium on the latest styling or technology buy the 2012 Fusion Hybrid, it will serve you well. Plus, you can save money with the expected manufacturer incentives and dealer discounts as inventories of the 2012 model are cleared out to make way for the 2013 Fusion Hybrid.
2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Car Choice: 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Written By: Ava Olivia
Popularity: 5
Rating: 168 reviews
Posted by at
Labels:

by
0 Comments In
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

When we first reviewed the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid we noted it was taking direct aim at the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybr...

Read more »


When we first reviewed the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid we noted it was taking direct aim at the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid, the two most popular mid-size hybrid sedans, and said, "Keep your eye on the new kid on the hybrid block."

We weren't wrong, the Sonata Hybrid kicked butt. After its first three months on the market, the newbie established itself as the second best selling gas-electric in the United States, trailing only the indomitable Toyota Prius, a position it maintained through the end of 2011.

The Sonata Hybrid's meteoric rise on the hybrid sales chart wasn't just about the car's EPA fuel economy rating of 35 city/40 highway and 37 combined – there were seven other hybrid cars with higher ratings. Buyers were also enticed by the Sonata's eye-riveting styling and tech-rich standard equipment at a price that was difficult to pass up.

For 2012, the Sonata Hybrid reprises the 2011's exterior and interior styling, but adds Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system as standard and offers an optional Leather package ($1,500). The 2012 Sonata Hybrid is available in just one trim level and has a base price of $25,850, a $55 price bump from the 2011 model.


Like nearly all hybrid vehicle gasoline engines, the Sonata Hybrid's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is recalibrated to run on the Atkinson cycle, a method of improving engine efficiency. While a fair amount of low-end torque is relinquished with the Atkinson conversion, it is made up by the additional torque from the electric motor.

The Toyota Prius Liftback, with its combined 50-mpg rating, is still way ahead of the pack on both highway and city efficiency numbers – but shoppers are more likely to put the Sonata Hybrid in the larger mid-size sedan (with trunk) category along with the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion.

Hybrid critics have complained that the need to tote heavy batteries means one step forward and two steps back. Hyundai deals with that issue by using lightweight lithium polymer batteries. The lighter batteries and other weight reductions make the Sonata Hybrid the lightest vehicle in the segment, at just 3,457 pounds – 263 pounds lighter than the Fusion Hybrid. Combined with Sonata's best-in-class horsepower rating, Sonata Hybrid has a significant advantage in power-to-weight ratio.

The Sonata Hybrid's 1.4 kilowatt-hour pack battery pack weighs just 95.9 pounds versus the Camry Hybrid's 123.9 pounds. The compact battery pack resides in the forward portion of the trunk to maximize cargo space. Compared Lithium polymer batteries deliver the same power with 20 to 30 percent less weight, 40 percent less volume and 10 percent greater efficiency over the nickel metal hydride batteries found in today's hybrids.

The Sonata Hybrid made quite a splash in 2011, and deservedly so. Its fuel economy numbers were better than the Camry Hybrid and the Sonata and Fusion Hybrid were nearly identical, but with highway and city numbers swapped. It also boasted a lower price than those mid-size hybrids: $1,250 less than the Camry, $2,805 less than the Fusion. Add to that the stunning design and standard high-tech features and the Sonata had a winning formula that made it the number two selling hybrid vehicle in 2011.

But things have changed. Last fall Toyota rolled out an all-new 2012 Camry Hybrid. The 2012 edition demonstrates Toyota's expertise in gasoline-electric hybrid technology, delivering a 43 city/39 highway mpg EPA fuel economy rating, numbers that handily best the 2012 Sonata. And while the Camry's styling leans toward pedestrian compared to the Sonata, its base price of $25,900 is just $50 more than the Hyundai.


That's not all. This fall Ford will begin selling an all-new 2013 Fusion Hybrid. Its fuel economy ratings are an expected 47 city/44 highway, numbers that are getting close to the indomitable Prius Liftback. Plus, it is blessed with the styling of the gasoline-powered Fusion that auto critics are calling the best-looking mid-size car, bar none.

But wait, the 2012 Sonata Hybrid offers something the others don't – Hyundai's warranty that the carmaker promotes as America's best. Basic coverage is 5-years/60,000-miles bumper-to-bumper and 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain. Owners also receive 24-hour roadside assistance at no extra charge for 5-years/unlimited mileage. Then there's the warranty knockout punch – the Lifetime Hybrid Battery Guarantee. If the lithium polymer battery fails, Hyundai will replace the battery and cover recycling costs of the old battery pack free of charge to the original owner.
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Car Choice: 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Written By: Ava Olivia
Popularity: 5
Rating: 168 reviews
Posted by at
Labels:

Sunday, August 4, 2013

by
0 Comments In
2013 Mercedes-Benz E400H Hybrid 2013 Mercedes-Benz E400H Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz has just started selling its 2013 E400H hybrid sedan in North America, adding to its slowly growing electrified stable. The...

Read more »


Mercedes-Benz has just started selling its 2013 E400H hybrid sedan in North America, adding to its slowly growing electrified stable. The company will have a diesel plug-in E-class for the Europeans who better appreciate such innovations, but in the U.S. the regular gas hybrid is the most environmentally friendly E-class.

It makes use of a powertrain derived from the $92,350 E-Class hybrid, bringing the barrier to entry down to $55,800 for a hybrid adorned with the silver star atop its grille.

Also a plus, this one uses a more capable electric motor – sandwiched as is the case with the S400HV – between the gas engine and seven-speed transmission actuated by steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The E-hybrid's gas engine is a 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 utilizing direct injection. The motor is a 27-horsepower unit and allows the car to travel up to a modest 22 mph for up to half a mile on electric power, assuming a light touch on the accelerator.

Naturally, the system uses stop/start technology and regenerative braking, and also adopts a lithium-ion battery pack – still relatively rare among hybrids which more often use nickel-metal hydride chemistry, and first pioneered on the 2010 S400HV.

Trunk space is retained because the diminutive battery is housed under the hood.

We hope to have a full review after May when Mercedes says it will have cars to evaluate.


In the mean time, we'll surmise as is usually the case, the E400H is a worthy member of the E-Class in fit, finish, equipment, and in the way it performs.

The company has been more a fan of diesels for decades, but in America, hybridization is all the rage, at least with more people here than elsewhere.

Being a high-line company with a reputation to uphold, Mercedes-Benz – as is the case for Audi, BMW, and Porsche – has been dipping its toes in the hybrid waters, but not watering down the formula overly much just to maximize economy.

Of course this car could get by with much less power, but then it would not meet the design criteria for an E-Class.

For the power it offers, its economy is respectable. We would expect also a heavy footed driver could plummet the advertised numbers, but then that is always the case hybrid buyers must understand when contemplating fuel economy claims.

Being a high-line company with a reputation to uphold, Mercedes-Benz – as is the case for Audi, BMW, and Porsche – has been dipping its toes in the hybrid waters, but not watering down the formula overly much just to maximize economy.

Of course this car could get by with much less power, but then it would not meet the design criteria for an E-Class.

For the power it offers, its economy is respectable. We would expect also a heavy footed driver could plummet the advertised numbers, but then that is always the case hybrid buyers must understand when contemplating fuel economy claims.
2013 Mercedes-Benz E400H Hybrid
Car Choice: 2013 Mercedes-Benz E400H Hybrid
Written By: Ava Olivia
Popularity: 5
Rating: 168 reviews
Posted by at
Labels:

by
0 Comments In
2013 Lexus CT200h 2013 Lexus CT200h

Being the luxury nameplate for Toyota, the top-selling hybrid maker, Lexus offers a range of hybrids including its most fuel efficient an...

Read more »


Being the luxury nameplate for Toyota, the top-selling hybrid maker, Lexus offers a range of hybrids including its most fuel efficient and cost-effective, the CT200h.

The car carries forward with minimal updates from the 2012 model year, having ranked last year in the top 10 itself for North American sales.

Making use of a version of the Toyota Prius' 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle engine, and electric motor based Hybrid Synergy Drive system, the CT200h offers an upscale trade-off.

In exchange for more sporty styling, attention to luxury, and improved road-handling manners, the car is a compact class – not midsize like the Prius – and its mileage is a lower, but still respectable 43 mpg city, 40 highway, and 42 mpg combined.

This makes it the most efficient of Lexus' growing range of five hybrids, and at a suggested retail price of $32,050 overlaps into upper trim-level Prius territory, and the CT 200h is the least expensive entry point into Lexus brand ownership.

The vehicle does channel its power through a continuously variable transmission however, which while maximizing efficiency, can be less than sonorous as it hunts through variable ratios, gives no manual control or over-ride ability to the driver, and is not the most desirable among genuine sports cars.

The car's hybrid system features four driving modes: EV, Eco, Normal and Sport, but its 0-60 times are basically equal to the regular Prius Liftback.


Updates this year include a Silver Lining Metallic paint color, and Ultra White is available with the F SPORT options.

Inside changes include updated navigation with next generation Lexus Enform® with Safety Connect® and App Suite, and HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging. Also, the navigation screen can be kept closed at start up and the car has a padded driver's arm rest.

Park assist is also now available as a standalone option, and a Seat Comfort Package offers heated front seats and four-way power passenger seat (required with Premium Package).
2013 Lexus CT200h
Car Choice: 2013 Lexus CT200h
Written By: Ava Olivia
Popularity: 5
Rating: 168 reviews
Posted by at
Labels:

by
0 Comments In
2012 Honda Civic Hybrid 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda says that the 2012 Civic Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient sedan (i.e. not a hatchback) on U.S. roads. The all-new, ninth-generatio...

Read more »


Honda says that the 2012 Civic Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient sedan (i.e. not a hatchback) on U.S. roads. The all-new, ninth-generation 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, using a lithium ion battery for the first time, increases its average EPA fuel economy rating from 41 mpg to 44 mpg. The new model is rated at 44 in both city and highway driving.

The improvement in fuel economy solidifies the Civic Hybrid's second-place position for fuel economy among cars that don't plug into the grid. The 44-mpg average moves the Civic slightly closer to the Prius's 50-mpg level, and edges out the 42-mpg Lexus CT 200h. Honda makes the claim that the Civic Hybrid becomes the most fuel-efficient sedan – meaning it's not a hatchback – on U.S. roads.

In addition to the shift to lithium-ion batteries, the 2012 Civic Hybrid gains a larger gasoline engine, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder in place of a 1.3-liter. Combined gasoline and electric horsepower is unchanged at 110 and torque is up a nominal four pounds-feet, to 127. Yuuji Fujiki, chief engineer for Honda's IMA hybrid system, explained that the larger displacement allows the engine to run at lower RPMs, which in turn allows for more frequent use of the electric motor and produces a quieter ride.

Fujiki said every aspect of the hybrid system's design was tweaked for optimal efficiency – such as the motor that increases output from 15 kW to 20 kW, uses more coils and widely spaced magnets, and employs plastic spacers to better manage temperature. The motor provides up to 23 horsepower, a three horsepower gain over the previous motor.

The 20-kW Li-ion battery is more powerful by 5 kW and 30 percent lighter than the previous generation's nickel-metal hydride battery. The IMA system's greater power and the battery's 35 percent increase in efficiency allow the Civic Hybrid to operate more frequently on the electric motor's power alone in certain low-speed cruising situations.

There's a side benefit in going lithium: so the next generation of Civic Hybrid owners don't go postal.

The Civic Hybrid doesn't stray too far from its gasoline cousins. The Civic's ride and handling reputation of being among the very best in class continues. Tweaks to the all-independent suspension, the shorter wheelbase and a stiffer body provide a more refined ride comfort than the 2011 model while maintaining agile and responsive handling. Steering is nicely weighted and executes sharp cornering in an effortless manner.

Tough horsepower is the same, the larger displacement 1.5-liter four is more responsive than the previous 1.3-liter engine. While it won't win any stoplight drags, once up to speed it's a solid performer when merging onto freeways and passing.

Around town the Hybrid has a smooth, fairly well-damped ride and it's easy-to-drive and easy-to-park. The highway ride is firm, controlled and pleasant, not harsh. Bumps and those pesky expansion joints have a negligible impact.

Two things set the Hybrid apart from the gas Civics. First, while improved, the regenerative brakes still have a jerky pedal feel that take time to get used to. Second, and again improved, when the gas engine restarts after shutting down temporarily at stops, the car shudders as it gets up to speed.

For 2012, the base Civic Hybrid has a suggested retail price of $24,050, up $100 from 2011. A leather-trimmed interior package that includes heated front seats adds $1,200. Combine the leather with a navigation package and the sticker price is $27,150. In comparison, the Toyota Prius Three, the most popular 2011 model with fuel economy rated at 50 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving, starts at $24,520 and includes satellite radio.

In the past, Prius buyers usually spent at least a couple thousand more dollars to buy Toyota's celebrity hybrid than those who drove off with a Civic, but that has changed. Not only has the price gap narrowed, the Prius is a larger car and it's hatchback style allows the rear seats to fold forward, enlarging the cargo space from 21.6 cubic feet to nearly 40 cubic feet.

Even though the price comparison between the Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius tips the scale toward the Prius with its better fuel economy, the Civic Hybrid will satisfy shoppers who value the Honda Civic for its reliability and contemporary look, but really want a hybrid. And, if the Prius design is not your cup of tea, and you can live with a compact rather than a mid-size sedan, then the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is worth a strong consideration.
2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
Car Choice: 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
Written By: Ava Olivia
Popularity: 5
Rating: 168 reviews
Posted by at
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
 
Toggle Footer
Top