RE: Toyota sells eight million hybrids
Discussion
liner33 said:
Certainly quicker to accelerate in power mode , this uses both the ICE and motors to accelerate that's the only way to get the full 134hp since the engine only has 100 or so on its own
You will get full power in any mode, the difference is in response. In eco the throttle response is softened such that full power takes a moment to arrive, whereas in power mode it responds a lot sooner and gives full power near instentaneously.I find eco is suited to town driving, but prefer power mode for hilly areas or motorway driving.
Jonny_ said:
In eco the throttle response is softened such that full power takes a moment to arrive, whereas in power mode it responds a lot sooner and gives full power near instentaneously.
Yep. In "Power" <chuckle>, the only apparent difference was that it got noisier sooner.In 1,800km of bimbling around a very low-traffic country, it did a snidge over 40mpg, by my rough reckoning. I couldn't summon the enthusiasm to actually work it out properly. I think it was silver.
TooMany2cvs said:
Yep. In "Power" <chuckle>, the only apparent difference was that it got noisier sooner.
In 1,800km of bimbling around a very low-traffic country, it did a snidge over 40mpg, by my rough reckoning. I couldn't summon the enthusiasm to actually work it out properly. I think it was silver.
Can't imagine what you have to do to it to get 40mpg! In 1,800km of bimbling around a very low-traffic country, it did a snidge over 40mpg, by my rough reckoning. I couldn't summon the enthusiasm to actually work it out properly. I think it was silver.
I used mine last weekend to cart three mates out to the Peak District for a spot of hiking, then the next day we fitted the roof bars and bike carriers and took a pair of mountain bikes up to Dalby Forest for a days riding. Filled it up afterward and despite doing nearly 400 miles fully laden, up steep hills and on motorways with bikes on the roof, it still worked out at just over 50mpg. Normal driving works out at 55 to 60 at the pump, the dash tends to overread by 3 or 4mpg.
Anyway, I'm flogging a dead horse here. Either the example you hired was knackered, or your driving style doesn't suit the hybrid setup. It's not set up to reward hard acceleration or high speed driving,
TooMany2cvs said:
Yep. In "Power" <chuckle>, the only apparent difference was that it got noisier sooner.
In 1,800km of bimbling around a very low-traffic country, it did a snidge over 40mpg, by my rough reckoning. I couldn't summon the enthusiasm to actually work it out properly. I think it was silver.
I'm a bit sad in that I've logged my mileage and fuel spend (and maintenance/repairs on my own cars) since the late 1990's. In 1,800km of bimbling around a very low-traffic country, it did a snidge over 40mpg, by my rough reckoning. I couldn't summon the enthusiasm to actually work it out properly. I think it was silver.
My Auris (estate) is the most fuel efficient car I've ever had, average to date over 18,000 miles is 52 mpg. Compare that with 49 mpg for my previous Skoda, and 42 mpg for my V70. It's not bad I'd say, I'm happy with that.
I have had a couple of motorway runs where I've struggled to get above 40 mpg, but it would have been the same in anything, as it was due to a massive headwind and torrential rain with loads of standing water. At this time of year, motorway driving gets me 55-60+. Usually that's on cruise at 70 mph, but in heavy traffic, 80+ will get the same results, although it can't be done in clear air as the engine works a bit too hard at higher speeds without a tow off cars in front.
TooMany2cvs said:
Yep. In "Power" <chuckle>, the only apparent difference was that it got noisier sooner.
In 1,800km of bimbling around a very low-traffic country, it did a snidge over 40mpg, by my rough reckoning. I couldn't summon the enthusiasm to actually work it out properly. I think it was silver.
There's your problem. You weren't driving it properly because you couldn't be bothered to work out how to.In 1,800km of bimbling around a very low-traffic country, it did a snidge over 40mpg, by my rough reckoning. I couldn't summon the enthusiasm to actually work it out properly. I think it was silver.
Jonny_ said:
Can't imagine what you have to do to it to get 40mpg!
I drove it.Jonny_ said:
Either the example you hired was knackered
The 1,800km I put on it more than doubled the total mileage.Jonny_ said:
or your driving style doesn't suit the hybrid setup. It's not set up to reward hard acceleration or high speed driving,
You've never driven in Sweden, have you?It's nice to see that as time goes by, petrolheads are beginning to accept hybrids, if that acceptance isn't already there. I can recall the ire directed at them when they really started taking off in America and the UK, and much of that was warranted because they were adopted by Greenpeace members doing 40mph everywhere.
As time has passed though, they've slid into a sort of normality. No longer is it a curio to see a hybrid car on the road. Although a first generation Prius still turns heads in a 'what the he'll is that?' sort of way. I now don't think there is a smarter family car than a hybrid. I like the singular, focused design of the proper hybrids like the Insight and the Prius. That tear drop shape, all the thought that has went into packaging and drag profile. The space age interiors. They're a collection of neat little features that add up into an appetising whole.
I hope that proper hybrids continue to be a focus for development as I find them prettier than most other family cars. A 3 series with an integrated electric motor doesn't sound very space age to me, but undoubted the tech will expand across ranges, for the better. I really hope Toyota and Honda keep pushing their systems. I hope Volkswagen build on the lessons learned from the XL1 - how incredible would it be to see that format filtered down into something priced for mass production?
I'm really excited about getting a hybrid car next year. I don't mind the running costs on my Jag - about £200 a month at about 20mpg. But the chance to have a newer, different car that will really reward patience sounds nice, since I just want a commuter and shopping run car. If I want to have fun, I'll stick to my 955cc Triumph, primarily because I've never encountered a car as thrilling as that machine.
As time has passed though, they've slid into a sort of normality. No longer is it a curio to see a hybrid car on the road. Although a first generation Prius still turns heads in a 'what the he'll is that?' sort of way. I now don't think there is a smarter family car than a hybrid. I like the singular, focused design of the proper hybrids like the Insight and the Prius. That tear drop shape, all the thought that has went into packaging and drag profile. The space age interiors. They're a collection of neat little features that add up into an appetising whole.
I hope that proper hybrids continue to be a focus for development as I find them prettier than most other family cars. A 3 series with an integrated electric motor doesn't sound very space age to me, but undoubted the tech will expand across ranges, for the better. I really hope Toyota and Honda keep pushing their systems. I hope Volkswagen build on the lessons learned from the XL1 - how incredible would it be to see that format filtered down into something priced for mass production?
I'm really excited about getting a hybrid car next year. I don't mind the running costs on my Jag - about £200 a month at about 20mpg. But the chance to have a newer, different car that will really reward patience sounds nice, since I just want a commuter and shopping run car. If I want to have fun, I'll stick to my 955cc Triumph, primarily because I've never encountered a car as thrilling as that machine.
The Prius is good for city journeys, they are everywhere in central London for a reason. The same reason diesels trudge up and down the motorway. Both can do the other. However, covering say 15,000 miles a year of stop start traffic in any city would surely knacker a diesel engine. Plus the mpg would not be that great.
Therefore, small hybrids have there place. Good on Toyota for making them at that price. BMW, AUDI struggle to sell their hybrids in the UK because they cost too much and people are fixated with diesels. I much prefer a smooth drivetrain and therefore I would consider a hybrid or 6 pot diesel and of couse petrol. Any 4 pot diesel is just too unrefined for me.
Anyway since when have people been concerned with environmental costs? They are concerned with how much the car costs them to run throughout their ownership. Why do you think diesels are now so popular!
Therefore, small hybrids have there place. Good on Toyota for making them at that price. BMW, AUDI struggle to sell their hybrids in the UK because they cost too much and people are fixated with diesels. I much prefer a smooth drivetrain and therefore I would consider a hybrid or 6 pot diesel and of couse petrol. Any 4 pot diesel is just too unrefined for me.
Anyway since when have people been concerned with environmental costs? They are concerned with how much the car costs them to run throughout their ownership. Why do you think diesels are now so popular!
if you sell your Diesel car every 3 years, you'll be fine. Past 60000 miles, many Diesels start having costly issues these days. Injectors leak, Turbos fail, manifolds crack. Each is usually a four digit bill.
The Toyota Hybrid drivetrain has virtually zero issues. The older 1.5l engine of the 2nd gen suffers from leaky water pumps.
They cost 50 quid and you can swap them yourself from above. That is about it what breaks.
There is no clutch, no high pressure fuel system, no carbon build up from direct injection, no gear change mechanism, no starter motor, no alternator. Just electronics and electric motors. And for reasons of good engineering, they are extremely reliable.
The Toyota hybrids really excell when it comes to total cost of ownership if you run them for 100000+ miles. That is why cab companies love them.
Mine runs a limited 105 mph (GPS) or a indicated 113 mph . It also reaches that speed within reasonable times. I live in Germany and do many Autobahn miles. if I push on I have no issues flowing with 90 to 100 mph traffic. Most 4 pot Diesel econobox drivers are surprised they cannot follow after they let me pass and try it. Even my GF who drives a 120d says the car is quick.
The 2nd gen prius have rather stiff suspension and handle pretty well. The streering is light and provides little feedback. But that is intentional. You got to live with it. If you enjoy mountain roads on the limit of traction, don't buy a Prius. it is a tool, a rather good one.
Try the rear seats in a 2nd or 4rd gen Prius. There is a lot of space. it is comparable to a A6 or E-clclass Benz rear. A Auris, C-class or 3 series has way less interior space.
The Toyota Hybrid drivetrain has virtually zero issues. The older 1.5l engine of the 2nd gen suffers from leaky water pumps.
They cost 50 quid and you can swap them yourself from above. That is about it what breaks.
There is no clutch, no high pressure fuel system, no carbon build up from direct injection, no gear change mechanism, no starter motor, no alternator. Just electronics and electric motors. And for reasons of good engineering, they are extremely reliable.
The Toyota hybrids really excell when it comes to total cost of ownership if you run them for 100000+ miles. That is why cab companies love them.
Mine runs a limited 105 mph (GPS) or a indicated 113 mph . It also reaches that speed within reasonable times. I live in Germany and do many Autobahn miles. if I push on I have no issues flowing with 90 to 100 mph traffic. Most 4 pot Diesel econobox drivers are surprised they cannot follow after they let me pass and try it. Even my GF who drives a 120d says the car is quick.
The 2nd gen prius have rather stiff suspension and handle pretty well. The streering is light and provides little feedback. But that is intentional. You got to live with it. If you enjoy mountain roads on the limit of traction, don't buy a Prius. it is a tool, a rather good one.
Try the rear seats in a 2nd or 4rd gen Prius. There is a lot of space. it is comparable to a A6 or E-clclass Benz rear. A Auris, C-class or 3 series has way less interior space.
I had one as a company car in 2008, mainly because it meant I could spend the saved tax on my Seven. It was fun though for a few reasons:
1. It was quickish at he lights and up to 30 [nobody goes faster that this in London] it could beat quite a few faster normal cars.
2. The police never gave it a 2nd look even if going a bit too fast.
Also, it did the same MPG in central London as my previous Passat TDI did on a run and didn't share the VWs typically German low quality and dodgy electrics. In fact not a single thing went wrong with it in 4 years.
1. It was quickish at he lights and up to 30 [nobody goes faster that this in London] it could beat quite a few faster normal cars.
2. The police never gave it a 2nd look even if going a bit too fast.
Also, it did the same MPG in central London as my previous Passat TDI did on a run and didn't share the VWs typically German low quality and dodgy electrics. In fact not a single thing went wrong with it in 4 years.
I didn't mind the mk1 Toyota Prius styling when it came out in 1997. Although when the mk2 version came out just pissed me off and the ecomentalist tree shagger pricks and minicab drivers that started buying them with their double standard bulls
t and hypocrite mentality.
fk the Prius, and if you want to be down with the Prius, then fk you too!
t and hypocrite mentality.f
k the Prius, and if you want to be down with the Prius, then fk you too!
err confession time. I've just bought a 3yo top spec Auris "Touring Sport" hybrid, after 12 Saabs (petrol & diesel) plus sundry other stuff from the dark ages. Not bought to save the planet, just that having been burnt by DPF, EGR, MAF, and other TLA swearwords I couldn't face another diesel and 20k pa at my own expense makes petrol pricey. Loving it. Can see why they get criticised, and it is an unusual experience, but it is quick enough (0-60=10s with no effort) and economical enough (~50-55mpg) (for me) in the real world. The silence at the lights and the high level of EV mode in traffic is bliss. A big plus is that it looks "ordinary" so peops don't think you're a holier-than-thou prious* type.
- prious ˈprʌɪəs/ adjective. Characterized by a hypocritical desire to appear to be concerned about the environment and saving the planet.
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