Top hybrid cars

Auto majors are in the market to lure customers with their latest hybrid models. Here are a few leading models that have already captured the market share.

Toyota Prius
A four-door sedan, it is the best hybrid in terms of its competent technology. It gives you a reasonably good 50mpg in the real mixed driving. When compared to other popular models, Prius has bigger interior with its 175-inch long body. The 1.5-liter four cylinder engine combined with the electric motor offers a total 110 horsepower. Estimated for a reasonable price of $21,725, this product gives you a tax incentive $3,100. It won the Car of the Year in the year 2005.

Honda Civic Hybrid
A four-door sedan, which offers a 110horsepower with its 1.3 liter engine, gives you a 45mpg on highways whereas in the cities it offers about 26mpg only. Civic has improved its model by techniques such as complete deactivation of the cylinders under adverse conditions and an efficient setting for Honda’s i-VTECH engine. In spite of these modifications Honda Civic lags behind Prius in terms of its fuel efficiency and power. The Civic variance is available in the price range of $22,150 to $23,650 with a tax benefit of approximately $2,100. Honda Civic won the Car of the Year in the year 2006.

Ford Escape Hybrid
Ford is proud of its first SUV hybrid, the Ford Escape, the best hybrid SUV on offer. Owing to the success of this model, the manufacturer came up with a similar Mercury Mariner 2007. These are small vehicles with an average mileage of 28 mpg on the real-world mixed driving. Estimated for a decent $26,900 to $28,525, Ford Escape Hybrid stands alone in the auto market with its maneuverability and the visibility. Other special features of this model are the anti-lock brakes, AWD, and a 110-volt outlet on the control panel.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid
It is characterized by its chic, comfort and the best EPA mileage. Its estimated EPA mileage is about 32mpg city and 29 mpg for highways. The amenities include the best seating system and the Audiophile Sound system. The Mercury Mariner has earned the government’s highest five-star side crash test rating for two consecutive years 2006 and 2007. The price of Mariner starts from $28,615

Honda Insight Hybrid
This famous model is best known for its fuel economy. The remarkable features of this model, viz., the aerodynamic structure and its light body, contribute to the best EPA mileage of 57 -60 mpg/city and 56 – 66 mpg/highways. But this small size, two-seater, 155.1-inch long, may not be your ideal choice always. Also compared to the more powerful models - Toyota Prius or Honda Civic hybrid, this does not promise a comfortable journey.

The Honda Accord hybrid
World’s first hybrid sport sedan, the Honda Accord hybrid is the fastest among the models available in the market. With its 253-hp V-6 engine it excels in its performance on the roads. But the Honda Accord’s emphasis on the speed rather than fuel efficiency makes the reviewers think twice before giving a grade to it, and so Toyota Camry’s hybrid gets a point in terms of its overall performance. Camry with its 40mpg mileage while at 70mph, and an overall 30mpg in real-time driving becomes a better choice of the customers.

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February 19, 2007 | Filed Under Culture & Market

Comments

One Response to “Top hybrid cars”

Zé on March 30th, 2007 11:50 am

First off, you totally ignores LExus’ offers. The best hybrid SUV on offer is the RX and the best sedan on offer is the GS450h.

So there. And I’m not even going to argue the Prius’ specs and figures on paper vs. real life vs. the Honda Civic. Fortunately in Europe the Honda is cheaper than the Toyota.

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