Toyota Prius 2010
Since the debut of the second-generation Toyota Prius in 2003, the gas-electric hybrid has risen from a niche product to become Toyota’s third-best-selling model in the United States. The car inspires a devotion from its drivers. Satisfaction rates, consistently at about 98 percent..
First rolled out in the United States in 2000, the Prius is now among the 10 top-selling cars there and will soon be built at Toyota's new plant in Blue Springs, Miss.
A 30% increase in U. S. retail gasoline prices over the past year will push both vehicles on to buyer lists, said George Magliano, analyst at Global Insight in New York City. "Small cars, hybrids, anything that saves you on gasoline is going to sell well. And Honda's got the cachet."
For the first time, the Prius offers a moonroof and heated seats. The sliding glass moonroof, packaged with a slick-looking solar panel, provides power to a new ventilation system that doesn’t require help from the gas engine. Not only does the AC system keep the interior air temperature from heating up when the vehicle is parked (thus reducing the time/energy needed to cool things down), the system can be operated remotely to heat or cool the cabin before getting into the car. (That’s a neat trick even if the rooftop solar panels don’t produce enough energy to power the wheels.)
Three driving modes are now available: Power, Economy and EV. Power improves throttle response; economy reduces throttle response for better gas mileage; and with a flip of the dashboard EV button, the car can go about one mile at low speeds without using any gasoline.
An optional radar system using advanced millimeter waves enables “Lane Keep Assist” to help the driver stay safely within the lane, and the “Pre-Collision System” retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable. Intelligent parking offers settings to help guide the Prius into parking spaces. A backup monitor, which provides a view of rear obstacles when reverse is engaged, is available with an optional voice-activated navigation system.
The new touch sensor system on the steering wheel helps keep the driver’s eyes on the road. Images of the switches and their positions are shown on the instrument panel directly in front.
See Toyota's list of Prius option packages.
Ford Fusion Hybrid 2010
The Ford Fusion Hybrid was awarded the North American Car of the Year prize at the 2010 Detroit auto show based on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. The car was also named Motor Trend's Car of the Year.
It's getting awards because the vehicle sets a new record in hybrid technology with it's seamless and sophisticated hybrid powertrain.
It’s fun to drive and speaks of refinement all around, from handling and braking through comfort and convenience. The Ford Fusion Hybrid has been selling far fewer units than the Toyota Prius or the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Hopefully recognition as car of the year, and other awards will help consumers become more aware of the Fusion Hybrid 2010 model.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid’s 41 city / 36 highway mileage ratings beat the Camry Hybrid’s 33/34 and the Altima Hybrid’s 35/33. Ford engineers also did a tremendous 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 quietly. No other hybrid including t $107,000 Lexus can make that claim.
The Fusion Hybrid and the Mercury Milan Hybrid are the first vehicles to use Ford’s second-generation hybrid system. Hybrid-electric vehicle systems engineer Gil Portalatin told us that the control logic for the new hybrid system provides much tighter integration of engine operation and power delivery. The new logic goes as far as to vary the engine’s valve timing, fuel delivery, and spark timing to match the power delivered through the electric motor, permitting very aggressive fuel shutdown under light loads. As a result, the Fusion Hybrid’s 2.5-liter engine shuts itself off twice as much as the earlier Escape, with the electric system providing more power. In addition, new control logic for the regenerative brakes recaptures up to 94 percent of the braking energy and feeds it to the battery.
If you like the Fusion Hybrid’s more dynamic handling and performance, and smoother hybrid system, compared to the Camry Hybrid or Altima Hybrid, then get ready to pay for it. The Fusion Hybrid, with a base MSRP of $27,300, is $2,000 more than the Camry Hybrid or Altima Hybrid. And it’s several thousand dollars more than the base-level Fusion S trim, which has a fuel efficiency rating of 22/31. For reference, Ford’s other hybrid, the Escape Hybrid SUV, is comparably priced to the Fusion at $29,300 and offers fuel economy at 36 in the city and 31 on the highway.
Reaffirming Ford’s commitment to hybrid-electric vehicles, Nancy Gioia, the executive responsible for Ford’s electrified vehicles, said all its new products globally will permit hybrid versions. Gioia, a 26-year Ford veteran, told HybridCars.com that design standards have been changed to ensure future Ford “vehicle architectures” can accommodate gasoline, diesel, and hybrid powertrains. Not all vehicles will be offered as hybrids in all markets, she said, but Ford wants the option to add gas-electric drive with as little change as possible. If that makes it easier for Ford to roll out best-in-class hybrid features in compelling vehicles like the Ford Fusion, it'll be a good thing.
See Fords's list of Fusion's option packages.
Honda Insight Hybrid 2010
The 2010 Honda Insight. Yes it's a hybrid. But beyond its ultra low emissions, fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive nature, its unique Eco Assist™ system with ECON mode can actually make you a more environmentally friendly driver. Moreover, the Insight represents another innovative step that we can all take towards a brighter future with blue skies for our children.
 The Insight's unique ECO Assist™ technology modifies various vehicle systems to minimize your overall energy use and maximize your fuel efficiency – all at the push of the ECON button. Plus with the Eco Guide feedback system, the Insight actually encourages you to become a more fuel-efficient driver. The system monitors your immediate driving habits and shows you how efficiently you are accelerating, braking, or cruising by changing the speedometer background colour from blue to green. The Eco Guide also features a long term cumulative scoring system located in your Multi-Information Display that rewards you with green "leaves" as your driving performance improves overtime.
The Fusion Hybrid and the Mercury Milan Hybrid are the first vehicles to use Ford’s second-generation hybrid system. Hybrid-electric vehicle systems engineer Gil Portalatin told us that the control logic for the new hybrid system provides much tighter integration of engine operation and power delivery. The new logic goes as far as to vary the engine’s valve timing, fuel delivery, and spark timing to match the power delivered through the electric motor, permitting very aggressive fuel shutdown under light loads. As a result, the Fusion Hybrid’s 2.5-liter engine shuts itself off twice as much as the earlier Escape, with the electric system providing more power. In addition, new control logic for the regenerative brakes recaptures up to 94 percent of the braking energy and feeds it to the battery.
If you like the Fusion Hybrid’s more dynamic handling and performance, and smoother hybrid system, compared to the Camry Hybrid or Altima Hybrid, then get ready to pay for it. The Fusion Hybrid, with a base MSRP of $27,300, is $2,000 more than the Camry Hybrid or Altima Hybrid. And it’s several thousand dollars more than the base-level Fusion S trim, which has a fuel efficiency rating of 22/31. For reference, Ford’s other hybrid, the Escape Hybrid SUV, is comparably priced to the Fusion at $29,300 and offers fuel economy at 36 in the city and 31 on the highway.
Reaffirming Ford’s commitment to hybrid-electric vehicles, Nancy Gioia, the executive responsible for Ford’s electrified vehicles, said all its new products globally will permit hybrid versions. Gioia, a 26-year Ford veteran, told HybridCars.com that design standards have been changed to ensure future Ford “vehicle architectures” can accommodate gasoline, diesel, and hybrid powertrains. Not all vehicles will be offered as hybrids in all markets, she said, but Ford wants the option to add gas-electric drive with as little change as possible. If that makes it easier for Ford to roll out best-in-class hybrid features in compelling vehicles like the Ford Fusion, it'll be a good thing.
See Honda's list of Insight's option packages.
Lexus LS600h L 2010
In the world of luxury vehicles, the Lexus LS600h L is a trendsetter. Yes, it’s powered by a V8 engine, but it’s also a hybrid. As you might expect, this car is the technology and quality showcase for the entire Lexus brand, and at a starting price of $119,950.
 Key standard features. The 5.0-litre V8 engine/hybrid powertrain makes 438 net horsepower at 6,400 rpm, and 385 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. This is an all-wheel drive vehicle, with a CVT transmission, an adaptive front and rear air suspension system and the full range of electronic stability and traction controls. It rides on P245/45R19 all-season tires (my test car was fitted with Blizzak winter tires), weighs 2,290 kilograms (5,049 pounds), has a 3,090 millimetre (121.7-inch) wheelbase and an exceedingly low coefficient of drag of 0.27.
Standard equipment highlights include heated wood steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering, 450-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround audio system with 19 speakers, USB audio input, Bluetooth capability, premium leather heated and cooled front seats, 16-way power driver’s seat, 12-way power passenger seat, heated rear seats, power rear window and rear door sunshades, hard-drive-based navigation system with voice recognition, leather-covered instrument panel and doors, LED headlamps and taillamps, auto-levelling headlamp system, push-button start, clearance and backup sensor, power assist doors and several cup holders.
In addition to the above highlights, you can assume this car features just about every other technological and convenience item imaginable (dual-zone climate control, fog lamps, rain sensing wipers, etc.).
For an extra $24,050, the Premium Executive Package adds a rear-seat DVD player/entertainment system with remote control, two sets of wireless headphones, four-zone independent automatic climate control, infrared body temperature sensor, intelligent cruise control system, pre-collision system, lane keeping assist system, driver monitoring system, obstacle detection system, heated and air conditioned power rear seats, right rear seat retractable ottoman, rear seat Shiatsu massage, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
See the Lexus list of option packages.
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