Hybrid Trend Part 1

Over a decade ago, Hybrid cars with both a petrol engine and a battery was starting to catch attention in the far east particularly in Japan. Since then, there are many car makers that have spent millions in research and development in this area, producing a few models of hybrid car. At first many doubted the idea. Some were concerned about its performance, some were concerned about practicality but most were skeptical with how long can a hybrid car last before it needs large sum to maintain its part especially the battery ? 5 years, 10 years or 20 years ?

Currently in 2012, there are 3 large car maker in Malaysia that have a have a monopoly in the hybrid scene. You could say that in Japan, Toyota is the leading maker that experts in mass produced hybrid cars especially with the famous and well received Toyota Prius. Up until now there has been 3 models and Malaysia seen its first locally sold Prius in the form of the 3rd generation. Sales has been successful with many on the road and this gave Toyota the confidence to bring in the Prius C (Toyota Aqua in Japan) to our shores. Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota also have a well-received hybrid model, the CT200h. These hybrid cars have increased in numbers as the tax incentive and subsidies are making hybrid cars below 2000cc cheaper and don't mention that it is very environmental friendly. Let's take a look at Toyota's hybrid line. I am not going to discuss about technical data and technology talk.

Toyota Prius
The current Prius sold in Malaysia is the 3rd generation of its kind and in 2011 it received a facelift.  Prius is a 5 door mid-sized hatchback with a big boot suitable for family use. Personally when I saw it the first time it was a love-hate relationship. I love the modern design and the interior but hated the entry level 15 inch cover type steel rims. Now with the facelift, the exterior is more futuristic and looks better but the rim remains a disappointment. It has a 1.8l Atkinson cycle engine paired with an electric motor generating 134 bhp with one planetary gear drivetrain. Who would buy one ? With its body shape, it does not appeal to young drivers but with the eco friendly idea of less fuel consumption and usage of recycle materials in the interior does strike a curiosity. Whatever the reason is to buy one, it all started with the Prius. The thing about this Prius that I like is its hybrid system that allows you to run completely on the electric motor with its EV mode. Something that I expect from a hybrid car and with Toyota it has been a long research period making it a reliable car. It is selling from RM140,000.

Toyota Prius C
The Prius C is a sub-compact hatchback built on the Toyota Yaris platform with a smaller engine of 1.5l with Atkinson cycle paired with an electric motor producing 99 bhp. Everything about the Prius C yells a smaller version of the Prius from its size to its engine size. On the outside, it appeals to younger driver with its small size and the interior is very similar to the Prius. It was brought into our shores after the success of Prius but also to compete with its competitor, Honda as Honda has cheaper hybrid cars than Prius. Personally, I think it looks ugly on the outside but the rims is alloy and better than the more expensive Prius which confuse me a lot. Now with a younger body style and lower price under RM100,000, everyone can now afford a hybrid car compared to before as the Prius is quite pricey. Since its launch, there are many Prius C on the road mostly driven by youngsters. Whether it is for the environment or the looks, it does help save the Earth.

Lexus CT200h
Lexus is from Toyota but stands on a different level namely the luxury class. With the success of Toyota's model and tax incentive, Lexus had to bring its player into the hybrid game. They came out with the CT200h. Among the other 2 models discussed here, this is the one that catches my eyes the most. I have been in one before for a test drive and it was quite impressive. The exterior is both futuristic and appealing and the interior is nothing short of luxury. I am quite impressed with it and it is the cheapest Lexus model from RM 170,000 being the most expensive among here. It uses the same engine as Prius and owning one gives you the hybrid technology and luxuries of a Lexus, the best of both worlds. This appeals to the higher society and many have been spotted on the road. I would definitely buy one because of the look and luxuries especially the meter that would change color depending on driving mode. Actually, there are more hybrid models from Lexus but are a variant of their petrol range and is not in the tax exemption range.