Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG
Any more impressions to share about the new car, Rick? You've had it nearly a month...
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Definitely! I just got my plates, so it has been a month...
First, the car is fun to drive (either as an EcoDriver, or average Joe). Acceleration can be brisk if needed, but is rarely used. Handling at the limit is quite neutral on stock tire pressures (there is little compromise in this category), but with slight understeer. But we focus on FE here, right?
The hybrid system is a complex balance of give-and-take. The goal is to only use the battery when needed, since it takes more energy to charge than receive. It takes added concentration to achieve 50+ MPG. Engine-on coasting is common and manipulating the "ECO" button allows hill climbs without depleting the battery (and requires some downshifing to balance engine vs. motor. It tends to have a mind of its own, managing the system, so it takes some practice.
The interior room is great and features are more than adequate. At 650 miles, it still needs time to wear-in and offer maximum FE. Honestly, I look forward to driving it, simply to learn more about it, and just to enjoy the road.
For the money, I found it to be the best deal (there is plenty of room for 4-5 passengers and cargo). Conversely, it appeals to the untrained hypermiler, so it tends to charge the battery when you don't want it to, but allows smoother driving (with ECO-on). I found that there are intricacies to master. Still, it's a fun ride.
I'm on the 2nd tank in Winter, with the SG showing 47 MPG. Once the vehicle breaks-in, this should improve.
The battery pack is small and weaker in comparison to the Prius, but at a fraction of the price for what you get. The interior layout is driver-intuitive and very appealing. The SG is a must to get instant FE and to simultaneously see the info-display of operation (i.e., what is used: battery, ICE, and combos).
Compared to the Integra, the temptation of excess power isn't there, so I find myself driving more efficiently. Overall, I wish I could program or control the hybrid system (without voiding the warranty), but that's part of the challenge
RH77