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Old 03-20-2012, 02:25 PM   #17 (permalink)
jamesqf
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tango Charlie View Post
Yes! The Auto Idle Stop works! I just have to remember to keep it in neutral while stopped.
Oops, forgot to mention the most important part about getting the autostop to come on. It won't if you have the heater fan going. I don't often need it on around here, and have just gotten used to hitting the off button when I come to a stop.

Quote:
This Insight seems more...rudimentary. Unless I'm mistaken, it doesn't use the motor alone, but only for assisting the engine. (yeah, I know- it's also used for charging the pack and starting the engine, but I'm talking about actually propelling the car.)
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
You're right about there being no "EV mode" in the Insight, but (IMHO) this is a far more elegant design (elegance = simplicity!) than the Prius' Rube-Goldberg mess of planetary transmissions etc. Plus it means you're not stuck with an automatic transmission, and can drive it like a real car.
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