Quote:
|
Originally Posted by tbaleno
We will have to see what comes of all this but I say with the current 1st gen IMA and the second gen HSD the HSD has a slight advantage but not a huge one. I think our friend John may be feeling buyers remorse soon enough because he doesn't look at the broad picture about what each system is good for.
|
I think this is an important point. The Prius is an outstanding car, but the new IMA will make the HCH an equal. Then, being the "normal" car that it is, it will be more appealing to the general, non-early-adopter public. Forgive the cliche, but this is the wave of the future: standard, recognizable models having a hybrid option that, after generations of trial-and-error (not that 1st gen IMA is error), offer substantial gains in FE and emissions. The Prius, Latin for "something that precedes", is just that. An integral and vital part of the hybrid evolution. Soon, things like hybrid Camrys will be the norm.
That said, please understand that I'm not a Prius basher. I respect and appreciate the car, and readily acknowledge that it is cleaner and more efficient than my HCH. I don't see the Prius as some sort of competitor! I see it as a sibling, someone to look up to. And I'm certainly proud of her accomplishments.