I like the plug idea but…It would have to be coupled with some kind of manual override so that you could prevent the computer from going into “forced charging” mode and recharging the battery when it gets low, and you want to do it at home. As long as you are putting in override switches then add another one to allow more electrical assist than it would normally give also. The computer could still prevent radical over/under charging.

Back to the plug...Change the electrical system to run on 120VAC or preferably 240VAC and double the battery capacity to: Allow greater range on assist, plug in to your house/household appliances with a minimal amount of converting, and during power failures you could plug your car into your main electrical panel (after disconnecting from the grid of course) and power up your house on the car’s battery and/or motor. You could have another switch “Generator” to put your car into generator mode.

I would like to see more digital information, for example miles per hour, instant MPG and also a readout of exactly how many gallons are in the tank. For the last the car manufacturers would have to move away from the current system of measuring what is in the tank, but it should not be too hard.

Billy

I would like to see a Hybrid Mini Cooper and a Hybrid Benz. Like the C Class. or somthing.

Let's see, mostly comfort stuff for me.

• Leather seats (it appears to be a port option in some regions, not in mine)
• Compas heading in rearview mirror (I don't have NAV).
• A few more remote controls on the steering wheel, maybe more detailed controls
• Auto lamp
• Power seats
• Better fuel gage, or a distance to empty display

But the car is really well appointed for what you pay. No complaints about that.

It has been said:
Hybrid drivers come in 3 flavors, greenie, techie and cheapie. Pick any 2.
2005 Prius, Melinium Silver over gray, package 5 (AI)

I second the sunroof.

Adjustable interval wipers. I had these on my last car, a Celica. It's the only feature I really miss from that car.

More colors! Priuses seems to have gotten that this year. I love the forest green Pruises came with in '01 or '02.

Heads-up display of current mpg.

Hybrid pickups for rent. If they can make V6 hybrids, why not?

Turn signals on the mirrors for Insights. I think some of the SUVs are just too tall to see my taillights when behind me at a traffic light.

Heated beverage holder--for coffee drinks.

iPod mount port next to the power port on the dash. Just for iPods.

Insights: polished nude all-aluminum body option, like Deloreans.

SUV hybrid: built-in Saeco semiautomatic espresso maker for those car camping trips.

It is indeed a mystery why the HCH does not offer a sunroof, because previous owners HAVE installed them aftermarket. I think on this board there was an owner of a 2003 HCH that had one installed. So it IS possible to install one without interfering with the electronics.

Something else I dislike about my HCH that could be addressed:

For example, if I am sitting at 56.3 MPG on a tank, and I have a little uphill incline that takes me down to 56.0, EVEN IF I HAVE SOLIDLY SAT ON 56.3 for 20 miles, it takes INORDINATELY LONG ( a few more miles ) to get back up to 56.3, even if my realtime MPG meter is hovering in the 60-80 range.

In other words, it's WAY HARDER to re-achieve that 56.3 than it was to lose the 0.3 because of the little uphill. I think the computer "errs on the side of caution" and forces drivers to work harder to GET a good number and I would like my 0.3 back a lot sooner !!

i have had my hch 05 for almost a dozen fill-ups and it has gotten to the point where today i turned it in to get an after market sun roof put in. coming from pennsylvania, i am used to getting the most out of the good weather there by having the windows open at every opportune time and to me its worth the sacrifice in gas mileage to enjoy the earth that we are trying so hard to protect; by installing a sun roof and keeping those windows down.

either way, its easier to make the best of both worlds by installing a sun roof and using it only to allow fresh air into the car. most people i drive with don't like all that wind in their faces and hair, and seeing as how i shave my head at least once a week, it doesn't quite bother me as much.

i pick up the car in a few hours and will be diligently testing with different positions to see how it has effected the mileage i get.

this is the first car that i have been able to purchase on my own, and a new car at that. my previous was an 86 chevy nova and as most of you will see that this is quite an upgrade. when i walked into the dealer on of the first things out of my mouth was that i planned on only owning two or three cars in my entire life. one being the nova, a second on a loan (nothing too fancy, but something i could live with) and the third being some sort of luxury model when i am old and rich. having this mindset has brought me to where i feel that is is totally reasonable and an all out responsibility of my own to put this sun roof in. i deserve it, don't i?

although certain modifications to your new vehicle may not be "factory", there are ways to have them installed in your vehicle before you purchase it, and even have it built in to the price. dealers also tend to get better prices on such items then just the normal after market costumer.

i found such a team that installs after market equipment (although a bit late seeing as i have had my hch for a few months now). from what i've researched you can get quite a bit added to you vehicle and your dealer will be more then helpful.

for my sun roof i went through classic soft trim. very knowledgeable and helpful. (shameless plugging, but hey; they did a great job!)


many varied locations for those of us who are spread about the usa.

Out of curiosity, which of the three sunroofs from that vendor did you install? And what were your reasons? I'm considering a sunroof, as I am also a fan of fresh air.

I'm for a nice little roadster. The Toyota MR2 (hybrid) would be my pick.