Since I posted that, I've been able to do 4 bars consistently, but never 5. That's good! Makes me wish I had a hand operated slider for more precise throttle control

 

Thanks, I'll check that out.

 

Richard,
I took a 20 min test drive in an '06 HCH on 12/3/05. I liked the feel of the car - good acceleration. I live in WNY State, we had snow and ice on the ground. As a long term Subaru (4WD) driver - I was concerned about traction. The HCH handled well in the snow. I liked the view to the rear much better than the '05 Prius. A few other nice features were the stereo with the MP3 jack, the height adjustment on driver's seat (I'm vertically challenged), dash instrmentation, and fit & finish. We're going to order one.
Don

 

Hi Richard:


You stated that the hybrid Civic was $2790 more than a standard Civic EX. Here in Oregon, the state offers a $1500 tax rebate for hybrid car purchasers. Add in the new federal tax rebate for 2006, which is estimated at $2000+ by the aceee.org, and that is a $3500 rebate in Oregon. Ordering the hybrid was a no brainer for me.

MG

 

That's awsome! Why can't more states put their money where their mouth is, eh?

Don

 

Colorado has a tax credit of $2300. Combined with the Federal tax credit, the HCH with NAV will be the same as an EX AT without NAV. Like MG, it's a no-brainer.

 

Committed to the car after 3 minute test drive. I have the car for 5 days now and it's fantastic in almost every way. My other cars include a 2002 BMW M5, a 2003 BMW X5, and a 2003 Nissan pickup truck. Highlights: Riding single in HOV lane; Good enough acceleration; Decent handling, despite the awful tires; Quiet under normal cruising speeds; Terrific slow speed manuevering; a joy to drive. Lowlights: Terrible brakes for such a light car; weird feel when gas engine turns on/off at stoplights. Conclusion: I'd buy this car again even if I couldn't use it in the HOV lane which was the #1, 2, & 3 reason for my purchase. It's a fantastic car overall and I'm really surprised at the acceleration. I can do 100mph and still get nearly 30mpg but lots of wind noise. I definitely recommend this car.

 

Keep in mind that while you may get a federal and maybe a state tax credit, that you have to currently buy at MSRP.

While you get some of the expense of the hybrid technology returned in the tax credit, you get an added expense of dealing at MSRP. You can probably negotiate down from sticker on the regular Civic for example.

Given that, I will still likely be getting either the HCH 2 or the Toyota Camry Hybrid to make a mandate to automakers for more fuel efficient and alternative fuel-using cars through my most powerful voice, my dollar. I will also have a little insurance against rising gas prices.

 

One of the guys that has the MIMA system on his Insight also has a Prius and a hybrid Civic. He has indicated that Hymotion is offering a plug in system for the new Civics.
The concept is to push enough charge into the stock battery pack from the booster system so the SOC is always near the 80% max. The IMA will try to keep the charge down to allow room for the next braking cycle, by dumping much more assist into the electric drive. This constant IMA boost will allow extended high MPG, and should also allow extended EV mode as well?