Dipping a toe into the world of hybrids? If so, which one...
Discussion
Afternoon all,
Currently I have one modern SUV that fulfils all my needs of daily driver for commuting and travelling, as well as towing and carrying items for my hobbies and projects. Undecided whether or not to split out into an older 4x4 for hauling and a "toaster" for everything else, or just add said toaster to the fleet. Anywho, that's a different issue.
Either way I'll be looking at something as economical as possible, small but still practical enough to throw some bags or boxes in the boot. Budget probably 5-6k, and has to be something a bit interesting (the GF has said she'll refuse to be seen with me in something "tragic", so presumably no Sanderos or Smarts....). Something a bit unusual in looks and cheap to insure are also desirable, as are being reasonably modern with amenities like aircon and cruise control.
My commute is about 2 miles each way and I have a weekly 25 mile (each way) trip and 50 mile (each way) trip with facilities at either end, but I also do a 150+ mile cross-country trip somewhere for something event related on average once a month and most definitely don't want to be faffing with trying to charge a BEV on the way (I also only have the use of a 13 pin plug at mine and my parents houses, no option for an HV installation)
I'd started out looking at 60mpg pure petrols but have noticed a couple of interesting hybrid options. I've driven my father's new VOlvo XC60 PHEV and been very impressed by the concept, and quickly got addicted to energy conservation on deceleration and trying to move off on only EV mode!
The Hybrids I've found with my parameters have now become my shortlist, though I'm torn between. Hence the power of PH, as I have no experience of any of these other than online research which suggests theyre all pretty reliable, and good in their own way, and all 3 have returned good insurance quotes.
Option 1: Honda CRZ
Pros: Cheapest to buy, funky looks, probably the best to drive? Motor assist will be less mechanically complex than a full hybrid
Cons: Assist only means no pure electric mode for short drives, probably the worst for extra-urban MPG.
Option 2: Vauxhall Ampera
Pros: PHEV and pure hybrid means much better flexbility. A few years more modern, and a physically larger car inside.
Cons: Drivetrain complexity out of warranty period, and whats the pure electric range at 10-15 YO? Also much more expensive with comparable mileage.
The wildcard that popped up, in budget, on another forum I use: Mk1 Honda Insight
Pros: The granddaddy of them all. Staggering hypermile MPG, and the current owner has rebuilt and reconditioned the battery pack. Looks amazing.
Cons: Assist only rather than EV on short journeys, another 10 years older, no a/c or c/c, only 2 seats inside with a shallow boot, may not be ULEZ compliant or cheap tax because it's an import.
What do the PH EV (and PHEV
) experts think?
Currently I have one modern SUV that fulfils all my needs of daily driver for commuting and travelling, as well as towing and carrying items for my hobbies and projects. Undecided whether or not to split out into an older 4x4 for hauling and a "toaster" for everything else, or just add said toaster to the fleet. Anywho, that's a different issue.
Either way I'll be looking at something as economical as possible, small but still practical enough to throw some bags or boxes in the boot. Budget probably 5-6k, and has to be something a bit interesting (the GF has said she'll refuse to be seen with me in something "tragic", so presumably no Sanderos or Smarts....). Something a bit unusual in looks and cheap to insure are also desirable, as are being reasonably modern with amenities like aircon and cruise control.
My commute is about 2 miles each way and I have a weekly 25 mile (each way) trip and 50 mile (each way) trip with facilities at either end, but I also do a 150+ mile cross-country trip somewhere for something event related on average once a month and most definitely don't want to be faffing with trying to charge a BEV on the way (I also only have the use of a 13 pin plug at mine and my parents houses, no option for an HV installation)
I'd started out looking at 60mpg pure petrols but have noticed a couple of interesting hybrid options. I've driven my father's new VOlvo XC60 PHEV and been very impressed by the concept, and quickly got addicted to energy conservation on deceleration and trying to move off on only EV mode!
The Hybrids I've found with my parameters have now become my shortlist, though I'm torn between. Hence the power of PH, as I have no experience of any of these other than online research which suggests theyre all pretty reliable, and good in their own way, and all 3 have returned good insurance quotes.
Option 1: Honda CRZ
Pros: Cheapest to buy, funky looks, probably the best to drive? Motor assist will be less mechanically complex than a full hybrid
Cons: Assist only means no pure electric mode for short drives, probably the worst for extra-urban MPG.
Option 2: Vauxhall Ampera
Pros: PHEV and pure hybrid means much better flexbility. A few years more modern, and a physically larger car inside.
Cons: Drivetrain complexity out of warranty period, and whats the pure electric range at 10-15 YO? Also much more expensive with comparable mileage.
The wildcard that popped up, in budget, on another forum I use: Mk1 Honda Insight
Pros: The granddaddy of them all. Staggering hypermile MPG, and the current owner has rebuilt and reconditioned the battery pack. Looks amazing.
Cons: Assist only rather than EV on short journeys, another 10 years older, no a/c or c/c, only 2 seats inside with a shallow boot, may not be ULEZ compliant or cheap tax because it's an import.
What do the PH EV (and PHEV
) experts think? Edited by ChemicalChaos on Thursday 6th June 18:26
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