This is Max Mosley a very rich man in a car that costs under £20,000 - and why? Because its a hybrid car working on electrical power and petrol only when required for high speeds. The Toyota Prius seems to be fast becoming the hybrid car of choice because of its normality. It doesn't look as funky as a Smart car neither is it as poky as those little electric things which buzz around London. And of course for London these cars are great because they are exempt from the congestion charge. The car runs at slow speeds on electricity only gearing into dual power when speeds or acceleration require it. In fact on the open road its the electrics that gives the extra boost for acceleration. In towns the quiet engine uses only electrical power. Though some users report that the quietness of the car can be a problem as jaywalkers just don't know you are creeping up behind them!
Surplus power from the petrol engine and from the wheels charge up the batteries - a bit like a bike.
Vital statistics:
PRICE: £17,495 to £19,995
ENGINE: 1.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine delivering 76bhp, with 50kW electric motor delivering 67bhp, driving front wheels via automatic transmission.
PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 10.9sec, top speed 109mph.
ECONOMY: 65.7mpg average, 56.5mpg in town.
Here are a couple of useful links if you want to find out more:
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