-
Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
New Models
DRIVEN: Three Flavors Of Hybrid Power
Two gas/electric luxury sedans from Lexus and the new Jetta Hybrid from Volkswagen show how to go green without flaunting it.
The 2013 Lexus ES300h is the Toyota luxury brand's latest hybrid model. (Photo: Lexus)
Gas prices aren’t getting any lower and the news about air pollution and greenhouse gases isn’t getting any better. So gas/electric hybrid vehicles have become some of the hottest-selling cars and SUVs out there, with just about every automaker jumping in to create its own versions.
Toyota Prius is the top dog by far. But while the distinctive Prius has become something of an environmental fashion statement, there are those who want to enjoy the benefits of a hybrid car without making a big deal out of it.
Or maybe they want something, um, better. Cooler. Something that’s not quite so dorky and perhaps even with some semblance of luxury.
Toyota’s got that covered, too, with a complete lineup of Lexus hybrids that have the same look and feel of the luxury brand’s regular prestige rides. I recently drove two of the latest Lexus hybrid sedans based on the mid-size GS and the compact ES.
Or, if you’re craving something a little more European, there’s a new entry from Volkswagen, a Jetta Hybrid, which I also tested out. Hybrids are something new for VW, so it was worth the extra look.
All three of these cars are strong on economy and ecology while still maintaining enough power, drivability and creature comforts, although they do cost a bit more than their conventional counterparts. You’ll have to weigh for yourself whether the extra initial expense is worth it.
As well as saving gas, the best hybrids are seamless to drive, with little notice of the complex electronic interchange of motor and engine. Each of these cars easily passes those criteria due to the magic of electronics.
And each of them includes a green feature that started off with hybrids but is now making its way into mainstream gas cars: the stop-start function that keeps the engine from wastefully idling when standing still, such as at red lights.
First the two Lexus hybrids:
The Lexus GS 450h is an upscale sedan motivated by the gas/electric hybrid system that made Prius famous, only in a luxury car with all the trimmings that looks and drives a whole lot better. The splendid interior has pretty much every bell and/or whistle that a well-heeled driver might desire.
There’s a lot more power, too. Instead of the gas engine being a puny four-banger, this posh ride gets a 3.5-liter V6 with 24 valves and dual-cam variable valve timing. Combined with a compact, high-torque electric motor, there’s 338 horsepower on tap fed through a continuously variable transmission. The trans can also be shifted manually to set ratios that mimic gears.
The proof of the hybrid system is in the mileage, which the EPA wizards compute at 29 mpg city and 34 highway, with 31 combined. The ability to start and drive up to a certain speed under pure electric power has much to do with the strong city rating in this good-sized luxury car.
I like the drivability of all the GS models, although the hybrid feels not nearly as crisp and lively as the F-Sport performance version I drove a few months ago. Still, acceleration is strong and the ride is fairly solid.
The GS includes five driver-selectable electronic modes to adjust between mileage and performance. NORMAL sets up the system for an optimal ratio of economy and power; ECO produces the highest mileage at the cost of response; EV allows the GS to be driven with just electric power for short distance at low speeds; SPORT S adjust the throttle and transmission for greater performance; and SPORT S+ adds firmer and more responsive settings to the adaptive suspension, steering and the overall Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management system.
It all works quite well, although I would have liked an additional setting that would add the firmer suspension and steering to the NORMAL, ECO and EV modes. As it is in those modes, the steering feels too light and the suspension too soft. Why not have a way for the car to be economical along with the better driving characteristics of SPORT S+. That would make a lot of sense.
Toyota Prius is the top dog by far. But while the distinctive Prius has become something of an environmental fashion statement, there are those who want to enjoy the benefits of a hybrid car without making a big deal out of it.
Or maybe they want something, um, better. Cooler. Something that’s not quite so dorky and perhaps even with some semblance of luxury.
Toyota’s got that covered, too, with a complete lineup of Lexus hybrids that have the same look and feel of the luxury brand’s regular prestige rides. I recently drove two of the latest Lexus hybrid sedans based on the mid-size GS and the compact ES.
Or, if you’re craving something a little more European, there’s a new entry from Volkswagen, a Jetta Hybrid, which I also tested out. Hybrids are something new for VW, so it was worth the extra look.
All three of these cars are strong on economy and ecology while still maintaining enough power, drivability and creature comforts, although they do cost a bit more than their conventional counterparts. You’ll have to weigh for yourself whether the extra initial expense is worth it.
As well as saving gas, the best hybrids are seamless to drive, with little notice of the complex electronic interchange of motor and engine. Each of these cars easily passes those criteria due to the magic of electronics.
And each of them includes a green feature that started off with hybrids but is now making its way into mainstream gas cars: the stop-start function that keeps the engine from wastefully idling when standing still, such as at red lights.
First the two Lexus hybrids:
The Lexus GS 450h is an upscale sedan motivated by the gas/electric hybrid system that made Prius famous, only in a luxury car with all the trimmings that looks and drives a whole lot better. The splendid interior has pretty much every bell and/or whistle that a well-heeled driver might desire.
There’s a lot more power, too. Instead of the gas engine being a puny four-banger, this posh ride gets a 3.5-liter V6 with 24 valves and dual-cam variable valve timing. Combined with a compact, high-torque electric motor, there’s 338 horsepower on tap fed through a continuously variable transmission. The trans can also be shifted manually to set ratios that mimic gears.
The proof of the hybrid system is in the mileage, which the EPA wizards compute at 29 mpg city and 34 highway, with 31 combined. The ability to start and drive up to a certain speed under pure electric power has much to do with the strong city rating in this good-sized luxury car.
I like the drivability of all the GS models, although the hybrid feels not nearly as crisp and lively as the F-Sport performance version I drove a few months ago. Still, acceleration is strong and the ride is fairly solid.
The GS includes five driver-selectable electronic modes to adjust between mileage and performance. NORMAL sets up the system for an optimal ratio of economy and power; ECO produces the highest mileage at the cost of response; EV allows the GS to be driven with just electric power for short distance at low speeds; SPORT S adjust the throttle and transmission for greater performance; and SPORT S+ adds firmer and more responsive settings to the adaptive suspension, steering and the overall Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management system.
It all works quite well, although I would have liked an additional setting that would add the firmer suspension and steering to the NORMAL, ECO and EV modes. As it is in those modes, the steering feels too light and the suspension too soft. Why not have a way for the car to be economical along with the better driving characteristics of SPORT S+. That would make a lot of sense.
The Lyonheart K
LATEST HEADLINES: AUTOMOTIVE
-
GREEN: Porsche Adding All-Model Hybrids
Gas/electric plug-versions of its entire lineup – including… -
AUTOS: Porsche Boosts 918 Spyder Power
The upcoming supercar will produce 887 horsepower from its gas/electric… -
AUTOS: Acura NSX Details Revealed
The rebirth of the mid-engine sports car – now an all-wheel-drive… -
DRIVEN: Jaguar’s Many-Splendored XJ
The British luxury sedan comes in 10 different flavors, with plenty… -
AUTOS: Lamborghini Egoista Launched
The wild single-seat concept car is unveiled at the end of the epic… -
AUTOS: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Hot Pontiac G8
NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick helped his driver modify the 2009… -
VINTAGE: A Fast Historic Tour Of France
Vintage race and touring cars compete in the 22nd annual Tour de… - More News
