Toyota Prius c driven

Fuel consumption figures don't mean much to me usually since I often just top-up when the low-fuel light comes on. More so when I am using my UK-spec sports coupe that calculate insane figures like 16.2 mpg!

However, imagine the contrasting shock I got when I hopped into my missus' Golf 6 GTI which displayed an average fuel consumption figure like 4.5 km/l - for a short distance (about 3km) crazily traffic-lighted "stroll" from my residence to the clinic. A same distance in the eco-hydrid Toyota Prius c will return some 10.2 km/l. Admittedly, both worst fuel efficiency figures for two cars from opposite ends of compact hatchbacks spectrum.

This of course makes me a believer of the "full" hybrid concept that Toyota embraces which encompasses Atkinson-cycle combustion with series-parallel application of a more "powerful"-electric-motor-plus-petrol engine combo. For the record, the best fuel consumption figure obtained for the Prius c is some 22 km/l.

I'm a converted half-believer though. That's because such petrol-hybrid - being a halfway house to full EV mobility in the next decade - are best in urban and suburban slow and/or congested traffic conditions. In any situations where you can cruise past 50 km/h the electric motor won't be able to assist most of the time (unless you happen to be coasting downhill). At speeds above 80 km/h the petrol burning 4-pot lump goes out of its most fuel-efficient zone. This is what I've gathered and inferred from the excellently displayed drive data on the dash of the Prius c.

 

Needless to say, the hybrid a/c compressor works like a gem when start/stop kicks in at traffic junctions or bumper-to-bumper crawl. Something that might gets you hot-and-sticky under the collar in say, an Insight.

It is interesting to note that Toyota has mixed-and-matched something like six different texture of plastics on the dashboard, all of them of the hard-surfaced varieties. A bit of an overkill really, judging by the fact that the dash design is actually quite neo-futristic, ergonomic and different from the boring Vios and especially, Altis varieties.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find out that there are actually 7-airbags in total for a sub-RM100k hatch in Malaysia. No doubt there is that usual-whine of "only drum brakes" adorning the rear axle but there is an array of acronyms related to braking and stability (hence safety) like the obligatory ABS, EBD, traction control (TCS) and even VSC. Heck! there is even cruise control feature as standard. Some of the other things missing which I can think of is the electrochromatic rear-view mirror and leather-wrapped grip on the steering wheel, which incidentally cannot be used on another Toyota with regular behind-the-sterring instrument clusters/dials. Hmmm...

The Prius c had to be one of the lightest footed torsion-beam axle equipped vehicle I have driven thus far. It hops on (and off) road surface irregularities very easily and the tyres are screaming for grip should you flog the little hatch more spiritedly around bends. Perhaps it's the low rolling resistance green Bridgestone rubbers. You also get the slippery ice-skating feeling when the road gets wet while the electric power-steering don't help much to the overall road-holding feedback or the lack thereof. But in all, I have gotten used to it just after a couple of days and you will know how and when to tread carefully.

Typical of most Toyota automobiles, the Prius c does not escape from the punity of smallish/short/shallow unsupportive seats which you would curse upon should you decide to do interstate jaunts. I guess we must pay premium Ringgit for a Lexus if you want better chairs which are more Conti-like in support and comfiness. Having said that, the rear legroom somehow feels better (more generous) than the premium Lexus CT200h!

In summary, I couldn't complain if had bought the Pruis c as a city/urban runabout. Its revised 2nd gen Prius 1.5L petrol-and-electric-motors are still relevant and ably serving for econo-hybrid motoring. I have even nudged the 175 km/h mark with a little power reserve to spare. Returning the tester to UMWT, the little  bright metallic orange (yes it isn't solid paint) partial-EV had clocked some 400 km with about 277km worth of dinosaur-fossil juice left in its small 36 litres fuel tank.

So the press kit mentioning of the 'c' suffix to the latest Prius family meaning Compact, Clean, Clever and City isn't all bull. Especially the first and most accurately, final word.

Tokyo 2007: Audi A1 Metroproject Concept

These are images of the Audi A1 Metroproject Concept, making an appearance at the Tokyo International Motor Show 2007.

Rumour has it that the A1 Metroproject is front-wheel driven by VAG’s 1.4L TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 150hp. But that’s not all, an electric motor (pictured below) drives the rear axle - itself worth about 41hp - effectively making the A1 Metroproject Concept a quattro, albeit with two different underlying drivelines. Both drivetrains are united via VAG's superb S-Tronic dual-robotised clutch gearbox and it's a tech wizardry how Audi manages to do that.

With engine and electric motor operating simultaneously a maximum torque of 440Nm is churned out; with the 1.4TSI petrol engine contributing 240Nm while the electric motor spins 200Nm of torque. As such, 0 - 100km/h is a claimed 7.8 secs, with a top-end of 200km/h.

This prototype also previews Audi’s new A1 hatchback slated for 2009. Looking much like a cross between the Fiat 500 and Audi A3, the concept underlines Audi’s future plan for this supermini’s intention of being sporty and fun. However, an associate who is attending Tokyo 2007 now, as we speak, found it rather unattractive in the metal.

Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept

Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept, a design study model, demonstrates a unique fusion of advanced environmental technology, futuristic styling and fun-to-drive characteristics.

Conceived around a front-wheel drive, small car platform and the hybrid is powered by a Honda IMA 4-cylinder petrol/electric hybrid system driving through a CVT transmission. It explores the idea that a car can have a low environmental impact yet still deliver all the driving enjoyment expected of a compact sports car.

Aerodynamically efficient and curvaceous, the two-door sports coupe have short front and rear overhangs. Fluid lines are created by a steeply raked windscreen which extends back above the occupants' heads where it meets a one piece glass roof. This in turn flows rearwards to give the car its fastback styling, terminating in a distinctive and futuristic 3D floating glass design – a concave element which forms an additional vertical window.

The Hybrid Sports Concept is equipped with 165/60 section tyres mounted on 20inch distinctive alloys. Such wheel dimension supports low rolling resistance without compromising sporty driving. With a sports suspension holding up a 2350mm wheelbase, this Honda concept delivers stable and predictable handling characteristics.

Rear-facing digital cameras take the place of conventional door mirrors. The Small Hybrid Sports Concept has been developed as a design study model by the design studio at Honda R&D Europe based in Offenbach, Germany.

Honda Civic Type R and Hybrid Officially in Malaysia Now!

Honda Malaysia has launched the latest 3rd generation Civic Type R and 2nd generation Civic Hybrid, both based on the current 8th generation Civic. For the local market, the Civic Type R available now is the JDM four-door FD2 sedan form, unlike the hatchback version available in Singapore which is similar to the one for the U.K. market. Incidentally, Malaysia is the only country in Asia outside of Japan which is getting this version of the Type R, officially that is. You can have it in any colour as long as it’s Championship White!

Powering the new Civic Type R is Honda Motor Co.’s famous K20A DOHC i-VTEC engine pumping out 222bhp at 8000rpm and 215Nm of torque at 6100rpm, all from a 2.0L normally aspirated petrol motor. A six-speed close ratio manual transmission - equipped with a torque-sensitive, helical limited slip differential system - mediates the transfer of power to both front wheels.

Unique power-enhancing features that differentiates the Type R from the regular K20A-powered brethren are a straightened, short, single-tract and equal length intake manifold, a large diameter drive-by-wire throttle body, narrow angle exhaust manifold collector and full-length straightened dual exhaust pipe.

To handle those extra horses and pulling power, the Type R dampers have higher damping rates (1.25 times in front, 1.6 for the rear) than the previous Integra Type R, as well as an increased valve size and load capacity. The spring rates and ground clearance over the standard Civic have also been revised while the stabiliser bars for both front and rear are thicker and of course, stiffer.

Standard alloys for the sporty Type R are 18-inch of multi spoke design, wearing with 225/40 series Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres. Needless to say, the braking system is also uprated with four-piston Brembo aluminium calipers grabbing 320mm ventilated discs for the front, and 282mm discs for the rear. This ensure a shorter stopping distance and improved resistance to brake fade. Looking more aggressive than the Modulo bodykit, the Type R aero kit, with a large tail spoiler in tow, rounds off the sporty external detailing.

Interiorly, you get Honda's trademark Type R dual-tone black and red trim on seats (front bucket-type) and door trim. The Civic dual-layer instrument panel has been made sportier, most obviously is the Type R face tachometer that redlines at 8400rpm plus shift lights ala Formula 1. There are also lots of aluminium bits and inserts inside: pedals, footrest, side step garnish, gear shift knob, serial number plate (located on the gear console) to make this top-of-the-line Civic exclusive to own.

The Civic Type R is priced at RM199,800 on-the-road, inclusive of road tax and insurance. At the time of writing, all 42 units of the Type-Rs allocated to Malaysia for the remaining months of 2007 have found future owners who can’t wait to collect them.

On the opposite of this 8th gen Civic spectrum, the new Civic Hybrid voices a green theme, which comes in the shade of Fluorite Silver Metallic. Honda Malaysia is hoping this will appeal to a selected niche of motorists who are environmentally conscious and as such value efficiency, fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Sitting under the bonnet of this Honda petrol hybrid sedan is Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology system, first seen in 1999 and then extended to the Civic family in 2003.

The Civic Hybrid draws its power from a 1.3L i-DSI engine equipped with 3-stage i-VTEC variable valve timing, assisted by a secondary power source in the form of a fourth generation IMA system to offer improved power output, better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The IMA system consists of an ultra-thin DC brushless electric motor mounted between the engine and the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) drivetrain; this provides additional torque and power by engaging during vehicle acceleration. At low speed cruising (about 40kmh), the electric motor solely powers the vehicle.

All the electric power created by the motor is stored in a compact battery box called the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) - consisting of a rear-mounted compact nickel metal hydride battery and power control unit - which controls the flow of electricity to and from the electric motor. Recharging takes place when braking, slowing down or traveling downhill; battery life is claimed to be about five to seven years, which should be a relief to those contemplating ownership of this tech marvel of higher energy efficiency.

The Civic Hybrid is going for RM162,800 on-the-road, inclusive of road tax and insurance. Honda Malaysia is targeting an annual sales figure of 60 units each of the new Civic variants. Apparently, not every Honda dealers have the new Civic Type R on display. For example, not even Malaysia’s top Honda dealer in sales volume, Peringgit Sri Motor in Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur has a sample showroom unit. Hmm…strange.

Related posts and for more pictures:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-honda-civic-type-r-sedan.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/07/new-honda-civic-type-r-and-civic-hybrid.html

New Honda Civic Type-R and Civic Hybrid Coming Soon!

Honda Malaysia has been busy training its dealers' sales advisors of late, for two new products to be launched in the near future. Details are sketchy and kind of 'classified' at this stage. But For Wheels do know that the new Civic Type-R slated for official introduction to the local market is the sedan version. Thank goodness it's not the odd-ball hatch shape!

Meanwhile, the new Civic Hybrid is also reportedly being planned for mainstream sales, unlike the last 7th gen Civic. It would be interesting to see how well the electric airconditioning works at traffic stops (when the petrol engine shuts down).

Honda's IMA electric motor together with its 1.3L 8-valve SOHC petrol engine produces 116bhp at 6000rpm and 170Nm of torque at a low 2500rpm. All these are transmitted to the front wheels via CVT. No 5-speed torque converter 'box here.

Update: Prices are guess-timates at this stage, with the Civic Type-R ranging from RM200k to RM210k. The greener Civic Hybrid is rumoured to be circa RM160k.

Related post:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-honda-civic-type-r-sedan.html