subject: The Toyota Prius Hybrid Model [print this page] I have always held Honda in high esteem as a firm with great engineering pedigree at its core and when it gets it right, the end product is always class leading. However, in the hybrid stakes, despite rightly claiming to have launched the first production hybrid before Toyota introduced its Prius, they have slipped back. The Insight's powertrain just looks too small for the auto.
For our money the Prius is the better buy, both in terms of performance, finish and emissions. It might cost 2,500 more, but it's worth the extra cash, especially if you need the vehjcle to do more motorway driving.
One thing to note when considering a hybrid purchase at present: the Government's 2,500 VRT tax reduction on hybrids is due to finish at the end of the year. From then on the tax breaks will only apply to plug-in hybrid and electric cars. The slight flaw in the Government's plan - at least from a motorist's perspective - is that we are not awash with choice when it comes to electric cars, while plug-in hybrids are unlikely to be on public sale for a few more years to come. From a Revenue viewpoint, it is a surprisingly smart tax policy, allowing the Government to claim it is promoting the cleanest technology around, while at the same time dramatically reducing the cost of such an incentive scheme because the selection of cars that qualify will be extremely limited.
Cars such as the Renault e-Fluence and Nissan Leaf will qualify, but with their limited ranges they are unlikely to have the same level of ownership as hybrids such as the Prius. In summary, unless you are confident the Government is intending to extend the current scheme in the next Budget, you'd be advised to purchase your hybrid in 2010.
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