2010 Toyota Prius – Third generation promises 50 mpg
2010 Toyota Prius
I guess 1.2 million Prius owners worldwide (over 700,000 in the U.S.) can’t be wrong. Toyota’s Hybrid sedan has definitely been the benchmark for other auto manufacturers as they scramble to come up with their own “green” vehicles (or “VEE-hi-culs,” as former Buffalo Bill Steve Tasker likes to say in his West-Herr commericials). Toyota’s not sitting still and letting anyone catch up if they can help it. The third generation Prius, although completely restyled, will still look familiar. You can see a preview here. The 50 mpg is impressive, yes, but my favorite feature just might be the solar-paneled moonroof, which powers a ventilation system to keep the car cooler while parked, thus saving on energy-robbing air-conditioning once you get underway. Pricing will be announced shortly before it goes on sale in late spring.
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I’ll take a VW TDI over a Prius anyday. If you are looking for better efficiency in using fuel or energy a diesel or a diesel hybrid is the answer.
Comment by Jay — March 7, 2009 @ 7:51 pm
2009 VW Jetta TDI – $22,270 – 30 city/41 highway mpg, diesel fuel $2.69/gal
2009 Toyota Prius – $22,000 – 48 city/45 highway mpg, reg. fuel $2.09/gal
(Mileage figures from fueleconomy.gov)
From where I can see, it’s possible that VW may sell a Rabbit diesel hybrid sometime this year or next, but there’s nothing available right now.
Comment by Jim C — March 7, 2009 @ 8:22 pm