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Most of the major car manufacturers have shown a strong interest in hybrid car technology.
Here are some of the alternative production examples currently on offer.
Honda Insight
The two seater Insight is powered by Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) engine. This consists of
a lightweight three cylinder VTEC 1.0 litre petrol engine backed up by a 56 kW electric motor.
These two systems combine to give a maximum 113Nm at 1500 rpm. 0 to 60mph is achieved in 12 seconds and the top speed is 112 mph. Fuel economy is a combined figure of 60 mpg.
Honda Civic IMA
The Civic IMA hybrid was launched in 2003 and
utilises a second generation IMA unit working in conjunction with a 1.3 petrol engine to produce a top
power output of 90bhp. The car accelerates from standing to 60 in 12 seconds, has a top speed of 111 and returns combined fuel figures of 57.
Lexus RX400h
This Large luxury SUV is powered by a 3.3 litre petrol engine with a rating of 208 bhp and two
electric motors. The first drives the front wheels and the second the rear. These combine to give
a maximum power output of 269 bhp. This setup is very similar to the Prius with the rear motor adding 4 wheel
drive if the vehicle enters a skid and a CVT stepless gearbox.
Lexus GS 450h
The latest UK Lexus hybrid combines a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine rated at 286 bhp with a 190 bhp electric motor to deliver a total of 340 bhp. This vehicle, which was launched in the UK in 2006, sits firmly in the luxury market and reaches 62 mph from standing in an impressive 5.9 sec as well as delivering combined fuel figures of 35.8 mpg.
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