Design: new Mercedes hallmarks combined with E-Class styling features

The new Estate immediately makes an athletic and practical, but also effortlessly superior and safe impression. Its distinctive design character is based on the new Mercedes style, which had its debut in the S-Class and is now also represented in the C-Class. One of its main features is the interplay between concave and taut surfaces, which are delimited by dynamic edges and structured contours.

The side view reveals many new elements, leaving no doubt about the identity of the new Estate. The B- and C-pillars appear to merge into the background thanks to glossy, black trim panels, making the entire side window area look like a single entity. This leads to a taut arch leading from the filigree A-pillar to the dramatic roof line and the downward-tapering D-pillar, all resting on the athletic shoulder line of the Estate. The intriguing design of the door sill panels, which are visually understated in the center but feature a prominent light-catching contour towards the wheel arches, accentuates the dramatic overall effect of the side aspect. This is additionally emphasised by the muscular, sweeping line on the rear side panel in front of the rear wheel.

When shaping the rear end, the Mercedes designers took care to give expression to the high practicality of the new model. They did this by emphasizing horizontal lines, for example the band formed by the tail lights and the chromed tailgate handle. The new LED tail lights are based on a two-piece design, and create a visual continuation of the side wall into the tailgate. Both by day and night, their distinctive design is a major recognition factor for the E-Class Estate. This is the largest estate car in the premium segment, and it makes no secret of the fact.

Safety: nine airbags as standard, plus innovative driver assistance systems

Mercedes-Benz has consolidated its leadership in safety even further with the new E-Class. Around one dozen new or modified driver assistance systems help to prevent road accidents or at least reduce the severity of the impact. These include the standard ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control and the optional PRE-SAFE® Brake, which is able to initiate partial and full emergency braking autonomously. For the first time, PRE-SAFE® is also able to use only the information received from the short-range sensors in the front bumper to tension the front seat belts at the last moment before an accident recognized as unavoidable, thereby reducing the loads exerted on the driver and front passenger during the crash.

With nine airbags fitted as standard, four belt tensioners and belt force limiters, and NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger, the new E-Class offers an even more extensive package of safety equipment than its predecessor. The airbags, which can deploy in a matter of milliseconds in the event of an accident, include two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front-seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A-pillar to the C‑pillar during a side impact. Pelvisbags for the front occupants are also included for the first time. These reduce the loads acting on the torso and pelvic area during a lateral collision.

Sidebags for the rear seat passengers can also be installed as optional extras. As a further safety innovation, Mercedes-Benz also offers optional, self-adaptive belt force limiters for the rear. These adjust to the size and weight of the passengers, and also become available for the Sedan with the introduction of the Estate.

Suspension: automatic self-levelling at the rear as standard

Outstanding comfort on long journeys in the Estate is ensured by the newly developed DIRECT CONTROL suspension, which features the adaptive damping system as standard. The likewise standard self-levelling rear suspension sees to it that the Estate always remains at the same level, even when fully laden. The Estate’s suspension setup has also been adapted to suit the modified body geometry, with slightly stiffer shock absorber settings and torsion bar stabilizers, making the Estate just as agile as the Sedan without having to make compromises in terms of road roar and tyre vibration characteristics.

Engines: considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emissions

The fuel consumption and emissions of the new Estate have been considerably reduced by new engines and numerous optimization measures (aerodynamics, weight, energy management, reduced resistances). One prime example is the E 250 CDI with an output of 150 kW and a peak torque of 500 Nm, achieving 41.3 mpg (5.7 litres per 100 km,) with CO2 emissions of 150 g per km.

The engine line-up available for the new Estate at launch comprises five units developing between 125 kW/170 hp and 285 kW/388 hp. Though with a lower displacement, the new and modified engines generate more output than their predecessors, while impressing with fuel consumption figures that were previously only found in the compact class. This was made possible by numerous innovations, for example spray-guided direct injection for the E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY gasoline model. The four-cylinder CDI engines partly owe their exceptional status to newly developed piezo injectors and two-stage turbocharging. All the powerplants meet the requirements of the EU5 emission standard. The E-Class Estate can be ordered now for Europe but no detail was given for U.S. market.

All of the engines available at launch, the accompanying transmissions installed as standard and the basic prices at a glance:

Diesel

• E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cc, 125 kW/170 hp, 40.6-41.3 mpg (5.7-5.8 l per 100 km,) CO2 150-153 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from US$ 64,266 (€ 44,803.50)
• E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cc, 150 kW/204 hp, 40.6-41.3 mpg (5.7-5.8 l/100 km,) CO2 150-153 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from US$ 68,449 (€ 47,719)
• E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 2987 cc, 170 kW/231 hp, 32.2-33.6 mpg (7.0-7.3 l/100 km,) CO2 185-192 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from US$ 77,751 (€ 54,204.50)

Gasoline

• E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 3498 cc, 215 kW/292 hp, 26.4-27.4 mpg (8.6–8.9 l/100 km,) CO2 200-208 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from US$ 79,116 (€ 55,156.50)
• E 500: V8, 5461 cc, 285 kW/388 hp, 21.0-21.2 mpg (11.1–11.2 l/100 km,) CO2 258-260 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from US$ 100,623 (€ 70,150.50)

The following additional models are available from the first quarter of 2010 onwards:

Diesel

• E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cc, 100 kW/136 hp, 41.3* mpg (5.7* l/100 km,) CO2 150* g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from US$ 60,169 (€ 41,947.50)
• E 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 2987 cc, 170 kW/231 hp, 30.5-30.9 mpg (7.6–7.7 l/100 km,) CO2 200-203 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from US$ 81,677 (€ 56,941.50)

Gasoline

• E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 1796 cc, 135 kW/183 hp, 30.6* mpg (7.7* l/100 km,) CO2 179* g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from US$ 61,279 (€ 42,721)
• E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 1796 cc, 150 kW/204 hp, 28.7-29.4 mpg (8.0-8.2 l/100 km,) CO2 185-191 g/km, 5-speed automatic transmission, from US$ 68,448 (€ 47,719)
• E 350 4MATIC: V6, 3498 cc, 200 kW/272 hp, 22.8-23.0 mpg (10.2-10.3 l/100 km,) CO2 238-241 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from US$ 81,677 (€ 56,941.50)

* Provitional figures

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (Wagon) Features Efficient Engine Options is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge.

This is old news (April, 2009) but very good news, so it worth repeating. Trained drivers using hypermiling techniques achieved 1,445 miles on a single tank of gas in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Driving in the Washington, D.C. area, the Fusion Hybrid achieved an average of 81.5 mpg. The Fusion Hybrid’s spec sheet says the car has a 17-gallon tank. This set the world record for gasoline-powered midsize sedan.

Hypermiling is the act of driving using techniques that maximize fuel economy.

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge proves that fuel-efficient driving techniques can nearly double a vehicle’s EPA-rated fuel economy. Granted the team consisted of professionals in the automobile industry, but hypermiling techniques can be learned and practiced by anyone.

As reported back on April 28, 2009 by a Ford press release, drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques such as smooth acceleration and coasting to red lights were able to get an extraordinary 1,445.7 miles out of a single tank of gas during a fund-raising effort in Washington, D.C. that concluded today. They did it by averaging 81.5 miles per gallon in an off-the-showroom floor, non-modified 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient midsize car in North America – nearly doubling its U.S. certified mileage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni9oW_cD2Tg

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge started at 8:15 a.m. EDT on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ended this morning at 5:37 a.m. on George Washington Parkway in Washington, D.C. After more than 69 continuous hours of driving, the Fusion Hybrid finally depleted its tank and came to a stop with an odometer reading of 1,445.7 miles – setting a world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan.

The challenge team, which included NASCAR star Carl Edwards, high mileage trailblazer Wayne Gerdes and several Ford Motor Company engineers, raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by exceeding the goal of 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas. The Fusion Hybrid’s official estimated range is approximately 700 miles per tank.

“Not only does this demonstrate the Fusion Hybrid’s fuel efficiency, it also shows that driving technique is one of the keys to maximizing its potential,” said Nancy Gioia, director, Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs. “The fact that we were able raise much needed funds for JDRF while raising the bar on fuel efficient driving performance made the effort doubly worthwhile.”

Maximizing mileage

A team of seven drivers prepared for the challenge by learning a few mileage-maximizing techniques, most of which can be used in any vehicle to improve fuel economy, but are especially useful in the Fusion Hybrid where the driver can take advantage of pure electric energy at speeds below 47 mph.

CleanMPG.com founder Wayne Gerdes, an engineer from Illinois who coined the term “hypermiling” to describe the mileage-maximizing techniques, provided the pointers. They include:

• Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
• Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
• Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
• Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
• Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
• Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
• Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
• Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and
• Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

“You become very aware of your driving because you’re constantly looking for opportunities to maximize mileage, and a more aware driver is a safer driver, too,” said Gil Portalatin, Ford hybrid applications manager.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDdP-0qJprE

In addition, it is important for Fusion Hybrid drivers to manage the battery system’s state of charge through the use of regenerative braking and coasting, and balancing the use of the electric motor and gas engine in city driving to avoid wasting fuel.

Fusion Hybrid drivers also can stay more connected to the hybrid driving experience with Ford’s SmartGaugeTM with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.

The Challenge

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge team took turns driving several routes in and around the national capital over the course of approximately three days and nights. The route involved elevation changes, and ranged from the relatively open George Washington Parkway to a 3-mile stretch in the heart of the city that is clogged with roughly 30 traffic signals.

“The Fusion Hybrid works brilliantly,” Gerdes said. “When you don’t need acceleration power while driving around town, the gas engine shuts down seamlessly. There’s not another hybrid drivetrain in the world that does that as effectively. The Fusion engineering team really knocked it out of the park.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi7ENrJDxG4

Ford NASCAR star Carl Edwards took time away from the high speed world of professional car racing to contribute to the Fusion Hybrid team’s success in D.C.

“It was exciting to be an active part in this challenge. The fact that it will help spread the word about the Fusion Hybrid’s great mileage, and help out a great charity, makes it even more special,” said Edwards, whose ‘99’ team has used fuel-saving techniques to win races. “There’s no question that the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it. Having driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is – so strong that I’ve purchased one myself.”

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Ford Fusion Hybrid Gets 81.5 MPG and World Record 1445 Miles on Single Gas Tank is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Some cars’ combined mpg has magically increased or decreased over the weekend. So why is that important you ask? Well for those who thought their old cars qualify for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) or Cash For Clunkers program last week, they found out over the weekend that they now no longer qualify!

According to cars.gov, which is the government’s sole source for official information on the CARS program, trade-in vehicles generally must get a combined 18 or less mpg in order to qualify for the cash program. The combined mpg can no longer be found at fueleconomy.gov website, as previously instructed. You now need to go here http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2009/07/epa-refreshes-cash-for-clunkers-eligible-mpg-ratings.html to find your eligibility.

People have already run into problems, as reported on Edmunds.com.

Here’s a piece from CNN.com, 07-28-09.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eehkrpjpW2c

Car Buyers Found Themselves Ineligible for Cash for Clunkers Over the Weekend is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Note to readers: Beware of scams already popping up to take advantage of the CARS of “cash for clunkers” program. Never give out personal information on a website, especially your social security number. Your only trusted source should be www.cars.gov.

Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation, discusses the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS,) or “Cash for Clunkers” program. According to the Secretary LaHood, it’s all about moving cars out of the showrooms, and the net result will be to help stimulate jobs in the U.S. – “One billion dollars will buy 250,000 cars.”

Obviously there’s no perfect program, and I think the Secretary could have addressed some key questions and concerns about the effectiveness versus the cost of the CARS, but he avoided doing so.

CNN interviews Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. Video clip courtesy CNN, 07-27-09.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWTfoXHjqiQ

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood on the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS,) or “Cash for Clunkers” Program is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Note to readers: Beware of scams already popping up to take advantage of the CARS of “cash for clunkers” program. Never give out personal information on a website, especially your social security number. Your only trusted source should be www.cars.gov.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the final eligibility requirements for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS).

This final rule sets forth requirements and procedures for the voluntary vehicle trade-in and purchase/lease program under the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009. This program helps consumers pay for a new, more fuel efficient car or truck from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel efficient car or truck. The rule establishes a process by which dealers can register in order to participate in the program and establishes the criteria this agency will use to determine which disposal facilities are eligible to receive and either crush or shred the trade-in vehicles. It also sets forth the criteria that trade-in vehicles and new vehicles must meet in order for purchases and leases to qualify for assistance under this program and establishes the requirements that must be met by consumers, dealers, disposal facilities and others. Finally, the rule sets forth enforcement procedures and provisions for punishing fraud and other violations of the program requirements.

View the full CARS final rule document in pdf.
To find dealers in your area, use the CARS Dealer locator.

Cash for Clunkers program explained. Video clip courtesy CNN, 07-27-09.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrIQp4JR4nY

NHTSA, DOT Publish the Final Rule for Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) or Cash For Clunkers is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Note to readers: Beware of scams already popping up to take advantage of the CARS of “cash for clunkers” program. Never give out personal information on a website, especially your social security number. Your only trusted source should be www.cars.gov.

Updated 07-28-09. The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS,) or “Cash For Clunkers” program as some in the press like to call it, is the federal program that helps consumers purchase a new, more efficient vehicle when an older, less efficient vehicle is traded in. All transactions made on or after July 1, 2009 are eligible under the CARS program, and many dealers have already registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to offer these credits directly to consumers.

The credit received by consumers will not be treated as reportable income for tax purposes. In other words, it is tax-free. Dealers, on the other hand, will have to report it as an income.

The Facts

Here’s a quick run-down of important things about the CARS program you should know, from the government’s official website www.cars.gov:

• Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
• Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
• Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less miles per gallon or mpg (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements)
• Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
• You don’t need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase
• Program runs through Nov 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
• The program requires the disposal of your eligible trade-in vehicle and that the dealer disclose to you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in. The scrap value, however minimal, will be in addition to the rebate, and not in place of the rebate.

Here are some specific requirements of the CARS program:

• Your trade-in vehicle must
  • have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it in
  • have a “new” combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less. Use this site http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm to find your car’s combined city/highway fuel economy. It’s the red mpg number under the red banner “Estimated New EPA MPG” in the graphic below. UPDATED 07-28-09: You now need to find your eligibility here: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/CarsSearchIntro.shtml
  • be in drivable condition
  • be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in
  • The trade-in vehicle must have been manufactured not earlier than 25 years before the date of trade in and, in the case of a category 3 vehicle, must also have been manufactured not later than model year 2001
  • Work trucks and cargo vans have different requirements
• Consumers can either buy or lease a new car, as long as the lease period is at least for 5 years. Used cars are eligible.
• Both domestic and foreign made cars are eligible.
• The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the new car cannot exceed $45,000.
• New passenger cars to be purchased must have combined fuel economy of 22 mpg; Category 1 or class 1 trucks (up to 6,000 lbs GVWR, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating,) 18 mpg; Category 2 trucks (6,001 to 10,000 lbs,) 15 mpg; and Category 3 trucks (10,001 to 14,000 lbs), no specific minimum mpg requirements but other restrictions apply.
• The law requires your trade-in vehicle to be scraped (destroyed.)

The Upsides

So what are the amounts of the credit and how are they determined. Purchasers of new qualified cars are eligible to receive either $3,500 or $4,500 credit.

• $3,500 credit. Consumers receive this amount if the new car’s combined mpg is at least 4, but less than 10 mpg, higher than the old car’s.
• $4,500 credit. Consumers receive this amount if the new car’s combined mpg is at least 10 mpg higher than the old car’s.

I’m sure many consumers will jump on this deal because these are some very attractive discounts on top of any other discounts, incentives and special offers made available by dealers and manufacturers. Expect dealer showrooms to have increased traffic between now and November 1. Also expect to see fewer polluting cars on the roads.

The Downsides

So is there a downside to this law? I can think of at least a couple.

One, low income people won’t be benefitting from the Cash for Clunkers program because they can’t afford a new car anyway. Not surprisingly, they are the largest population driving clunkers.

Two, the charity industry (which is very active in the older car sales and auction trade) will probably lose out because traded in cars (all of which are still operational by law) will all head for the scrap yards. As environmentally undesirable as they are, some poor families can still use them to maintain their livelihood. So again the poor lose out.

For  the latest information on the CARS program, follow this link to view helpful Q&As for consumers.

By the way the smart fortwo also qualifies for this “cash for clunkers” program.

Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) or Cash For Clunkers Program Kicking Into Gear is a post from: CleanCarTalk

CNN did a piece on the Mini E electric car on February 2, 2009. I don’t particularly have problems with CNN reporting in general, as a lot of their fluff can be filtered out – if you watch CNN long enough, you know. Anyway it’s an interesting piece on the Mini E because of several reasons.

Like many other news outlets, CNN does have its moment of sensationalism, just maybe more often than the rest. So if you keep this in mind while watching this news clip, you’ll see other more important things at play here. I certainly had my initial reactions. But I’ll let you watch it first then discuss on the other side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tE938F511M

While the news piece on the Mini E electric car is informative for sure, it seems to have sparked many negative reactions about “moronic reporter and commentator”, “great way to promote saving the earth” (sarcastic), etc. For me my first reaction was, “Nice! Electric cars are getting national and international coverage!” Then my second reaction was (after viewing it live and then recorded version several times), “Hmm, interesting comments are made by the CNN people, like “I’m about to back up .. and it’s not working,” or, reference to driving like “a bumper car,” or, negative comments at the end about the $850 per month lease.”

So here are my thoughts. I think CNN is reporting the news like it is in this case. While this was not live, they decided to leave in the clip of the car stalling. If the car stalls, it stalls. If she had trouble driving the car the first time, then that’s probably what would happen with many other first-time drivers of the Mini E in particular, and electric cars in general. To me it was a good editing decision.

Secondly, if it feels like driving a bumper car, why try to say it in any other way? Everyone can relate to driving a bumper car, especially when she relates it to the car’s behavior in relationship to the petal action. We can all feel the effect of regenerative braking with that single statement, yet many feel that the statement does not help the car’s cause and is out of place, and I disagree. It’s time consumers understand how these things work so they can make buying decisions, and not just through shiny cool looking models on the auto show floors.

With respect to keeping an eye on the Mini E‘s remaining charge level, thus how much distance you have left to drive, she was absolutely right about not wanting to be stranded in the middle of the road which is always a serious issue. Many marketing people would just gloss over this serious issue.

CNN did also give plenty of video time for Mini USA Vice President Jim McDowell to say what he needed to say about the car and company goals. So again it was OK reporting there.

Finally, the $850 monthly lease amount. Here’s my take. Granted, the commentator was just a tad over-reacting. But my guess is it would be the exact reaction of many consumers. Forget about going green and saving the earth. People can’t pay for this now or possibly even in the near future. If I’m in a market for a new car, let’s go check out other 30 or even 40+ mpg cars that I can afford and drive today. This Mini E is not for me, and it’s not for many people.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not picking on the Mini E. I think it’s a great concept. On the other hand I advocate that we should all do our part to promote this great solution to a world problem, but do it with at least one foot on the reality ground.

I’ve always maintained that car manufacturers are jumping on the clean driving bandwagon and bring out cars that are not necessarily ready for the consumers. See my recent post on “New Hybrid and Electric Car Choices Can Fail the Car Industry.” Many just want to ride the buzz and free press at auto shows and drive demos, etc. While it may be part of a good development process (such as getting customer feedback and measuring levels of interest), at this stage they’re all really part of the marketing machines churning out sales pitches. If it weren’t for the current economic situation I doubt if we’d see this many announcements for hybrid and electric cars.

In summary, I think this CNN piece is right-on, in that it keeps car manufacturers honest.

So what do you think of the CNN news piece? Do you have a different view on the subject? Would you prefer the news to cover green car technology differently, and what would you consider helpful for consumers to make good decisions about hybrid and electric cars? Share your thoughts with us.

CNN Test Drives a Mini E Electric Car – Missing the Point or Just Reflecting Public Views? is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Updated 03-14-09. Honda has always been at the head of the pack when it comes to developing new green technologies. The company is constantly developing exciting products and for the 2010 models, Honda is adding the Honda Insight to the hybrid competition mix. In more ways than one, it may be the Prius killer .

The Insight, set for release in spring 2009, is designed to combine functionality with style. Honda is not known for producing stylish cars, but the new Honda Insight looks pretty sharp. Most people who are looking at hybrid cars are not necessarily too concerned with looks, but rather, gas mileage. High mpg (miles per gallon) is the name of the game for hybrids, and the Honda Insight checks in with an EPA estimated 40 mpg in town, and 43 mpg on the highway. No one knows exactly how well this car will perform, but looking at the statistics, it looks as if the other hybrid models out there, such as the Prius, may achieve somewhat better overall gas mileage.

Honda has two Insight models, the LX and the EX. The two are fairly similar, and the only real differences are the transmission, and the EX has a better traction control system. In addition, available as an add-on equipment, the EX can come installed with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition. Both models get the same gas mileage, so the only real difference is the amount of extra features, and I’m sure, the price tag.

It looks like Honda is upping the ante, as everything about the Honda Insight is set to trump the Toyota Prius, including sales. Honda has promised “affordable prices” on both the LX and the EX models, though no official price has been released and just announced that the Insight LX goes on sale March 24 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19,800 (Insight press release). Honda was generous enough to offer an estimate of around $19,000 for the base model, which I’m sure is the low end of the price range. The 2009 Prius model starts at $22,000, and you can end up spending much more than that for extra features. Most other hybrids start at $20,000, and you can easily end up spending $25,000, $30,000, or even more.

Most of the world has high hopes for this car. Honda has always made a quality machine, and their prices are reasonable. I have owned Hondas myself, as many of you, and we’re all familiar with Honda’s reputation for performance and reliability. Many people believe that the Insight will pass up all the competition, including the current industry leader, Toyota. The gas mileage is certainly tempting, and it is rumored that the car has been getting up to 60 mpg on the freeway.

Here’s Edmunds’ video comparing the Insight and Prius.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4WkJ0yvcVk

One very cool feature of the Honda Insight that is not included in any other hybrid is Honda’s Eco Assist System. This Eco Assist System is meant to improve your gas mileage by informing you if you are driving well. The gas mileage you achieve is highly dependent on how you are driving. If you are accelerating quickly and stopping often, you will not get good gas mileage. Also, if you are driving too fast, gas mileage will also suffer. This system tells you when you are driving too fast by lighting up your speedometer in blue. If you speedometer is green, that means you are driving well and you should see very good gas mileage. It’s sort of a driving coach to help you squeeze every last mile out of your fuel source. From Honda’s own press release:

The Insight introduces Eco Assist to help drivers achieve improved real-world fuel economy. Eco Assist is a feature designed to help drivers optimize fuel efficiency for their given set of driving conditions. Pressing the ECON button can further enhance the efficiency of multiple vehicle systems: throttle control, CVT operation, idle-stop duration, air conditioning and cruise-control operation (EX only). Eco Assist also provides feedback about driving style via a 3D-appearing background within the speedometer. The background changes colors from green to blue to reflect how efficiently or inefficiently the driver is accelerating or braking (green = efficient). The driver’s results are continuously tracked as fuel-economy ratings are shown per drive cycle and on a lifetime basis in the form of plant-leaf graphics that appear in the Multi-Information Display (MID). Up to five leaves can be ‘earned’ as the driver demonstrates a fuel-efficient driving style. A real-time score is shown in the Eco Guide MID screen.

For a closer look at the Honda Insight, head on over to the Honda Insight Official Website to check out more detailed specifications.

Like many other auto manufacturers, Honda is encouraging the “go green” approach to future cars. Of course, green driving comes with extra green dollars needed to buy the products (at least for the foreseeable future), but automakers are taking a stand against pollution and global warming. I’m glad to see Honda taking a more serious push with a very nice looking package.

Can’t wait to see them on the roads.

Honda Insight 2010 Hybrid: Is It a Toyota Prius Killer? is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Choices are good. For consumers, the more choices and competition the better. It is the foundation that keeps the economy healthy, while fostering better and improved products for consumers at the same time. It is the engine that propels hybrid, electric and clean diesel car technology development to the next level, with tangible benefits for all to enjoy.

However in the current state of development of the low/no emission and high miles-per-gallon (mpg) automobile industry, more technology and choices can cause adverse effects and reaction. The industry is still in development, but companies are announcing products way too early in their development cycle. Too many choices together with new, unfamiliar technologies can lead to greater confusion.

So car manufacturers should approach customers with a smarter and better marketing. More noise and louder noise won’t do the trick, but education and clear value proposition will make a difference. Otherwise, facing a barrage of marketing pitches with no clear standards and benefits, consumers will just ignore your messages.

What are your views on the many technologies to come out in the next 2-3 years for hybrid, electric and clean diesel cars? Are you having a tough time understand new offerings from car manufacturers? Would you pay a premium for these hi-tech cars when gas prices stay below $4? Share your comments with us.

New Hybrid and Electric Car Choices Can Fail the Car Industry is a post from: CleanCarTalk

A couple of novice hypermilers drove the Toyota iQ for 504.2 miles, achieving 70-72mpg when the car’s official figure is 65.7mpg. Beginning on January 25, 2009, Mark and Simon of the iQ blog piloted the small iQ through towns and cities in the south and midlands of England and Wales, hitting 18 cities in all.

According to Simon, “We set out to prove that iQ is an efficient car, but also that it’s not only possible to match a car’s official fuel consumption figures – you can beat them in real driving on real roads.” Read more about “500 miles in the Toyota iQ“.

iQ stands for intelligent Quality.

Hot video Toyota iQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evBfgLG1VwA

Toyota iQ: Parking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QZ2Izee_-s

Hypermiling in a Toyota iQ: 504 Miles on a Tank of Gas is a post from: CleanCarTalk