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Archive for December 21st, 2009

11 Exclusive Disadvantages Of Hybrid Cars!

A recent study by NADAguides revealed that only a handful of Hybrid Cars at present make sound financial sense and only for some of those considering to buy the automobiles due to rising gas prices.

The advantages and disadvantages of hybrids have been debated for long. The following are 11 opinions against the hybrids which have been echoed from time to time. While some might be genuine others could be dated and some just bad publicity. Once you’ve skimmed through them you might want express yourself by writing comments.

1. Price: Hybrid cars are known to cost higher about 2000 to 5000 more than autos running on petrol or diesel automobile engines. Large battery packs and technology used is usually blamed for higher cost for these vehicles.

* Costly Registration: Some states in the US charge more as fees towards registration adding on to the initial high charges.

* Costly Insurance: Since insuring costlier autos is expensive the same applies to insuring a hybrid thats costlier than its gas operated counterpart. Apparently you dont get any special offers on insurance if you buy a hybrid if at all you get the insurance.

2. New Technology: While the manufacturers rigorously test the autos before they are brought out in the market the relatively new invention of a hybrid might come up with a type of problem thats not been conceived or discovered yet. Further in such an event it could take some time before a solution is formulated.

3. Safety: Heres another concern thats high on potential users minds and this is something that most humans that inhabit the planet wouldnt want to compromise upon. The following are the key points of terror!

* High Electric Charge: Most of these cars make use of huge packs of automobile batteries and theres an enormous amount of charge within them. In case of an accident all that potential electrical energy can cause further injuries to the occupants if not electrocute them. Further cutting out electricity connections is one of the foremost priorities of the emergency rescue workers during vehicular extrication with more electric batteries than ever to deal with the danger looms large and rescue efforts could be stymied. Finally the charge reaching any leaking fuel or an automatic deployment of airbags unnecessarily poses an additional threat.

* A Bit Too Light: Since these new age babies are lighter they are prone be damaged more during stormy conditions if not literally be blown off the ground during high winds. Furthermore lighter weight means lesser mass and thus these vehicles arent quite compatible with the weight of conventional cars hence the forces generated during a collision might impact them more or they might spin like a top.

* Dangerous to Pedestrians: Recently many eyebrows were raised at the US senate about the danger posed to blind individuals navigating the road by super quiet cars. Consequently the senate preliminarily approved a bill to study how to deal with hybrid vehicles that are a bit too quiet for blind persons.

4. Maintenance: Apart from the initial cost of purchase sometimes maintaining the machinery to becomes somewhat challenging.

* Break Down: In the event that your car breaks down the relative exclusivity of the cars technology could be somewhat troublesome for you to get a quick fix. The cars being newer your local mechanic or others like them might not be prepared or have the skill set or the automotive tools to repair it. Moreover the replacement of complex and exclusive components might burn a bigger hole in your pocket.

* Batteries: Sometimes the batteries of the car need to be recharged at least once in 15 days. In case you need to be away from your home and your car you might need to think twice before leaving your car to rot behind you or you might have to make an arrangement for someone to take care of it. Further batteries are a costly piece of equipment and with the hybrids they usually need to be replaced every 150000 to 200000 miles.

5. Performance: Other concerns relate to these cars not possessing the same abilities as their conventional counterparts these cars seem to be falling short of perfectly matching the performance of the gas cars.

* Slow Acceleration: The new age autos for now are a bit slow to accelerate when compared to their conventional counterparts. Hence it might just take a bit of adjustment on the owners part about the envy they might feel of the conventional cars and their users. Or perhaps as more RD goes into making these autos match up to the gas only cars they could indeed be at par in reality albeit after sometime.

* Less Towing Capacity: For those users whore interested in the towing capacity of these cars may again find it somewhat lower in comparison to gas cars. A solution would be to purchase a hybrid SUV that inherently has more power but the towing consideration by itself hardly makes sense to go ahead with such a purchase.

* Less Mileage: Surprisingly lower fuel costs is what the unique selling proposition of these cars and they are indeed more fuelefficient than the gas cars. The problem reportedly crops up on freeways and highways where the fuel mileage compared to gas cars is either at par or worse than the gas cars. Some even opine that owing to a large number of battery packs these cars become heavy thus affecting fuel economy negatively. Intriguing!

* Cold Whether: Batteries have a hard time performing in cold weather sometimes they are half as efficient compared to warm whether conditions. Consequently the automobiles powered by batteries too would have a hard time performing in the cold.

6. Environmental Pollution: Claimed to be environment friendly they aren’t 100 environment friendly they do comprise a gasoline engine which does behave the same as that the usual gas cars so they seem to be only relatively better.

* Manufacture: The ecofriendliness of these cars has been questioned on account of the manufacturing process. It has been estimated that to manufacture a hybrid leads to more energy consumption and environmental pollution compared to manufacturing a normal gas car.

* Ecological Hazard: In case a hybrid is involved in a mishap and lands up in a pond a lake or a canal the leakage of the battery constituents might lead to an ecological hazard similar to the one like an oil slick albeit on a smaller scale.

7. Ugly styling: Many people have questioned the styling of these vehicles and also that there are just a handful of models around to choose from. Sometimes potential buyers have found the existing models too ugly to be bought.

* Less Space Inside: Due to the requirement to house voluminous battery packs some of the models have to compromise on the space thats left inside apparently too much room has to be allocated to secure the batteries.

8. Resale Value: The resale value of the vehicle raises another question mark on their cost effectiveness. The warranty of the battery usually runs out of time after a drive of 80000 to 100000 miles. Now given an automobile with a technology thats still maturing and with warranty not available for expensive battery replacements the trouble of repair maintenance and spare parts a used hybrid doesnt offer a good value proposition.

9. Need To Learn New Driving Habits: The driving habits needed to reap the benefits from a hybrid car somewhat vary from the gas driven ones. For instance and for these cars stopping and restarting the engine in effect consumes more power so youd need to be habituated in case you arent. Driving slow is the key and drivers should maintain constant speeds. Other driving advice specific to a hybrid might put pressure on the buyers to necessarily learn the new tricks.

10. Difficult To Purchase: Purchasing a hybrid could make it tough for you due to a couple of reasons. First you need to educate yourself of the technicalities about the various types and technologies used by different manufacturers not all hybrids are created equal. Second a manufacturer is less likely to give you a neutral account about the vehicles merits and demerits as they would be more interested in selling than telling. Third getting first hand experiences and authentic reviews could be difficult as well.

11. It Takes Too Long To Reap the Benefits: Its claimed that the cost savings on fuel in the long run would offset the initial costs incurred but apparently this long run is a couple of years not days or months. The latest study by NADAguides showed that a driver in Los Angeles highest gas price location will breakeven about 18 percent faster than a driver in Houston highest gas price location. Further the distances to be covered by driver in the study range from 18292 to 67685 miles to just breakeven. So you could be in for a wait of about a year or less or even more based on your travel metrics.

I’m sure there’s a whole lot more to consider before making a purchase decision that really makes a difference. Perhaps there’s much more than moving ahead with purchase simply because gas prices are moving north.

About the writer:  I am a journalist with 7 years of experience. Though as a professional I’ve reported on myriad topics my favorites are the auto and the healthcare industry. Two of the platforms I’ve previously worked on are Themedica and AutomotiveOnline. I now blog at: Automobile Hotspot.

Hatchbacks Ruling Indian Roads

Alto is Maruti Udyogs subcompact offering to India and has become the most popular design and was sold like a hot cake in the small car segment. This hatchback can be described as the small cute car with all advantages keeping in mind like nice looks good power low maintenance best of all is its fuel economy.

This 5speed manual comes in three different variants. Engine produces the maximum of power of 47 ps 6200 rpm and torque of 62 Nm 3000 rpm. On the fuel economy figure it gives 15 kmph and 18 kmph in city and high way cycle respectively. Coming to its interiors it is satisfactory with comfortable seating and good upholstery. The styling is conservative but tasteful for the common man who thinks that car is an extension of their personality.

Wagon R

Launched in the year 2000 the car met with a lukewarm response from the market and the initial sales were sluggish at best India largely because the Hyundai Santro was launched much before and was in the spot light. However in the recent times WagonR picked up its popularity and became a fast moving car in the small car segment.

This comes in both petrol and LPG version with engine producing power of 64bhp petrol and 57.5bhp LPG. It is one engine two gear boxes with 5spped manual and a 3speed automatic. WagonRs boxy shape look may not be the prettiest but liberates ample space inside accommodating five persons comfortably. For the first time customers now have a car which while being economical to drive also offers space superior technology and a refined engine. It is certified as completely safe and reliable. The Duo is truly a triple delight.

Interiors are at its best with three spoke steering wheel auto lock system and enhanced front power windows and rear big door pockets. This is the only car with two interior lights one of them for the boot.

With the launch of the new WagonR Maruti aims to consolidate its position at the top of the market and also reinforces its commitment to consistently provide its customers with class leading products.

Tata Indica
Tatas home grown product gave Indians what they wanted a big car in the price of a small one. They entered the car market in 1998 by launching Indica Earlier this model had some flaws and was notorious for breaking down until Tata launched an improved one. Now it comes with new and fresher face and slightly updated interiors.

Tata Indica gives a good mileage compared to other cars of same segment. This 5speed manual comes with 1.4L and 1.2L engine. The fuel economy figures average of 11 to 12 kmph in city limits and 17 to 16 kmph in highways. Indica virtues a good ride roomy cabin and economy remain as well.

Hyundai Santro Xing
Hyundai motor limited launched its hatch Santro in 1999 in the rebagged version of Hyundai Motors. Taking on market leader Maruti 800 and WagonR Santro is Indias most popular B segment car. The Santro was revamped in 2003 and was renamed as Xing.

This model has good responsive engine body control and good steering. The engine provides the power of 62bhp and gives the fuel efficiency of 11kpl and 16kpl in city limits and highway respectively. It comes with 5speed manual transmission and 4speed automatic. The interiors are supported with good comfortable seating and great driving position. Three spoke power steering wheel with central locking and front power windows.
Driving the Santro is as natural a feeling as you can get. You can find everything essential a car needs. The only odd bits here are bumpy rear seat drive and inconvenienttoreach rear power window switches and their slider controls for the aircon. It is regarded as the most driverfriendly car.

Hyundai Getz Prime

Hyundai Motors India Ltd HMIL the third largest car manufacturer in the country and the largest exporter of cars from India has launched its new premium hatchback ‘Getz Prime.’ The Getz Prime looks pretty much like a curvaceously redesigned Getz but more modern and will compete with Maruti Swift and Chevrolet UV

The engine capacity comes in 1.3L with 82bhp 1.1L with 66bhp and 1.5L with 108bhp. This 5speed manual speed comes with the fuel efficiency of 12/15 kpl in city/highway. It is one of the most spacious cars in its segment. The generous headroom lets even the tallest to sit straight. The tilt steering ensures easy maneuvering with optimal effort and a comfortable driving position as per convenience. The base 1.1litre Getz Prime is available in two trimsGLE and GVS. The 1.3 Getz Prime is also available in two trimsGLS and GLX and the all new 1.5L diesel engine is available with the GVS and CRDi variant.

Maruti Swift

Suzukis position as the world leader in manufacturing compact cars is well known. With this popularity the company put together great brains from India 21 engineers and designers to create a unique model. Swift was created with Japanese technology and European styling. It is an attractive upgrade for small car owners. Clever pricing makes it fantastic value for money. It is highly desirable fun to drive and very cool these are he best way to define Swift. The engine available is 1.3L 87 bhp1.3L 75 bhp diesel with the fuel economy figure of 11/13 kmph city/highway.

The cabin is well designed and controls are well laid out which gives the interior a classy look. Welldesigned instrument cluster with digital trip meter and tachometer provides precise information to the driver and the threespoke power steering ensures precise handling. Swift comes with 5speed manual transmission with cableshift mechanism.

Chevrolet Optra SRV
The Optra has everything that appeals to Indians: smart styling a handsome spacious interior plenty of goodies and refinement and a knockout pricetag. The Chevrolet Optra is a dream on wheels. The general Motor India launched the Chevrolet Optra SRV with the Indias first premium sports back. The Chevy Optra SRV is a five door hatchback built on the Optra platform sharing the same wheelbase width and overall height with its larger sibling. Its a stylish car with youthful appeal combines contemporary Italian design with well appointed accommodations. The car is designed for Indian markets while also continues to be sold globally.

The 1.6L engine produces the power of 100bhp with the fuel efficiency of 15kpl and 20 kmph in the city limits and high way respectively. The 5speed manual regulated the power of the wheel. Comfortable seats for driver and codriver with height adjustable feature ensure comfort in city and on long drives.

Ford Fusion
The Ford fusion has been the recipient of warm reviews and is a top contender in the mid size family car segment. In fact it is not the kind of car that blends into the quiet obscurity but rather commands a second look with its aggressive stance and angular profile.

The Fusion is a very unconventional mix of a hatchback SUV MPV with chunky styling a high up driving position good space and an innovative interior. Available engines are 1.6L Inline 4 101 bhp 1.4L TDCi Inline 4 67 bhp with the fuel efficiency of 9 /15 kmph city/highway. The interior comes with a class seating of 60:40 split foldingup rear cushion seats provide utmost comfort. The tilt adjustable steering wheel ensures a balance and supple ride.

Chevy Spark
GM launched Chevrolet Spark in India as a comeback vehicle to the long forgotten Matiz. GM is trying to grab a 10 percent share of the rapidly growing automobile market in India by 2010. Chevrolet Spark will be produced at GMs Halol factory near Baroda. GM hopes to take on the might of Maruti and Hyundai with the cheeky spark. The first thing strikes when you enter spark is the unconventional layout inside. Gracefully designed clear and easy to read instrument panel provides clear information to driver. And the flexible seating options with spacious head and leg room make the drive comfortable. It is also e Equipped with stateoftheart music system for quality entertainment.

The steering wheels offer a good response with three spoke power wheel. This Chevy has five variants. Looks are subjective but the cheeky Spark is easily the best looking small hatch today. This comes with the engine capacity of 1.0L TEC Inline 4 with 63bhp power. The fuel efficiency is 12kpl in the city limits and 17kpl in highway. This sturdy handsome and solid looks gives Spark an edge in the market.

Hyundai i10

Finally the Korean auto major came up with Hyundai i10 to bridge the gap between the Getz Prime and Santro Xing. Compact cars being the Indias favorite they have chosen the right place to launch it. Its a compact car with a fiveseat fivedoor 3.56m long and 1.59m wide with wheels pushed out to the corners to maximize interior space. The basic trim level includes airconditioning electric front windows central locking tinted glass bodycolored bumpers and an integrated sixspeaker CD/MP3 stereo.

Doors are quite big; making entry quite easy is equipped with bodycolored door handles and power door locks. A total of five doors in the i10 include a large hatchback door in the back. The 5speed manual transmission comes with the engine capacity of 1.1L iRDE Inline 4 and power of 66bhp. Its perhaps not for Hyundai big car lovers but certainly for those who would not mind compromising on quality yet want an inexpensive car.

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