The Hybrid Battle Royal

Toyota has announced the cost for the new Prius.  With a MSRP of ,500 on the Prius is a few thousand dollars more expensive than its main competitor; the Honda Insight, which has a MSRP of ,800. The lower MSRP earns the 2010 Insight the title of most affordable hybrid in the U.S. 

The Eco Assist feature will improve fuel economy be making sure that the driver does not accelerate too much and therefore waste gas.The ECO socring helps the drive to have a system that allows for the best fuel economy, which is related back to the operator in the form of a miles per gallon readout.The hybrid engine uses new technology called the IMA which provide assistance to the motor via an electric boost. This new technology further reduces weight, saves on manufacturering costs, and adds to the overall cabin space. Variable Valve Technology is used in the Insight motor which also helps perfomance.For about the price of a base mopdel Prius, you can get a nicely equipt Insight that comes with: rims, USB integraded stereo, navigaion with voice recognition, and steering wheel mounted shifter. The Insight and the Prius are clear competitors but Honda is determined to knock Toyota out of the competitive market to become the hybrid leader. 

Opposite of the Insight, the 2010 Prius offers a 160-hp 1.8 liter engine uses 3 modes of operation. Those include ECO mode, which allows more of less pedal responsiveness for fuel economy, the EV mode that allows the vehicle to run only on battery power for ½ mile, and the Power Mode which increases pedal sensitivity for more responsive driving.An accessory on the Prius that is aimed at driver safety is called the precollision system.Adaptive Cruise Control uses a laser to keep the same distance between your car and the car infront of you, and the Prius will automatically apply brakes if needed. The Prius also includes a new touch sensor system on the steering wheel to ensure safe driving.

Yes the Insight is much cheaper than the Prius, but the Prius does get much better fuel economy.Right now the MPG ratings for the new Insight are at 40 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway, and the Prius comes in at 48 MPG city and 45 MPG on the highway.  So, if you commute 20,000 miles per year (and gas costs .50 a gallon), you would spend 19 in fuel on the Insight and 86 on the Prius. So say you shell out that higher price for the Prius, yes you save 53 gallons of gas per year, but it will take 27 years of driving to recover that money via gas savings.Ok the Prius gets way better fuel economy, yet the Insight makes up the difference with its low starting price!

NewHybrid Cars in Southern California, or buy a Used Prius Hybrid.  See great deals on the New toyota Prius in Northern California.