MOTORING REPORT EcoBoost engine with 250 bhp, has entered a pre-order period with a retail price of around HK$350,000. Apart from the excellent power output, the ST is very torquey in mid-range, accelerating with ease without the need to constantly downshift. Inchcape Far East, which now distributes Ford, along with Toyota and Jaguar, says it has two high-performance MPVs – the S-Max and Galaxy - in Hong Kong. The Galaxy features a 200 bhp gasoline engine, complete with turbocharger, mated to a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. Major features are factory-fitted leather seats, nine airbags, side air curtains and a driver’s knee bag. The Sony audio system is also pretty special with nine speakers, while there is a multimedia system in the rear. The S-Max, similarly features the turbo two-liter motor, and is pretty much the same throughout as the Galaxy. Prices are HK$299,900 for the S-Max and $339,900 for the Galaxy. Electric Vehicles Electric vehicles, or EVs are touted as the next-generation, planetsaving form of transport, but to date there is only one currently available in the Hong Kong market: the Nissan Leaf. Mitsubishi has brought in a limited number of its MiEV, but the Leaf is more readily available. The other option, of course, is a hybrid. Toyota kicked it off in 1997 with the first-generation Prius and has continued the trend with its Lexus hybrids, the RX450h and the LS600h. The RX450h is its superb hybrid SUV, while the LS600h is its magnificent sedan. Recently, Toyota has added the Prius C to its line-up, a new hybrid small car. The Lexus RX450h uses a 3.5 liter 24-valve gasoline V6, combined with a sophisticated electric motor. In normal conditions, the SUV operates in front-wheel drive mode, but if any slippage is detected the rear wheels are automatically powered by the electric motor. Regenerative braking is incorporated, as is a complete stop of the motors at a standstill, automatically firing up the gasoline engine when the accelerator is pressed. In addition, by linking Bluetooth technology with the multi-
Ford Focus ST
Nissan Leaf
“Lexus RX450h uses a 3.5 liter 24-valve gasoline V6, combined with a sophisticated electric motor.”
Lexus RX450h 50 HONG KONG BUSINESS | AUGUST 2012