Friday, October 14, 2011
Richmond Review · Page 35
green auto review
Volt is an able performer From Page 33 If you pay attention when that gas engine starts you can detect a thrumming vibration but the transition usually seems seamless. The Volt is astonishingly quiet, the only sound coming from air drag and the low-rolling resistance tires hitting the pavement. There are very specific circumstances at highway speed when that gas engine will directly assist the powertrain but you won’t notice and those technical details are better explored online than in this short review. With the engine running the generator over the last 22 km, my total fuel usage over the 100 km drive home was 1.6 litres. Pretty good but you can see why the car was designed for those predictable commuters. The more you drive on gasoline-generated electricity, the higher your fuel consumption average will creep. This car wasn’t really meant for me because, as a news photographer, I drive from assignment to assignment, beyond simple two-way commuting. But somehow, on the second day, I did even better, plugging in at work whenever possible to replenish the battery, managing a 110 km day of pure EV driving, and using no gas at all. On Day 3, I drove it like I’d stolen it. I had almost depleted the battery the day before and did not charge it overnight. I was trying for a worst fuel economy scenario. And
Chevrolet Volt 2012 BODY STYLE: Extended range electric sedan DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, frontwheel-drive ENGINE: 110 kW primary motor; 55 Kw secondary motor, 1.4-litre DOHC inline four-cylinder (149 hp, 273 lb/ft combined) FUEL ECONOMY: As tested, 2.18L/100km (comb) PRICE: Base price $41,545 I was trying hard, power mode set on sport, air conditioner pumping away, flooring the pedal gleefully at every opportunity. This car may have been designed for tech-savvy earlyadopters but even performance buffs would raise an eyebrow at the Volt’s wheel-spinning acceleration. There’s plenty of snap off the line, poised smooth and sure handling, and enough mid-range oomph and passing power to please. I could probably have applied myself further with an added load of luggage, but the worst mileage I managed that day averaged out to 6.8L/100km. Even when you’re pushing the limits, the inherent hybrid traits of regenerative braking and idle-stop ignition mitigate fuel usage. A few last quick facts. The battery warranty is for 8yrs/160,000km. Sample electricity costs per full charge average $1.14 in B.C., but utility prices will vary.
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Kia’s enjoyable hybrid From Page 34 On the left side of the instrument panel, the tachometer has been replaced by a round energy display called the Eco Guide. It is marvelously simple with a needle showing when the car is on battery or engine power or a combination of both. On the lower left spoke of the steering wheel is a little green button marked “Eco”. The Optima Hybrid operates in the energy conservation mode at all times unless the driver turns the Eco mode off. This provides more power for sporty motoring and does make a noticeable difference in the driving characteristics of the car. The electric steering was positive if a bit heavy at slower speeds but far better than the first generation that were slow to react and felt dead on centre. The six-speed automatic has adaptive learning and is able to adjust itself to suit the driving style of the person behind the wheel.
Kia Optima Hybrid 2011
On the outward part of the drive I got the fuel consumption down from 7.4L/100 km at start to as low at 6.6L/100 km at one point. That changed dramatically back to 7.3L/100 km with the Eco off through the mountains. On flat ground and driving with a light right foot getting down to around 6L/100 km in real world driving is definitely possible. When it comes to safety, the Optima Hybrid leaves nothing out with six airbags, anti-whiplash front active headrests, four-wheel antilock brakes, Electronic Stability Control, a Traction Control System, a Brake Assist System and Hill Assist Control) all being standard. This is a very enjoyable car to drive and, frankly, I almost forgot it was hybrid because of the way it felt and handled. There are more and more hybrids on the road but this is the best I’ve driven to date.
BODY STYLE: Midsize sedan DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, frontwheel-drive ENGINE: 2.4-litre DOHC inline fourcylinder (166 hp, 154 lb/ft); 30 kW electric motor (40 hp, 151 lb/ ft); combined 206 hp, 195 lb/ft FUEL ECONOMY: 5.6/4.9L/100 km city/highway TOW RATING: NA PRICE; Hybrid, $30,595; Hybrid Premium, $35,495
RICHPORT FORD LINCOLN
20% OFF
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price For payments as low as BY-WEEKLY* ON ALL IN STOCK 2010 F150 & F350 TRUCKS Cash Price of $56,649 plus tax, levies, documentation fee $599.00 PLUS
FREE 3 YEAR/60,OOOkm SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PLUS
2010 Ford F350 Lariat Crew Cab 4x4 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price $71,779 Stock# 8J107867
-20%
SALE PRICE $57,423
2010 Ford F150 XLT Supercrew 4x4 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price $42,354
-20% SALE PRICE $33,883
*On Approved Credit. 72 month Finance contract at 6.29% APR. Price includes $10,000.00 trade-in allowance. Selling price equals $56,649.00 plus tax, levies, and documentation fee of $599.00 equals total obligation $63,743.76.
Just behind the Richmond Home Depot
www.richportfordlincoln.com
Jacombs
604•273•7331
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Richport Ford Richmond Automall Smallwood Westminster Hwy
Steveston Hwy
No. 6 Rd
#160-12440 Vulcan Way, Richmond (604) 821-1133
13580 SMALLWOOD PLACE
Sidaway
TRISTAR COLLISION
Massey Tunnel
DL#10904
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