The problem with prius
By fpsninja
@fpsninja (874)
February 25, 2011 11:10am CST
Hey all
I felt like blogging today about the toyota prius. I think its an ok car, but i think there is too much hype about it. Firstly, it is not that economical. Yes, its the most economical car realistically speaking that is of that size. But seriously, a small diesel hatchback will be more economical, especially if it is also produced locally.
But this got me thinking. If a the prius used a diesel engine, surely that would boost economy? And, not only that, but if the prius got a bit smaller and lighter, it would be even more economical.
But then it hit me.
The reason i seriously doubt this will ever happen is obvious. The toyota prius is a car you drive if you want people to THINK you care about the environment. If you actually car, you would get something like the diesel smart with start stop tecnology (without the technology, its gets in excess of 80 mpg, compared to the prius getting 40).
And not only that, but also the fact the prius is sold a lot in america, where diesel isnt really used (though i still have no idea why this is).
So its a shame really, that because of the type of buyer, a truely environmental car can't be made, without people just showing off about it really.
1 response
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
26 Feb 11
Most of it is hype. focus on the environment is used as a marketing strategy. If people really want to help the environment, all they have to do is stop buying cars and use bicycles instead. Vehicles of today are more economical, environment friendly but it doesn't mean it stopped polluting the environment. The pollution that we have now is owned mostly to vehicles. Car makers only use the term environment friendly so buyers will feel less guilty when they buy a prius or whatever but the fact is it still pollute the environment.
@fpsninja (874)
•
26 Feb 11
I wouldnt go so far as to say take all the cars off the road. I drive, but because i have to. And i did take the train for 2 years, but i have stopped that, as they are so rude (the conductors), if you get back late its full of drunk people (kid you not one fell on me once he was that drunk) and its more expensive than driving, and takes longer!
No... cars are needed, but what isnt needed are these silly cars like the 4x4's, or these cars that sell themselves because they are environmental, when they arent all that. VW are currently working on a car that supposedly does 100mpg, but then again, these estimates are always too high!
Still... i do like the toyota iQ, it gets around 50mpg in the real world as its so light!