At the risk of getting on a soapbox
I think the Prius is technologically very clever. Unfortunately it's a very cack-handed way of solving the problem, to the extent that in the real world a diesel makes much more sense. It's good for reducing inner-city emissions, and that's about where the ball stops. In terms of dust-to-dust environmental cost, they're one of the worst cars around.

Personally, nothing would give me greater satisfaction than to see all the Prii (?) being crushed. Scrub that, crush them all with their smug owners still in them. I've only ever driven one car I hate more, and that's the Audi A4.

VW Bluemotion is along the right lines (same as Ford Econetic). Concentrate on getting the best efficiency out of what you've got first before you resort to bulky, expensive, dirty and heavy battery packs, electric motors, inflated senses of self-righteousness etc.

Sorry for the rant. I admire the Prius from a technological viewpoint, but that's where it ends. I've only just scratched the surface of how much I hate them :)
( rubberduck should only be used after consulting with your GP, Mon 29 Sep 2008, 19:39, Reply)