The last generation Swift has been a roaring success for Suzuki around the world since its debut seven years ago in 2004.

At the rear, the tail lamps have been enlarged and just like the headlamps, are curvier while the numberplate surround on the bumper is larger. The cut out for the latter apes the one on the previous Renault Megane hatchback and hence makes the Swift’s rump look a tad clumsy and fat when compared to the old model’s pert backside.

Thanks to its more generous exterior proportions, the new Swift offers more room for rear passengers than in the old car. The new Swift is a marked improvement over its predecessor especially when it comes to rear kneeroom – at least there’s enough kneeroom now for the knees of rear passengers not to be permanently touching the rear of the front seatbacks. Like in the old car, headroom is hard to fault while shoulder room has slightly improved thanks to the slightly wider cabin than previously.

Up front, the driver is greeted by an all-new dashboard that draws inspiration from the Kizashi’s design. The dash is still made from some very hard plastics in most parts but perceived quality and value has moved up a notch when compared to the old car thanks to the use of better looking and more tactile switchgear and silver coloured accents throughout the cabin. In terms of design, the stereo headunit now has its display screen integrated within the unit itself rather than being high up on the dash while the air-con controls and the smart looking instruments with an integrated screen for trip computer readings and gear indicator up perceived luxury a notch. The Kizashi sourced steering wheel not only features fingertip controls for the stereo but is adjustable for both reach and rake in the GLX model tested here. The front seats might not look great but they offer a wide variety adjustments including height for all body shapes to feel comfortable to rest their bums on.

Boot space though, is disappointingly small thanks to a load area that is short on length. Thankfully, the Swift comes standard with split/fold rear seats to extend the load area if necessary.

Underneath the skin, the new model features a heavily enhanced version of the outgoing car’s platform. The new model is still suspended by relatively simple MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam layout at the rear. Suzuki says that the suspension set-up has been heavily modified to further improve ride and handling to further enhance the old Swift’s virtues of nimble and fun handling.

There’s also a new steering system, which makes for a wonderfully precise and communicative tool to make it fun for the Swift to go round corners with, despite the Swift’s lack of sporting pretensions. Moreover, body control is much improved over the old car – the suspension doing a really admirable job of keeping unwanted body movements in check. The suspension feels well adept in taking on twisty tarmac and with a moderate power output to the front wheels, traction isn’t at a premium with the Swift. The 16-inch tyres will put the engine’s power down cleanly onto the tarmac without the need for any ESP stability or traction control systems.

Despite, the sporty handling, the Swift displays a fair degree of comfort and composure in the way it rides over bumps. The ride is far from choppy and is reasonably comfortable at both crawling town speeds as well as at expressway cruising speeds.

The new model is offered with a new, smaller 1.4-litre unit dubbed the K14B. With 95bhp and 130Nm on tap, the 1372cc four-pot unit makes just seven horses and 3Nm less than the old Swift’s 1490cc motor. 0-1 OOkm/h is quoted at 12.3 seconds for the four-speed auto model, which is fairly average among the cars in the Swift’s class.

DESPITE THE SPORTY HANDLING, THE SWIFT DISPLAYS A FAIR DEGREE OF COMFORT AND COMPOSURE IN THE WAY IT RIDES OVER BUMPS

The engine has ample torque at low revs but it’ll only truly come alive once it revs past 4000rpm – not surprising as the peaky little unit delivers its maximum torque of 130Nm only at 4000rpm. The motor doesn’t have the strong mid-range punch of the turbocharged engines that European brands favour but the Swift offers enough sprightly performance for a city car with little sporting pretensions. Moreover, throttle response is sharp to give the Swift some ‘get up and go’ feel and immediate responses that is worthy of a hot model like the Swift Sport.

Suzuki claims that the engine is not only lighter and more compact than before but is also more economical in terms of fuel consumption. Fuel consumption of the new model has improved by between 8 to 18 percent over the old model according to Suzuki.

As previously, two transmission options are offered – a five-speed manual as well as the four-speed automatic, the latter being the variant tested here. The new car’s gearbox might not have more gears than its predecessor’s but it is definitely quicker and more instant with its responses and gear changes. Disappointingly though, the auto box is not offered with a ‘+/-’ sequential manual mode. Those who love driving should opt for the five-speed manual model as it should offer both more performance and driving fun.

The new Swift is available in two trim level versions – the base GL and the GLX tested here. The GLX adds 16-inch factory-fitted alloy wheels, keyless entry and operation, six airbags, front fog lamps, rear disc brakes, tilt and telescopic steering column and LED side repeaters on the wing mirrors to the GL’s standard kit list. The latter features the same factory fitted six-speaker stereo system with iPod connectivity and fingertip controls as the GLX, two front airbags instead of six, locally fitted 15-inch alloy wheels and so on.

With the new generation Swift, Suzuki has built on the strengths of the popular outgoing model and evolved the Swift into something more complete than before.

Suzuki Swift 1.4 GLX(A)

At A Glance

•  Engine: 1372cc, in-line 4,16V

•  Performance: 95bhp/6000rpm, 130Nm/4000rpm, 0-100 12.3secs

•  Top Speed: NA

•  Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic

•  Price with COE: S$87,900

•  Testdrive & Enquiries: Champion Motors

•  Tel: 6631 1118

In A Nutshell

Plus: Nippy handling, fuel sipping nature

Minus: Awkward rear end styling

Verdict: Suzuki has built on the strengths of the popular outgoing model and evolved the Swift into something more complete than before.

Fuel economy for the Sonata and Fusion Hybrids are nearly identical, but with highway and city numbers swapped. The Sonata Hybrid offers 36 in the city and 40 on the highway, while the Fusion Hybrid is rated at 41/36. The Toyota Camry Hybrid falls behind at 33/34.

Hyundai believes that its use of a six-speed automatic transmission gives the Sonata Hybrid an edge on driving enjoyment. “There’s nothing specifically synergistic between a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and a hybrid,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai USA, who rode with us during a recent drive of the Sonata Hybrid. Krafcik’s complaint about CVTs is the “non-linearity” between pedal input from the driver, and the sound you hear. On the other hand, with the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Krafcik believes that “you get back exactly what you expect based on what your foot is doing.”

Based on our driving experience, and now the announcement of a compelling price, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid raises the bar for hybrids in a mid-size model aimed for the heart of the mainstream market. It’s the first hybrid for Hyundai (which on a winning streak) and it’s the first affordable hybrid model to use lithium ion batteries. While not as exciting as the first mainstream electric cars being delivered to consumers this week, it offers the promise of hybrid technology being incorporated into the most popular models on the road, and therefore having a major impact on reducing fuel consumption.

The Sonata Hybrid hits dealerships in January. Unfortunately, that’s right after the expected $1,300 hybrid tax incentive will have already expired.

Source: Hybridcars.com

LS 600h L Hybrid

The LS 600h L – the “L” signifying the long wheelbase LS platform    gives the highest level of performance, technological innovation and luxurious in the LS line. The LS 600h L is powered by the ultra quiet Lexus Hybrid Push system, which was the world’s first to combine a V8 gasoline engine with an all wheel drive (AWD) hybrid drivetrain.

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

The LS 600h L hybrid powertrain program uniquely combines a 5. liter V8 gasoline motor with two effective electrical motors plus a large capacity battery pack. The hybrid powertrain generates a peak combined output rating of 438 horsepower and can effortlessly accelerate the LS 600h L from zero to 60 mph in just 5.five seconds. Mid range acceleration is even much more impressive. The system’s electric powered engine is capable of delivering maximum torque on demand and is most beneficial throughout passing maneuvers. The LS 600h L can accelerate from 50 70 mph in just 3.five seconds.

The revolutionary V8 functions an electric powered motor driven Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT i) and Electrically controlled intake cam (VVT iE). The blend of VVT iE and oil pressure controlled VVT i for that exhaust cam provides superior engine startup operation and high output overall performance. A specially developed Hydrocarbon Absorber and Catalyst Method is linked to the two way exhaust to assist prevent hydrocarbons contained in the exhaust from being released into the atmosphere in the course of cold start up when the catalysts are not as much as temperature.

The LS 600h L also meets the Super Ultra Lower Emission Vehicle II (SULEV II) certification. The super low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels in the LS 600h L make it a single of the quietest automobiles ever built. The LS 600h L is really a full hybrid, capable of operating in electric only mode or having a combination from the gas engine and electric powered motor. Lexus hybrid technology allows electric mode only operation when particular situations are met at reduced speeds or stop and go driving circumstances, reducing fuel consumption and noise.

A compact 288 volt DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni MH) battery pack is installed behind the back chair. The battery’s energy is directed through a increase converter that efficiently raises voltage to a maximum 650V DC. An inverter changes this to AC, supplying its elevated power to a 165 kW electric powered motor that turns at up to 10,240 rpm. The trunk also contains a 12 volt auxiliary battery that powers the audio, navigation, and other systems.

The LS 600h L powertrain uses two engine generators: MG1 and MG2. Each performs particular functions and can operate as either a engine or a generator, although MG1 is employed as a starter engine and provides no motive force. The engine driven generator, MG1, can charge the battery pack or supply additional electrical power for the push engine, MG2, as needed. A regenerative braking system further boosts efficiency.

When the automobile is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electrical motors function as generators, capturing kinetic energy that would usually be lost as heat by means of the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries. A state of the art, full time all wheel push system adapts to highway surface situations to assist offer automobile handle throughout acceleration, and cornering.

The AWD system employs a compact, ultra quiet transfer case equipped having a TORSEN® limited slip differential (LSD) that is 30 percent lighter in size and weight than previous TORSEN systems.The LSD offers back biased torque distribution of 40:60 during normal straight line driving, automatically and continually adjusting energy distribution according to changing pace and road circumstances.

An eight speed sequential braking mode, activated when the shift lever is within the “S” position, enables eight different stages of reaction. When up shifting, motor speed is managed by the selected range, offering an exhilarating enhance in acceleration throughout every of the eight “shift” stages. When downshifting, brake force increases to supply effective deceleration.

The motive force can select “Hybrid” (Normal), “Power,” or “Snow” modes to change the rate of throttle opening for a given throttle pedal angle. The Hybrid mode gives the smoothest operation and is ideal for city or suburban driving; Electrical power sharpens accelerator pedal response and Snow mode softens accelerator pedal response, making it simpler to speed up on slippery street surfaces. By pushing an EV switch, electrical power reverts to full electric powered mode for short distance, low speed driving situations such as residential areas or parking garages.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

Multi link front and back air suspension techniques aid maintain superb car posture and driving overall performance although maintaining the ultra comfortable ride that’s synonymous with all Lexus autos.

The LS 600h L is outfitted with large front  and rear ventilated disc brakes and normal 19 inch, seven spoke aluminum alloy wheels with all season tires. These unique wheels receive extensive buffing.

Electronic Electrical power Steering (EPS) delivers a smooth steering feel and reduces parasitic losses. Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) optimizes the steering gear ratio according to car velocity, enhancing responsiveness and driver control.

Networked with all the Automobile Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) method, VGRS can make minor adjustments for the front wheel angle to assist provide handle in challenging road circumstances.

Safety/Security Functions

The VDIM program incorporates and manages all of the car’s dynamic handling sub systems, including: Electronically Managed Brake (ECB) method, EPS, Vehicle Stability Handle (VSC), Antilock Braking Program (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle. Monitoring a variety of sensors, the program anticipates the onset of a automobile skid or slide although cornering, and helps correct the scenario with a mixture of braking, throttle and steering control in a way that’s essentially transparent towards the driver. VSC can be turned off if desired by way of the Trac Off button for particular inclement situations.

In addition for the active safety characteristics, the LS 600h L is standard equipped with 8 airbags, using a maximum of 11 airbags accessible via option packages. The world’s 1st low beam LED headlamps provide superior street illumination, as well as the regular Adaptive Front lighting Program (AFS) helps to illuminate a turn or curve because the driver steers into it.

The accessible Advanced Pre Collision Method (APCS) was the world’s 1st system designed to detect and react to pedestrians within the vehicle’s path when it debuted on the 2009 Pebble Beach® Edition LS 600h L. This method is available for that LS 600h L (as well as the LS 460 models) with Lane Keep Aid. Using two little cameras mounted on the the front from the vehicle that work in conjunction with millimeter wave radar, APCS is sensitive sufficient to detect certain nonmetallic objects.

As part of APCS, the LS also offers the driver Interest Monitor Program, which was another world 1st. A third digicam, mounted around the steering column, monitors the orientation with the driver’s face.

If the digital camera detects that it appears the driver is not looking directly ahead for a few seconds or a lot more, and if an obstacle is detected ahead, then it alerts the driver, 1st with a warning chime plus a flashing light. As the car gets closer for the obstacle, APCS can start to gently apply the brakes on its own.

To help help the driving force in maneuvering around the obstacle, the system reprograms the steering ratio, amplifying the intensity and quickness from the steering reaction. At the exact same time, APCS automatically retracts the entrance seatbelts and prepares the brake system to respond with full force when activated by the driving force in anticipation of a feasible impact.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

The LS 600h L is based around the long wheelbase LS chassis, supplying nearly five inches much more legroom than the regular LS 460 model. This flagship sedan offers the highest degree of convenience and convenience functions inside the LS series. Normal features consist of a hard disk drive (HDD) Lexus Navigation method having a back up digital camera, Bluetooth® phonebook download capability, Voice Command casual language voice recognition method, and an integrated XM Radio receiver.

For theater level entertainment, the LS 600h L functions a normal 19 speaker 450 watt Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound audio method. An auxiliary jack located in the front center console allows for MP3 digital music players even though a USB port permits for iPod® connectivity. The audio program also features Bluetooth streaming audio.

Additional regular features consist of climate controlled the front seats; a driver’s chair that functions a regular slide away function that makes ingress/egress a lot more comfy; heated back seats; a heated steering wheel; power back sunshade; one touch open/close power trunk; power door closers; headlamp washers; SmartAccess with push button commence and card crucial; electronic parking brake; Intuitive Park Help; and laminated facet glass. Intelligent High Beams adjust their brightness in response to oncoming automobiles.

The Cold Weather Package is also standard and functions a windshield deicer, upgraded battery and more effective heater. The LS 600h L also has the Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS) which is designed to aid with parallel and back in car parking. Once the driving force has correctly positioned the automobile and identified the desired car parking spot by way of the navigation display, APGS utilizes the rear back up camera parking sonar sensors and electric power steering method to guide the automobile into the space, while the driving force controls velocity via braking.

Luxurious Options

The optional Premium Bundle II contains butterfly back headrests; driver’s facet rear chair with lumbar massage; back climate managed power seats with memory and energy headrests; rear seat mounted facet airbags; a back heater management panel; four zone local weather handle; rear audio controls; further wood trim; rear air purifier; rear headliner and side air ducts; power rear door sunshades; plus a rear chair entertainment program outfitted with a power ceiling mounted nine inch screen for DVD viewing. The available Executive Class Seating Package deal II contains all characteristics inside the Premium Package II and adds a power passenger’s side back chair with ottoman. The chair reclines up to 45 degrees with the upper back recliner featuring a 17 degree angle adjustment. A multi function massage feature for the passenger’s aspect rear seat recliner could be utilized separately or in conjunction with all the chair heater and cooler.

The package also consists of a rear seat wood trimmed table, and also the rear seat entertainment program functions a back DVD player and wireless headphones. The back environment control is upgraded with the infrared sensor situated in the headliner that measures lap, upper entire body and seat surface temperatures on every aspect and adjusts airflow accordingly.

The LS 600h L also offers a telematics method, Lexus Enform® with Safety Connect®, accessible by subscription (complimentary one year trial subscription included)!!! The Lexus Enform as well as the Security Connect response centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—every day with the yr.

The LS hybrid is factory ready for subscriptions to many different revolutionary XM providers which includes XM NavTraffic®, XM NavWeather™ and XM Sports and Stocks companies. XM providers require separate XM subscriptions. The XM Sports and Stocks service is included with an XM Radio subscription. All XM services offer complimentary 90 day trial subscriptions.

Exterior Design

The LS 600h L flagship hybrid luxury sedan showcases the brand’s L finesse design philosophy, revealing a family resemblance that conveys elegance, refinement along with a strong emotional appeal. Minimal physique gaps, a low entrance grille and deep drawn fenders all contribute towards the car’s distinctive, muscular profile. Lexus’ attention to detail is seen inside the integrated dual chrome exhaust tips and the one piece chrome window surround.

Projector type headlamps with blue crystal rings, which introduced the world’s 1st nighttime LED lower beams, aid offer excellent visibility and contribute for the style theme. Blue accents on the headlamps, badging, engine cover and also the SmartAccess key fobs and Smart Card crucial are special for the LS 600h L – as are the blue tinted taillamps.

Interior Design

Passenger space and consolation were the primary focus with the interior cabin layout. Genuine semi aniline leather is featured throughout the cabin, its rich appearance softened and structured with further stitching to create a relaxed atmosphere. The leather trim extends beyond the seats and onto the instrument panel, upper the front doors and door armrests.

An Alcantara® headliner adds a pleasing touch point, and also the center console is placed in the same height because the door armrests to enhance consolation and convenience. Extra luxury touches distinctive to the LS 600h L contain a wood trimmed and chrome plated shift knob and wood trimmed help grips.

Warranty

Almost all new Lexus vehicles come with a 48 month/50,000 mile basic limited guarantee with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles. Powertrain and restraint program coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage. The hybrid related components, such as the HV battery, battery handle module, hybrid management module and inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles.

It is in this dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction that sets Toyota above the rest. Now, it enjoys being the top car seller worldwide, beating the long-time leaders and giants like the United States-based General Motors and Germany’s Ford and Volkswagen.

Toyota has been on top for valid and practical reasons. It is determined to snap away leadership from threats and competition.

The strategy adopted by the company in unveiling and marketing hybrid cars is immensely amazing. Today, there are two top hybrid car models originating from Toyota that would surely be on top of your list when you shop around for hybrid cars.

The Toyota Prius hybrid

The Toyota Prius definitely is Toyota’s middle-sized gasoline-electric or otherwise known as hybrid car. This hybrid car, according to earlier buyers are really a joy to drive.

The Toyota Prius relies on an effective combination of the gas engine, the electric motor and a set of battery pack that move and run the hybrid car going along the road.

Prices range from $20,875 for the basic model, going up to about $25,940. Demand for this hybrid car model has outpaced its own production; thus, some buyers are already waiting weeks or even months just so they could own a Prius.

Consequently, Toyota has abruptly increased the production of this hybrid car. As most of the car’s early buyers and owners would tell you, it is definitely worth all the wait.

Prius’ technology

When you are driving a Prius, it would be hard not be amazed by the hybrid car’s technology. Engine starting this hybrid car is not done simply by turning a key the traditional way, spurring ignition.

Initiating this hybrid car is done by pressing the round “Power” push button on the dash. You will also find an interactive, a touch sensitive, a multi-information display monitor or screen that is mounted within in the center console.

This display has a number of modes and can indicate things like energy flow between power and train components, the consumption of fuel, the radio settings, the sensitive climate control, or the many other function of this hybrid vehicle.

But the car’s technology, just like its ultra and unique futuristic styling and exterior design, could be seen either positively or negatively, that would depend on an observer’s point of view.

Overall, the Toyota Prius hybrid  car delivers smoother ride and definitely has ample amounts of rooms for a number of passengers.  The interior volume is also very versatile. Similarly, the lift-back hatch in the rear and the fold down seats in the rear will make make carrying heavier and larger items so easy.

The Toyota Camry

Definitely, no one will be accused of committing reckless driving for purchasing a Toyota Camry hybrid.

This hybrid car model is so safe, dependable, comfortable and attractive, not to mention predictable. Based on the sales volume—about 430,000 units sold in the United States alone in 2005—most Americans are so happy with the reliability and affordability of this set of wheels that are fit for the family.

The Toyota Camry hybrid has been America’s top-selling passenger hybrid vehicle for the past couple of years.

Being practical, why not invest a premium or more for the Toyota Camry hybrid drive, which offers an Environmental Protection Agency high-rating of about 40 miles to a gallon, giving you about 700 miles between breaks or next visit to the nearest gas station?

The Toyota Camry hybrid car is not the industry’s first attempt to offer a hybrid vehicle in an upbeat, vogue and ultra-popular model. In late 2004, rival firm Honda launched the hybrid version of its top seller  Accord—the United States’ second most popular model of car behind the Camry.

But, Honda run short on its effort for hybrids because it used hybrid technology for supposedly better performance rather than for fuel economy, which is deemed more important these times due to the soaring gasoline prices.

Overall, whichever Toyota hybrid car model you choose, for sure you will always be a winner. Toyota really has come up with the best and high-quality cars, hybrid or not, surpassing all the competitors.

Car owners and drivers around the world are almost always in dilemma when buying cars nowadays.

And merely knowing their physical and functional attributes would certainly make one long and want to take them all home.

For quite some time, people’s palate on cars have remained simple. During the past few decades, car owners were generally almost unmindful about the aesthetic values of their cars. For them, what mattered was the function and usability of their cars.

But because the car industry has been growing at rapid and amazing proportions, industry players also sprouted and proliferated at fast rates.

Thus, when the German, United States and Japanese car manufacturing giants began the tight race to dominate the global market for cars, all the aspects of the car were given profound and much focus.

Those car makers began their respective strategic attacks by overhauling the modern car design. Later on, physicists justified the measures, saying the latest car designs were somehow helping to ease and maintain speed and son on, the technicalities of which will have to be discussed separately.

Hybrid cars

Because the traditional cars posed problems and concerns over environmental impact and gasoline consumption, the emergence of hybrid cars went on.

Hybrid cars were actually a spin off or an integrated version of the electric and the traditional gas-powered cars. The electric vehicles were the first of car makers’ attempt to resolve the rising need to cut gasoline consumption of cars.

Because gasoline prices are ever so volatile during the current times, car manufacturers aimed to lure more customers and boost sales by developing cars that would trim if not totally eliminate gasoline consumption, with certain and realizable hopes that the efforts would be create a widespread and ‘hot-cake’ patronage.

The electric cars failed on its part because the setbacks from operating the cars are far greater than the functionality and usability. But the hybrid vehicles were made to save the day.

The hybrid vehicles were created in such a way that the outstanding features and functions of the traditional gas powered vehicles were integrated and made complementary with those anchored by electric vehicles.

Efficiency

The new hybrid vehicles were made extraordinarily efficient that gasoline consumption of cars were really cut down and trimmed while maintaining the same speed and mileage capacity.

Experts say hybrid cars are also made more efficient because of several factors, including more efficient and smaller engines, regenerative braking features, periodic shutting off of the engine, advanced aerodynamics characteristics, tires that are low-rolling resistant and the lightweight materials used in the assembly of such cars.

New hybrid cars models

In North America alone, the market for new hybrid cars are rapidly and greatly expanding. It is because economists say that the inhabitants of the region tend to be more conscious about the impact of higher oil prices to the overall economy and to each of the citizens.

Thus, although hybrid cars are naturally and logically more expensive compared to the traditional counterparts, sales of such cars are ever so rising and accelerating in the region.

In fact, car industry lobbyists and sales people, reiterate and state the significant and robust car sales and revenue generated by companies from the sale of the following new hybrid car models:

o      Mercury Mariner

o      Toyota Highlander Hybrid

o      Lexus 400h hybrid

o      Ford Escape hybrid

o      Toyota Prius

o      Honda Insight

o      Honda Accord hybrid

o      Honda Civic hybrid

Consumers in the region are ever so thankful that car manufacturers have answered the calls for the development and launch of new hybrid cars, which would significantly help reduce gasoline costs and pollution impact to the atmosphere.

There are many new hybrid car models that are on the offing and ready for launch. But car makers are surely waiting for the perfect timing, to ensure profitability and warmer consumer reception and patronage.

Years from now, your problem will be, what new hybrid car model to purchase. Take that word.