Don't get me wrong. I agree that a good european diesel is just as efficient as a hybrid, but the choice in Canada is very poor (not a good thing at all).

I like the Golf TDi available over there ---->>> very much, but in Canada the maintenance / service costs can be just silly.

I've had quite a bit of experience with the current gen Prius. I initially wanted to hate it but after a few drives found it great for everyday commuting.

Its economical, has a nice driving position, comfy seats etc..

Its does have a few quirks that takes a while to get used to. When you accelerate from a stand still it moves on electricity first and then the engine kicks in after a few seconds. Also the rear window is split in half by the boot which makes visibility crap in rainy weather as the bottom half of the window has no wiper.

As people have mentioned the VW diesels are just as good on the gas but they seem to have a poor reliability reputation over here.

Brakes not necessarily the same as other vehicles. As you may remember I have a Camry Hybrid, the braking system in it uses regenerative braking for the most part actual brakes are used only in panic stops and under normal braking the last little bit when around 5kph. We also have a 12 year old Corolla that our dealership still has no problem servicing.

Regarding winter driving gas mileage not as good as warmer weather but that is the same in regular cars too.

If you want to spring for the extra dollars take a look at the new Lexus CT 200h Starts around $31,000 and gets around 4.6litres per 100km or 60mpg according to the Lexus website.

Be aware the resale value of the car is very low for what it is. This is mainly due to the fact that the batteries need replacing after a few years (don't know how many but it's not a huge amount) and they are very expensive to replace.

Also they may be only slightly green to run, but if you're an eco-warrior they're not very eco cars. The batteries are full of toxic heavy metals strip mined out of the crust in not eco-friendly ways. Eco to run to the consumer in things like this are generally the least eco-friendly in the entire product life cycle. If environment is of even a slight concern, look into the entire cycle, not just if it saves you a very small amount of gas.

Can't complain at that in a luxury vehicle, though it does look a bit like a Matrix to me.

Agree entirely, they are far from environmentally friendly overall. Many Prius owners do not seem to grasp that fact.

They are expensive to replace but it would appear the batteries can last well over 180,000 miles.

By which time you may as well give it back to Toyota to recycle anyway

I question your geography, Sir. According to the computer wot I am sat in front of, "over there ---->>>" is actually sort of over
^
^
|
|
that-a-way. Unless I'm sitting on the other side of the table and turn the thing round, of course, in which case it's behind you.

I haven't looked lately so this is of the top of my head but I'm pretty sure Toyota warranted the traction batteries in the Camry hybrid for nine years, to me that's a lot more than a few.

Looks a lot like it built on a Matrix platform to me.

It's about the longest any auto manufacturer warranties anything. Pity they don't do it for the rest of the car!

Based on three other Toyotas we've owned they don't need to. I've never had to do anything other than regular maintenance on any of them.

I agree, the quality of Toyotas is bloody good. It was interesting to see the press jumping up and down all over them for a couple of faults on a couple of models. Happens all the time with other manufacturers vehicles. I guess that's what happens when you are (were?) top of the pack.

. !-->
. !
______>>>>!