We humans are a curious lot. It seems we love to build people and companies up only to tear them down.
When Toyota introduced the Prius, everyone was so impressed. Now, these same pundits are looking for a hybrid alternative that will “kill” the Prius. Oh, well...
Anyway, they say that they may have found it. It’s the Volkswagen TDI Golf Hybrid. The car uses a 1.2 liter, 3-cylinder diesel engine as well as an electric motor that produces no more than 89/km of carbon dioxide. Just as with other hybrids, the electric motor runs the car when it is traveling below a particular speed.
Other technology it shares with other hybrids includes the ability to capture energy from the braking system to help to charge the battery.
But only us enthusiasts care about that, right? For consumers, it's the mileage and that's where the TDI Golf Hybrid gives the Toyota Prius, the current leader, some pause. According to Inhabitat, VW's vehicle achieves an impressive 83 mpg. This easily surpasses the Prius' vaunted 50+ mpg.
The Golf hybrid also looks a little different than the regular Golf. There is a slightly different grill design and small intakes. This is supposed to improve the aerodynamics of the car. Good idea. A hybrid is supposed to save energy. Aerodynamics helps in that.
Our take? Volkswagen versus Toyota. And the winner is...the consumer.