.jpg?p=100903_03:41)
.jpg?p=100903_03:43)
.jpg?p=100903_03:38)
.jpg?p=100906_10:12)
.jpg?p=100823_02:23)
.jpg?p=100810_03:51)
04 March 2010 - 10:00
Geneva show: hybrids lead the charge
The Geneva show went quietly hybrid bonkers. We saw petrol-electric versions of the Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg, Audi A8, BMW 5-Series and Ferrari 599. And so on and so on.
Was the world breathless with impatient anticipation? If so, here are two more you might not have seen.
One is the Infiniti M35 hybrid (pictured). The M is Infiniti's brand-new big rear-drive saloon, somewhere about 5-Series or E-Class size. And aimed right at them. It comes with the hybrid V6 petrol, a normal V6 (the one out of the Nissan Z) and a new V6 diesel. All versions are immaculately trimmed and equipped with just about every gadget you can get your head around. And some you probably can't.
Next up, the Lexus CT200h. It's a front-drive Audi A3-sized car. Lexus wants it to take on the BMW 1-Series and A3, but while those Germans offer a bewildering array of engines and transmissions, the Lexus has just one.
It’s a 1.8 petrol hybrid, the same as in the Prius but recalibrated to eke out better performance than the Toyota. Should hope so too. Lexus people won’t give emission and economy numbers, except to say it’ll be under 100g/km. But of course there’s already an A3 diesel at 99g.
It'll be out next year, and a well-equipped version will cost about the same as a BMW 120d or A3 TDi 2.0.
Nah, it's pretty strange-looking. Especially from the side. The white paint certainly doesn't do it any favours.
Paul Horrell, Consultant Editor of Top Gear magazine
Want to comment on this?
If you want people to like the idea of a hybrid then please, keep it with the 599's. Infiniti ? Dull.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
for me hybrids are for practical mini jap cars. like yaris, jazz, aygo, iQ, vios etc. not for sedans
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Would you prefer a 21st century hybrid or a clunky diesel?
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Hybrids are a disgrace to the Auto-Indistry...seriously
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
It's not the prettiest car in the world, but not the worst either.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Pah! I scuff in the face of hybrids. Hydrogen-cars are the future (wether it be Fuel-Cell or internal combustion)
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
not a single word on the new porsche cayenne? it's new, it's hybrid and promises to be rather good and still doesn't get a line here? Did I miss something?
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Advertisement
Test Driven
.jpg?p=080926_03:52)
BMW 5 Series
The 530d is absolutely gorgeous in nearly every way. If the irritatingly impressive 520d didn’t exist, we’d take one right now
Advertisement
Open Car Bar
Twister commented on this article
04 March 2010
Don't want one, simple.... NEXT!!
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.