Clarkson does it again

[Skeeve]

Here is a counter argument to the gross misrepresentation of the prius compared to the Hummer.

http://www.pacinst.org/topics/integrity_of...rsus_prius.html

 

Also, I find it hard to believe a Scion would burn less fuel per mile than a Toyota Yaris or a (Mercedes) Smart car. The Yaris is basically a Scion but with a ~20% smaller engine.

 

You're right; I think those numbers were from before the Yaris or Smart (nee' Swatch) car hit the U.S. market.

 

I still think the Penske people [smart USA] were daft for not bringing in the diesel model, which has superior performance all around to the gas model, even if it would have meant only carrying it in the other 49 states & leaving CA to suck rocks.

 

The Scion Xb still kicks butt over most small cars because it can seat four adults reasonably comfortably. And I don't mean some 5'6" 120lb "world average" adult either, I mean real U.S. brand "I haven't seen the shy side of 6' or 200# since high school" models.

 

Anyway, while I'm not about to defend the Hummer vs. Prius report, it did raise the point that the e-vehicle apologists like to overlook the energy involved in production of the batteries, the toxic waste status thereof, as well as the "zero emissions" myth of plug-in electrics, whose powerplant emissions are conveniently ignored.

 

It's proving to be an interesting new millenium so far, that's for sure...