Interest In Hybrids Grows As Gas Prices Surge

Interest In Hybrid Vehicles Grows As Gas Prices Surge
Kansas City KMBC-TV Article Summarizing Good Housekeeping Report

http://www.thekansascitychannel.com/money/...977/detail.html

Gas prices are up and so is interest in hybrid vehicles.

The Good Housekeeping Institute put three hybrids to the test: the midsized Toyota Prius sedan, the compact Honda Civic and the Ford Escape.

Engineers evaluated everything from cupholders to the latest high-tech controls on the three models.

"The Prius tested very well. It's very different from a standard gasoline car. On top of being a hybrid, it is also a keyless car. You just get into the car with your key fob, press the power button and it starts right up. The gear shift is also different from a standard car. It snaps back to a neutral position after you move it each time, and you press a button to put the car into park," Good Housekeeping's Stacy Genovese said.

Hybrids like the Prius have newly designed dashboards that use touch-screen technology to display more information about both power systems.

"Some of the controls are built into these LCD screens, like changing the radio station or changing your climate control. So you have to remember to keep your eyes on the road," Genovese said.

Good Housekeeping found the sporty Honda Civic the most maneuverable of the hybrids tested.

"It was a little tight for our 6-foot engineer, who was sitting in the passenger seat during the driving. And you should know that the rear seats don't fold down because that is where the high-voltage batteries are placed," Genovese said.

The Ford Escape hybrid SUV scored well for handling and comfort.

"It had great cornering and enough leg room for our tall engineers," Genovese said.

Good Housekeeping said that hybrids may not do as well as they advertise on gas mileage, but they can save you money at the pump. Of the hybrids tests, Good Housekeeping said that the Toyota Prius would offer the most savings on gasoline -- about $565 a year --assuming you drive 15,000 miles and gas costs $2.15 a gallon.