Pinoy Life On Wheels

The recently concluded Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) was a big success. It generated sales and it renewed an interest in automotive innovation. One of the most noticeable is the PIMS theme which is “driving the green road.” True enough, there were a lot of Hybrid versions to existing models and some new ones too. I’ve been very interested in these hybrids for the longest time and at PIMS  found what I was looking for. Presenting, the Toyota Prius.

It sports a 1.8 liter gas engine but with an electric generator that powers the mechanical parts. The Prius is what is known as a Full Hybrid. This means it can go from regular internal combustion engine t electric vehicle and you wouldn’t know the difference. All thanks to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.

It’s what’s under the hood.

(photo taken from wikipedia.org)

Yeah, I was looking for the radiator too. The car show people closed the hood so soon and I wasn’t able to take a picture.

More than just good looks, the Prius goes 23 kilometers for every liter of gasoline, an approximation by a Toyota salesman. It’s got beauty and brains, a sure winner.

The Hybrid is different beast altogether. If you plan to own one, better be ready to fork out P2.25M for one unit. I know, it’s expensive, but the fuel economy of the whole Hybrid thingy is pegged at about 24 kilometers to a liter of gas!That’s like traveling from Quezon City to Ortigas and back for as little as 45.00 pesos! And still there’d be enough gas left for another trip.

One of the hazards of the Prius are pedestrians. The car almost has no noise, thus would be dangerous for passers-by who might get hit. Drivers would have to be vigilant because people might just walk in front of you, especially in Manila streets where many pedestrians text while crossing the street, relying mostly on external noise and honking horns to guide their way. Overall, it’s a “politically correct automobile.”