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It’s definitely a weird statement to proclaim, but I can’t wait to have a go in the new Prius once it arrives on our shores. Fortunately, I managed to get a sneak peek at this year’s rendition of the Tokyo Auto Salon.

The Prius shown here isn’t exactly stock, adorning an aftermarket body kit from Modellista which will probably not make it to the actual production model. But, it still gives us good insights as to what the Prius will look like when Toyota decides to roll it out.

Happenings

Up Close And Personal With The All-New Toyota Prius

IN Toyota, Prius, Reveal, 2023, Tokyo, Auto, Salon

Toyota’s upcoming Prius took the world by storm when it debuted, with journalists around the world praising its futuristic styling.

The new RAV4 Hybrid is an upgrade from the current RAV4 2.0L petrol version in almost every conceivable way. Its electric motor is mated to a 2.5-litre engine which generate a combined 215hp. That’s a significant leg up from the 170hp power output of the petrol model, and so is the acceleration: 8.1 seconds 0-100km/h for the Hybrid, down from 9.8 seconds for the petrol.

Happenings

Toyota RAV4 now available in Singapore with hybrid power

IN Toyota, RAV4, SUV, Hybrid, Borneo Motors

The electrified Toyota RAV4 gains power and fuel economy, but its price stays the same

Drive it like a HEV, and the battery charges itself up with regenerative braking. This turns energy typically wasted during braking, into useful electric charge for the battery that can be used in future. Got access to an EV charging point? You’ll also be able to juice the battery up for a bit of extra electric go.

New

Bit of Both | Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge PHEV

IN Volvo, XC40, Volvo XC40, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid, PHEV

Volvo’s latest XC40 Recharge PHEV crossover provides a semi-EV experience, but works best if you have a private charging point.

So what exactly has been done to make this already-efficient car even more efficient? Hyundai took the Chapman route and added lightness, shaving 12 kg off the Ioniq’s kerb weight. This weight savings comes courtesy of the upgraded alternator management system — allowing the car to dispense with an auxillary 12-volt battery, bringing about an increase in fuel economy and more space in the boot.

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Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid | Hybrid Theory

IN Hyundai, Ioniq, Hybrid, Ioniq Hybrid, Komoco Motors, 2018

Hyundai’s debut hybrid model gets refreshed

Quite recently, BMW went slightly aggressive. They’ve launched a range of plug-in hybrid variants for their popular 3 Series, 5 Series and even 2 Series.

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BMW 225XE iPerformance Active Tourer | Would You Like A Piece?

IN BMW, 2 Series, BMW 2 Series, 225xe, BMW 225xe iPerformance, IPerformance, BMW Active Tourer, 2 Series Active Tourer, Performance Motors, Beemer

A host of issues, in terms of infrastructure on our island, is still largely in limbo - so why would you still want a sub-$180k plug-in hybrid from BMW?

Powered mainly by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, that on its own, pushes out a decent 181 bhp and 290 Nm of torque. But coupled with the huge battery that sits under the rear boot, the combined power output is a rather heady 252 bhp and a cumulative torque figure of 420 Nm. This enables the hybrid 3-Series to hit 100 km/h from standstill in 6.1 seconds and propels it to a 225 km/h top speed.

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BMW 330e iPerformance | Electrifying

We test the first model in BMW’s performance range - the 330e packs some hybrid punch while retaining its 3-Series drive characteristics

Well, Honda tried taking a slice of this pie with two models. Ironically while Toyota needed only one model to make this niche bourgeois, Honda on the other hand needed the Insight and Civic Hybrid.

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Hyundai Ioniq | Isn’t It Ironic

IN Hyundai, Ioniq, Hybrid, Hyundai Ioniq, Family car, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 GLS (A), Komoco Motors, 2017

Hyundai’s first hybrid attempt seem highly attractive - and this is a cause for concern for Toyota

On paper, both the speed requirement and the circuit length (22 km) put the feat within the all-electric EV range Toyota quotes for Prius Plug-in, performance designed to meet the day-to-day driving demands of urban commuters. In theory, the distance could be covered without a drop of petrol being used.

Happenings

Toyota Prius Sets New Nurburgring Record

IN Toyota, Prius, Prius Plug-in hybrid, Hybrid, Nurburgring, Nordschliefe

… For fuel economy, that is. Toyota took its Prius Plug-in hybrid to the track, setting out to show how little fuel it could use on a single lap of the notorious Nordschliefe.

To create a contrast to the exterior paint, stainless steel-look trim runs all around the SUV's lower body section. A prominent and long bonnet with integrated air inlets ensures the engine has ample room and remains cool. The stereotypical 4x4 has a long roof line coupled with a very short front overhang, as does the CrossBlue Concept.

Happenings

Eco-Offroading in VW’s new SUV Concept

IN Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen, VW, Cross Blue, SUV

Think hybrids are dull? Think again. Volkswagen's new Eco-SUV Concept not only looks aggressive, this 7-seater will pack 700 Nm and accelerate to 100 km/h 7.2 Seconds if it goes into production.

In Singapore, with a dominant market share, Borneo Motors is currently the leader in hybrids, offering the widest range of hybrid models in various segments. The Prius C, being the leader in the hybrid segment, topping the charts with 33.6% market share since its launch in Feb 2012 and has grown the segment.

Happenings

Toyota Reveals Line-Up For 2013

IN Toyota, Borneo Motors, 86, RAV4, CEVS, Auris, Yaris, Avanza

Toyota shares with us their host of new exciting models and wallet-friendly cars for the year ahead.

Hitting the Sport mode button boosts electrical power to a maximum 650v, increasing overall power train output. Engine revs are held higher, and throttle and steering settings are modified to give a faster response to driver inputs.

Happenings

Lexus' First Compact Luxury Hybrid

IN Lexus, CT, 200h, Hybrid, Luxury, Compact

Promising refinement and driving pleasure, the new CT 200h is geared for the young, highly discerning and environmentally-conscious customers.

Even though there's only one trim level available, its comes nicely specified with 16-inch alloy wheels, a 160W sound system with USB playback support and vehicle speed-sensitive volume control and of course, climate control and cruise control.

Happenings

Honda Insight Launch | Time To Go Eco

IN Honda, Insight, Kah Motor

Kah Motors recently launched Honda's latest hybrid car in the Singapore, the venerable Honda Insight. When the first generation was launched in 1999, it was a 2-seater 3-door hatchback.