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The name Hybrid comes from how the vehicle’s engine works. Part petrol powered part battery powered the hybrid is a clever car that knows when to switch power sources.
To start and accelerate the petrol is used, once cruising the battery will kick in, automatically shutting off the petrol engine system. This means that it has the capability of doing over 160 miles on £10 of petrol in certain circumstances, which will have a huge benefit to running costs. The hybrid engine is able to recognise when you are in traffic and will switch the petrol engine off if at a standstill, so cutting down harmful and toxic gases when in traffic jams. A great solution if you commute regularly on the M25 or M6 for instance.
What makes the hybrid stand out from other battery powered cars is that it is self charging, as when you apply the breaks, this action re-charges the batteries automatically.
As the Hybrid is supplied by the manufacturer only, it has the benefits of coming with a full manufacturer warrant. A disadvantage which some have found is the waiting time for the vehicle; averaging 10 weeks. It is not as “off the shelf” as the consumer is used to.
Hybrids started off quite small and quirky with the likes of the Honda insight only being a 2 seater, but as manufacturers started to develop their cars, more family friendly models have become available including the Honda Civic Hybrid. A family sized saloon which has not had the boot space compromised with the battery as it is cleverly stored under the passenger seat. Other models which have a Hybrid option in the UK is Toyota and Lexus.
The US have taken a much keener interest with the Hybrid, and consequently have more models available, including 4x4 vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-up trucks. The Ford Escape is Ford’s SUV Hybrid which has a new model out this year which has impressive credentials of being the most fuel efficient SUV on the planet, it is the first fully-hybrid SUV on the market and can do 500 miles on a tank. Maybe we will see it on UK roads in the near future.
Some key benefit features to owning a Hybrid are:
You can view this vehicle at whichever dealership is most convenient for you. Just give us a ring on 0845 608 0411, and we’ll do the rest.
Not quite ready for a test drive? Try one of the following:
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The Hendy Group has been supplying quality vehicles to satisfied customers across the South Coast since 1910.
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