I asked you, the community, what you wanted me to try and cover for my first drive of the 2010 Prius. You guys gave me some great ideas and I want to do the same thing for the "Lexus Prius", the HS 250h. Next week I'll be making my way out to California to participate in a Press Preview and will have some extensive time to spend in the HS. So, what do you want to see in PriusChat's HS 250h "First Drive" Review?
I'll be interested in specific improvements/features offered in the HS over the 3G Prius to justify the increased price. I'd like to see a nice comparison of a highway MPG similar to that you did in the 2010. Finally, how's the cargo/trunk area capcity.
I care most about ride, handling, comfort and interior space, and of course MPG and air pollution output. Is the Nav/stereo Harddrive based and does it have birdseye view and more detail? I'd also be curious about the trunk space and pass throughs (if any), compared to the HyCam.
That's what I was wanting to know as well. Besides paying the Lexus premium to not really get Prius MPG, I just don't like cars with trunks anymore...
I assume the usual Lexus touches will be there so perhaps find out what you thought an entry-level Lexus should have and what you thought was missing or what thought you was a nice addition. How much quieter is it? (subjective, I know) How does it compare to the TCH (given it's the same setup) Does it receive the new things found on the Prius and RX450h like EGR, EHR, better battery cooling system etc) How does the cargo area compare to the TCH? Do the seats fold? Is the rear seat cramped like the IS? The shifter and EV/ECO/PWR buttons are on the dash like the current Prius' shifter and POWER button. Is that setup better in your opinion or is the new Prius' layout better? I've tried the Remote Touch controller but how intuitive is it to use on the road? Can you really adjust something while driving without taking your eyes off the road and simply using the haptic feedback function? How much faster is HDD in terms of calculating a route (give a long enough route so that the differences are obvious) Does it feel more like an IS or the ES? In other words, who are they trying to market the HS to? If equipped, let us know how useful the HUD is What's your opinion on Lexus Enform? and what features of Lexus Enform will make it to the HS? Aside from looks, do you think that this car is a homerun for Lexus? will this dedicated hybrid, focussed on fuel efficiency, bring more buyers into the Lexus brand?
How Many Golf Bags (loaded with clubs) at the same time. Usually luxury cars can hold 4 adult guys with their gear in the trunk. The Hybrid version must still be able to do that. Rich golfers *don't* want to drive a Prius and a Ford Escape Hybrid isn't considered a luxury vehicle. Hoping this Lexus will fill in this niche.
All the usual refinements of course. Most interested in mileage and a comparison to the 10 Prius and Ford Fusion. EQ
I guess the main question is whether it's worth the dollar climb in terms of meaningful upgrades. Or are you just paying for the name, Lexus, if that has any value.
