I like XB's and would love a hybrid version. Even better would be a 3 row XB with about two more feet wheelbase. I assume this could get the same mpg as a prius. What would your perfect hybrid be?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(etyler88 @ May 17 2006, 02:30 PM) [snapback]257079[/snapback]</div> For practicality I really like the size and looks of the new Mazda 5. If that came in a hybrid I'd seriously look into it.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(etyler88 @ May 17 2006, 03:30 PM) [snapback]257079[/snapback]</div> How does something shaped like a brick get good mileage? I like the XB, but it will never be a mileage star.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(San_Carlos_Jeff @ May 17 2006, 12:49 PM) [snapback]257096[/snapback]</div> I second that. I saw in some Mazda5 forum that someone emailed Mazda about making it a hybrid version.. answer... Mazda5 is designed to be sporty and fun... so no hybrid.... :huh:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yakky @ May 17 2006, 04:50 PM) [snapback]257123[/snapback]</div> Just sharing an amusing little story - a co-worker was out looking for a new car a year or so ago and was at a Toyota dealership. One of the cars he looked at was the xB. While checking it out, he asked the salesperson if it came in cardboard color. The salesperson was not amused. The co-worker eventually bought a Matrix.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(etyler88 @ May 17 2006, 12:30 PM) [snapback]257079[/snapback]</div> You sneak, you're just trying to build a hybrid minivan like the Estima some of us have been salivating over for several years.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yakky @ May 17 2006, 03:50 PM) [snapback]257123[/snapback]</div> Actually, the xB gets pretty good mileage as it is with the 1.5, the HSD could bump it up to near Prius levels in the city. My perfect hybrid would be a midsize pickup with a ~2.5L ICE and a big, torquey electric motor to help move trailers and cargo. There's plenty of space between the rails for batteries. 30-35mpg. city and 25-30mpg. highway would be doable I think.
It's rating is 30/34 or 30/33 with the average rating on fueleconomy 27.7. Not bad for a big box. Mine would be a hybrid minivan, either a Sienna or Odyssey.
I've been thinking about this same topic lately. The Prius is great for me to go to work, and it's fine as a family car. But we frequently are hauling other people, or our daughters' friends, and we really need one car with a 3rd row seat. My wife is driving a Honda Pilot- great vehicle, comfortable, holds 8 people. But, although it gets better mileage than most SUVs, I would like something more economical. I don't want to spend $40K on Highlander hybrid that might not get much better mileage than the Pilot (although I might change my mind when the new Highlander comes out later this year). Nor will my wife drive anything like a conventional minivan. I do like the Mazda5 (except for the catching on fire problem). Something about that size would be perfect. These small minivans are popular in Japan and Europe (they call them MPVs there), but other than the Mazda5, the manufacturers assume that they're not big enough for Americans. I'd like to see a stretched version of the Prius, with a 3rd row seat. Obviously the other dimensions would have to be larger and it would be heavier, but it could still run on a 4 cyl. engine with HSD. Instead of sliding minivan doors, it could have "suicide doors" to access the 3rd row, as in the Toyota F3R concept vehicle. Or, Toyota could just build a hybrid version of the Verso and sell it here:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Drift Motion @ May 17 2006, 07:33 PM) [snapback]257239[/snapback]</div> it already has 108hp...+ the elctric motor it should be fine...I had a manual tranny xb for a little while...it worked fine for me and got excellent mileage.
a hybrid multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) à la Mazda5/Premacy and Corolla Verso and Renault Scénic and Vauxhall Zafira etc etc etc.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ May 17 2006, 09:47 PM) [snapback]257270[/snapback]</div> It seems like several of us are asking for the same thing. TOYOTA- ARE YOU LISTENING?
hehehe. I like these kinds of vehicles cause they're not clumsy and big like the minivans we have here. They're economical, practical, small and usually more fun to drive.
There is a REALLY COOL XB on the horizion... Check out FAQ no 8 in this link: http://www.acpropulsion.com/ACP_FAQs/FAQ_cars.htm If this happens I will be the first in line to buy one! Darell has a lot more to say about this... That said I'm not 100% convinced this will ever happen
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ May 18 2006, 02:57 PM) [snapback]257651[/snapback]</div> I'm not conviced either since we're almost half way into 2006 and their own website says they will be in production in 2005.
