mmarshall

I have to disagree, to some extent. The old Prius had notably thicker and (assumingly) more durable sheet metal and interior hardware. Go compare the two yourself, and I think you will see my point. And, as for the new, 3rd-generation model, let's see, on the Prius-chat lines, what owners have to say after a few years, when their currently brand-new cars have some wear on the them (especially the paper-like rear cargo pull-cover). The 2nd-gen model interiors have held up very well......will the 3rd? And, of course, the 3rd-gen model has that ridiculous tunnel under the console and the heated-seat controls down on the floor.



However, you are correct on one thing.........the new Prius drivetrain, for efficicency, is superb. It will probably the hybrid economy state-of-the-art until the Chevrolet Volt comes along late next year.


No arguments there. Automakers have traditionally offered more drivetrain combinations in Europe than here....partly because diesels aren't popular here, and partly because of the expense of certifying any powertrain to emission standards.

Diesels actually SHOULD be more popular here than they are. The public, partly out of ignorance, is stuck with an outdated, 30-year old idea of what automotive diesels are like. We have not only new low-sulfur fuel now (admittedly, more expensive), but the diesel engines themselves are now virtually indistinguishable from gas engines in the way they start, operate, and pollute....and often have much more low-RPM torque. The only snag with the new Bluetec diesels is having to periodically refill them with urea-solutions.