nthach

Even a Huffy has a better time in the snow than a Honda.

The G Man

Maybe you are right, maybe Toyota and Lexus have finally gotten sick of hearing reviewer making fun of their handling. I know that the new RX handles a bit better, maybe the new Prius does too. Never the less, compare a Prius' handling to a Audi is pretty much a joke.
Torque means nothing in the snow if there is no traction. The Prius with those low roll resistance tires will not do very good in the snow.

nthach

My parents got through Tahoe snow in a 1986 Mercedes 420SEL with Michelin Energy MXV4 tires - and those were 1st generation LRR tires, Michelin also gave those the Radial XSE designation. The new Prius uses Yokohama non-LRR or Bridgestone Ecopia LRR tires.

I was able to cruise past SUVs after a snowfall on I-80 with no traction aids on a set of 15% worn Michelin Pilots as well...

LexFather

The Fusion 32 might sound bad but still, that is a very high MPG figure for a mid size sedan.

I guess that shows just how well the hybrid synergy drive system works. Reviews have all stated they are surprised how well the HS drove.

mmarshall

I respect the mag's opinion, but I have to disagree. The 2Gen Prius, in my experience, with its tall, skinny tires, soft suspension, narrowness, and relatively high center of gravity, had classic Roly-Poly handling and slow steering response. I reviewed a 2010 3Gen Phase V model, the top-of-the-line model with the most aggressive tire/suspension combo, and the handling and steering response didn't seem much better at all. What's more, sheet metal and interior-material quality took a nose dive from the 2Gen to the 3Gen model.

Unfortunately, the new Honda Insight isn't any better overall. Its sheet metal and interior plastics are a little more solid than those of the Prius, and it handles a little better, but the back seat/headroom is basically for children, and its jerky hybrid drivetrain cannot match that of the more efficient, refined, and smoother Prius.

Nextourer

Most cars with ****ty factory all season tyres won't do well in the snow. That's why winter tyres exist. Although SUV owners don't seem to realise that.

Guess I magically drove around in the 40cm of snow we got last winter.

Don't bother. No amount of talk will convince him. I'm actually quite surprised that the Europeans like the new one.

The Fusion Hybrid is Ford's best effort and I'm really impressed (esp. since it beats the TCH in fuel economy). I just wished Ford would promote it more and show that they have a viable alternative to the Camry and Prius.

SLegacy99

Availability is Ford's problem at the moment.

lamar411

I would love black on black Fusion hybrid those things look great.

TRDFantasy

I don't know ... most reviews from enthusiast mags say the Gen 3 Prius has a lot more fun and better handling/stability than the Gen 2 model. Looks wise the Gen 3 Prius is also more liked than the Gen 2. I've also read a lot of reviews that say interior materials quality is quite good compared to the Gen 2 as well.

I guess it's a matter of opinion ... many reviews also say the new Prius has better handling and a better interior than the Insight.

MelF1fan

I'd take the A3 out of the bunch but strangely enough i admit i am quite liking the looks of the new Prius. If they improved the driving dynamics then thats a very good thing along with the great mileage.

rdgdawg

What... a car maker embellishing mileage??????

The G Man

40cm, that a little over a foot of snow. Even a Prius with snow tires can do that if its the right kind of snow condition. I live in New England where a ft of snow is just consider a snow flurries I have gone thru over 2 ft of snow in other cars with all season tires. We have 2 Prius where I work and we do not change over our Prius to snow tires. They basically stay grounded all winter.

-J-P-L-

Interesting test numbers. They had to have driven on the hard side to get these low numbers. Typical of these testers. That explains why the two diesels feared better in relation to EPA figures.

For example, many can achieve over 60 mpg with the Prius. And remember the crew that achieved 1,445 miles on a single tank (81.5 mpg) in the Fusion (under extreme measures of course but still possible).

And I might add that I easily beat all but the Prius and Insight without trying (39 mpg driving 75 mph). Yaris! I can get 42 mpg at 65 mph. And about 46 mpg @ 55 mph. And it doesn't require premium like the Smart.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Out of all of those green cars, I would take the Jetta TDI.. I love the Jetta TDI Cup Race Series shown on the Speed Channel..

The cars run on B5 Biodiesel as well..

The G Man

The Jetta TDI shows that you can have a economy car and have fun driving it too.