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View Full Version : Toyota attempting to distance the 2010 Lexus HS 250h from the 2010 Prius-III


xcel
08-03-2009, 01:40 PM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg They are both a lot closer than Toyota would probably like? (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=225641)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Lexus_HS_250h.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Aug. 3, 2009

It has been reported that the HS 250h is a Lexus version of the Toyota Prius. According to Toyota, this is far from the truth.

All Toyota and Lexus hybrids use the series/parallel hybrid system, but that’s where the similarity ends between the Toyota Prius and the new Lexus HS 250h. So, let’s look at some of the differences.

Point: The HS 250h is based on the European Toyota Avensis platform and uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine compared to the Prius, which is on another design platform and uses a 1.8-liter engine. The hybrid transmission, motor generators and electronic control systems are also different.

Counterpoint: The new 2010 Prius-III is also based on the Avensis platform, all with a 106.3” wheelbase. The Prius-III however received an atkinsonized 1.8L Corolla moor whereas the HS 250h received the Camry Hybrids 2.4L lock, stock and barrel.

Point: Specially designed for the luxury buyer, HS 250h has a double-wishbone rear suspension while the Prius uses torsion beam. All components of the front suspension are different too. The HS has more spot welding and has anti-vibration front and rear suspension members for a quieter and smoother ride.

Counterpoint: The 2010 HS 250h lost interior passenger and cargo room due to the impeding independent rear suspension.

Point: Compared to Prius, HS 250h has premium standard and optional features including Remote Touch, Wide-view Front monitor, intelligent high beams, Heads-Up Display, Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect™, a 40- gigabyte hard disk drive navigation system with Voice Command casual language voice recognition system, streaming audio via Bluetooth® and Mark Levinson® Audio Sound system.

Counterpoint: Definitely upgrades of luxury features with the Navigation still optional and the Lexus Enform subscription costing $270 per year.

Point: In addition, as Lexus’ first dedicated hybrid, HS 250h offers the Lexus customer experience, which includes Roadside Assistance, complimentary dealer loaner vehicles, valet parking at dealerships, and other benefits and services.

Counterpoint: Given this is Toyota, has anyone seen a less than 4-year old Prius or Lexus stranded on the side of the road? A plus for both Makes in my book :)

Point: Compared to its competitors in the entry luxury sedan segment, HS 250h is priced thousands of dollars less. It has the best combined EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings, at 35 mpg, of any luxury or diesel luxury vehicle in the U.S. In addition, the HS 250h emits 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car and is eight times cleaner than any clean diesel.

Counterpoint: There are few... The HS 250h is the premier luxury hybrid with many and in some cases more amenities than its competition while at the same time being far cleaner and far more fuel efficient.

Luxury vehicle – minor comparison analysis

Make|Model|Price|Interior volume|mpgUS combined
Lexus|HS 250h|$34,200|90|35
BMW|335d|$43,900|91|27

When entry luxury consumers are looking for a vehicle that is technologically advanced, has efficient design with great fuel economy and driving dynamics, the Lexus HS 250h, is definitely a great overall choice and definitely does provide more value for your hard earned dollar.

hobbit
08-04-2009, 04:49 PM
When I looked under its hood at HF a couple of weeks ago, it
looked exactly like the TCH powerplant. Including the electrics.
.
_H*

xcel
08-04-2009, 05:40 PM
Hi Al:

___It is!

___Good Luck

___Wayne



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