More hybrids are on the way and they promise to be even more efficient - and some cheaper - than the models on the road in the last 10 years.
Third-generation Prius gets a bigger petrol engine.
Toyota Prius 1.8
The third-generation Prius (above) gets a bigger petrol engine, 1.8 instead of 1.5 litres now, and a completely re-engineered hybrid system that is lighter and more efficient. The part-aluminium car is built on an all-new platform for better handling, stability and more space.
Expected to be pricier though. Due here in June.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Arriving at the end of the year or first quarter next year, this will be the first Thai-made hybrid. It has a 2.4-litre engine and electric motors producing 29kW of power. The model was launched in the US in 2006 to great success. It is likely to do well here as the Camry is roomier than all existing hybrids except those in the pricier Lexus line-up.
Honda's purpose-built hybrid is priced 10% cheaper than the Civic Hybrid in Japan.
Honda Insight
The Insight (above) is Honda's purpose-built hybrid and is priced 10 per cent cheaper than the Civic Hybrid in Japan. The car is due here only in second half of next year and who knows what COE prices will be like then? The car has a 88bhp 1.3-litre eight-valve inline-4 engine assisted by a 10.3kW electric motor.
The Volt will launch in 2011 but will General Motors still be around?
Chevrolet Volt
If General Motors is still around in 2011, it will launch the Volt (above) worldwide. This next-generation hybrid runs predominantly on electricity. Its lithium batteries can be recharged quickly via a wall socket, giving the car a decent emission-free range. It has a small petrol engine as back-up. GM plans to bring in the Volt some time in the middle of this year for a roadshow.
Lexus RX450h
Arriving end of this month, this premium hybrid's main proposition is power, not frugality. It has a 3.5-litre V6 engine, plus a 123kW front motor and a 50kW rear motor, giving it stupendous acceleration. To Lexus' credit, the car is said to be 10 per cent more efficient than the outgoing RX400h.
Right-hand drives for the HS250h...hurrah!
Lexus HS250h
It has just been confirmed that Lexus will have right-hand-drive for the HS250h (above).
Destined to be the smallest Lexus hybrid, it is somewhere between the size of a Lexus GS and IS. Its petrol engine is likely to be the same 2.4-litre four-cylinder used in the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Arriving next year.
Mercedes-Benz will have a hybrid M-class, followed by an E-class. BMW will start with a hybrid 7-series, while Porsche (and its family brands Volkswagen and Audi) are planning hybrid SUV variants.
Kia and Hyundai have also jumped on the bandwagon. However, there are no firm plans to introduce these cars here. The same goes for the Fisker Karma.
