Polestar 1

Polestar has spun off from Volvo as a standalone brand much like what happened to DS Automobiles and Genesis and for their first outing since its independence, they've introduced us to a one of a kind PHEV grand tourer that made their heads turned with its unique blend of luxury, performance, and ecology, all into one clever masterpiece. It's called the Polestar 1 and it's time to flip the "why card" on Polestar's first vehicle since it spun off from Volvo.

2020 Polestar 1

Although Polestar gained independence from Volvo, their first-ever Polestar 1 still carries some Volvo design inside and out, probably because it was heavily influenced from the Volvo Coupe Concept from 2013, and because it has lots and lots of Volvo stuff on it, it's hard to say if Polestar did gained independence from Volvo by making a PHEV grand tourer that looks a lot like a Volvo but anyway, what's it all about the Polestar 1?

2020 Polestar 1

2020 Polestar 1 interior

The Polestar 1, the first of their kind, starts at a very expensive 1,352,000 Krona before taxes and fees included and because it was handcrafted at the Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China, depending on where you are living, that price can be jumped up and in the case of the USA, which is run by Mr. Tariff Man himself and thanks to the ongoing US-China trade war, the Polestar 1's price tag will surely double it by the time it gets there. Ouch.

Anyway, while we are not suppose to talk about the controversial pricing and the fact that is "Made in China", much like everything else around you, there's something special about the Polestar 1 despite the Volvo connection lurking through its Swedish-Chinese steel and that goes to the performance side where this PHEV GT coupe matters.

2020 Polestar 1

First off, the Polestar 1 is powered by a 341PS 2.0L twin-charged engine bolted to two electric motors and an integrated starter generator. Together, they produced an AMG-leveling 608PS of power and a meaty 1,000Nm of torque. That's Brooklands territory in PHEV standards and that sounds pretty cool and there's more about the Polestar 1's unique powertrain.

Thanks to its 34kWh battery packs, which is the largest at this moment in time, the Polestar 1's electric range is up to 150km, which is enough to get from your fancy home in Muntinlupa to the Ayala Greenfield Golf Course to play golf during weekends and then back home with some juice left for your trip to the office.

In terms of dynamics, the Polestar 1 features torque vectoring courtesy of its planetary gear sets from the electric motors and along with its highly sophisticated suspension and chassis setups made for a grand tourer like this, the Polestar 1 feels like it came from another world and despite being PHEV, driving one of these reminds you of the Holy Trinity that ruled the roads with its naked speed courtesy of its hybrid power built for performance rather than Prius-esque ecology. Of course, it may sound crude but ecology and performance is what the Polestar 1 excels best. Nearly perfect but very promising.

The Polestar 1, despite the Volvo connection even though Polestar spun off as a standalone brand of the Volvo Car Group, now run by China's Geely, shows that the new kid on the block has a very promising future. From its unique powertrain, ecology, performance, dynamics, and luxury, the Polestar 1 is worth the envy for everyone who wish to have one in their garage someday, if they have the funds to buy one online.

Photo: Polestar

Hyundai IONIQ (2020 minor change)

Since two years ago, Hyundai launched the IONIQ as a response to the Toyota Prius and while it wasn't as efficient as its chief rival, this hybrid does all the things the Prius can't and that is behaving like a normal car. With the latest minor change, there's more work to do for Hyundai's dedicated eco car for the masses.

2020 Hyundai IONIQ

2020 Hyundai IONIQ interior

Available in hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid versions, the facelifted Hyundai IONIQ has made it even more clever than the previous model. With a new grille, new LED lights, and new wheels, the revised exterior design really means business and on the inside, the dashboard's revised with a new touchscreen (in 8-inch display audio or 10.25-inch navigation guise) and a new climate control. That's pretty much it for the new interior, which is still as comfortable as the old model and sustainable as well thanks to extensive use of sustainable materials.

The fuel efficiency remains the same for these models. The hybrid model with its Kappa 1.6L GDi engine connected to a 32kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, mated to its double clutch gearbox, delivers a combined fuel efficiency of 22.4km/L while the Plug-in with its Kappa 1.6L GDi engine connected to a 44.5kW electric motor and a 6-speed Double Clutch Gearbox promises a combined rate of 20.5km/L. Nothing's changed of course but these models are getting a new mode that switches these IONIQ models into electric-only mode when driving into designated low-emission zones. It works well on city centers but sounds above average if you ask them.

For the sake of cleverness, the facelifted IONIQ's been offered with a wide range of tech such as regenerative braking, optional one-pedal operation, Hyundai SmartSense safety features, and many others.

The Hyundai IONIQ minor change starts at 24,680,000 Won while the IONIQ Plug-in minor change starts at 28,940,000 Korean Won.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Third-generation Honda Insight and Clarity PHEV

After two failed attempts to challenge the Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight hybrid has returned and this time as a four-door saloon that blends style with ecology that makes it unique in every single way but unlike its failed predecessors, the new Insight doesn't really want to pick fights with the Toyota Prius. Instead, it wants to take on a different approach now as a four-door saloon that serves as the successor of the old Civic Hybrid from the distant past.

2019 Honda Insight

2019 Honda Insight

Priced from 3,261,600 to 3,826,570 Japanese Yen, the third-generation Honda Insight departs from being a Prius fighter its predecessors failed to attempt and instead, because it's now a Civic-sized hybrid sedan, it wants to take on the likes of the Corolla Axio Hybrid, which is shockingly cheaper than the Insight but because the Toyota Corolla Axio's reached its prime, the new Insight's ready to shine and judging from every angle, the new Insight really is a concept turned reality as it draws inspiration from the concept car as seen from the 2018 NAIAS and just as we thought that the Insight might end up being an American-only model, we'd be dead wrong because it's already arrived in Japan and it's here to stay.

2019 Honda Insight interior

While the Insight's exterior is very Civic-influenced to give it a more coupe-like approach at every angle, the driver-focused interior is far beyond the competition and while it works like it means it, the comfort is pretty much feels like every family car in the world and while the rear legroom's surprisingly spacious enough for six-footers to breathe their legs out, the trunk space is pretty ample enough for someone who can jam through numerous thrift shop hauls while leaving some room for some minor grocery shopping treats. Interesting.

2019 Honda Insight

The new Insight features a third-generation Sport Hybrid i-MMD system, a two-motor hybrid system that combines the new 109PS 1.5L Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and a powerful 96kW electric drive motor, allowing this car to run as a series hybrid, as an electric, or as a petrol-powered car. This hybrid setup is capable of delivering the new Insightt a WLTP-based combined fuel economy of up to 28.4km/L.

Apart from the hybrid powertrain, the new Insight's body and chassis is actually an improved version of the one used from today's Honda Civic and while this is not essentially a fun-to-drive car like most Japanese hybrids possess, the new Insight is surprisingly comfortable and quiet and when armed with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver safety features, the journey home never felt so safe and secured and this could be the ideal family car you wouldn't want to let your eyes off.

The Insight really is a classy hybrid with loads of tech in it and as an alternative to the Civic, which doesn't have a hybrid variant from its previous eight-generation model, for the regular joes rather than speedo boys who like to keep the Civic anyway, this is an everyday car that you can really take it with you for work or for play. However, if you need more than the Insight, consider its another alternative if you consider planning extra trips.

2019 Honda Clarity PHEV

2019 Honda Clarity PHEV

This is the new Honda Clarity PHEV and while this is based on the Clarity Fuel Cell, what's different between the two cars is the powertrain because while the normal Clarity Fuel Cell is an FCEV car much like the Toyota Mirai, the Clarity PHEV uses an LEB-H4 1.5L iVTEC Atkinson Cycle engine combined to an 135kW electric motor and li-ion battery made for plug-in use.

2019 Honda Clarity PHEV interior

2019 Honda Clarity PHEV interior

Running as a hybrid, this has a combined fuel efficiency, by WLTP standards, of 24.2km/L but using its full capabilities as a plug-in hybrid vehicle, it has a class-leading PHEV combined fuel efficiency, by WLTP standards, of 101km. Consider how many places you can get into whereas the new Insight can't. But with all that distance comes with the price because the Clarity PHEV is priced at 5,880,600 Japanese Yen and that over two and a half million more than the new Insight. But let's not mince words for the time being.

In the end, if you want a luxurious compact hybrid sedan that behaves like a normal family car fit for everyday use, try the Insight, but for further journeys, consider the new Clarity PHEV for a change.

Photo: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

BMW i8 Coupe and Roadster

Since its launch four years ago, the BMW i8 shattered expectations of what an eco-car should be, delivering unbiased performance and efficiency in a way that was heavily reminiscent of the Porsche 918 Spyder, which isn't so bad in a car that is about 10% of the price of the 918. It was one of the most fantastic cars ever made, making the Honda NSX feels like peanut butters and denim jeans. Now, as time change, BMW made the i8 even better and they made a nice new addition to the range fit enough for your next weekend drive.

2019 BMW i8 Coupe

2019 BMW i8 Roadster

Now, for the 2019 model, the BMW i8 gained its minor change with some fresh updates to its wondrous powertrain and apart from the update, the new i8 Roadster was introduced, giving you plenty of choices to go for.

Checking on the design, since the i8 has reached its LCI phase, BMW's term for cars reached their minor change, the obvious change is the front and rear lamps and the implementation of Coupe and Roadster badges on the sidelines, not to mention some new 20-inch rims to name a few. The new front lamps are surprisingly laser ones that has a high-beam range of 600 metres, further than your telescopic flashlight can reach through a faraway home for nuisance, which is rather impressive. The air shutter on the front is still here for aerodynamic purposes.

2019 BMW i8 Coupe interior

2019 BMW i8 Roadster interior

There has been some mild revisions to the inside of the i8 such as the addition of the new Accaro E-Cooper with sustainable materials, which stays true to its eco-car promise, as well as its new touchscreen with tile-style control pads and customizable content for their personal tastes on the go, available ceramic elements, carbon trim, HUD with shift light visualization and pretty much it. Of course, those who are familiar of getting inside the i8 might experience the stubborn getting in and out process on the coupe version but on the new roadster variant, with the roof down, it's as smooth as a Victoria's Secret model and while cruising, you can close the roof and then open it again to see how much fun this eco-car can go for the extra mile. Also, while the coupe has two additional seats to the back, the roadster doesn't have those and in exchange, the roadster gets an available travel package with 92 litres of extra space, good for storing your laptops and other necessities on the trip to the country club.

On the performance side, BMW spent massive hours recalibrating the i8's powertrain and dynamics to deliver the sensation drivers are hoping for, which isn't bad for a mid-engined, four-wheel drive eco-car that is more fun to live and breathe with than the Honda NSX, despite being short on power compared to it. Talking through here, the new i8's innovative plug-in hybrid system has been improved with a brand new battery with over 55km of electric range. Powering this alongside the electric motor and the 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo engine, the result is an overall power output of now 374PS of power and 570Nm of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic, in the coupe version, it does 0-100kph in 4.4 seconds (4.6 seconds in the roadster) and electronically limited to 250kph. In terms of consumption, the coupe version promises 1.9L/100km of fuel economy while the roadster gets 2.1L/100km, verified by the NEDC.

Dynamics aside, despite the weight difference between the two cars, the i8's LifeDrive architecture promises an ideal weight distribution that fits perfectly with its PHEV drivetrain, all-wheel drive powertrain, and its race-inspired suspension setup, giving drivers what they're looking for in a car that is not just as ecological as a Prius but impressive to drive like the now legendary hypercar holy trinity.

While this is mainly a fun to drive car, the safety tech rather spoils the speedo boys tastes especially when it comes with semi-autonomous tech that will make them very noticeable enough to get their skins crawling. With several driver assistance systems come standard, there's no denying just how redundant it maybe when used on public roads but if you're trying to preserve this car, so be it because these tech might just save your hard-earned car for that matter, especially when the coupe starts at 138,000 Euros while the roadster starts at 155,000 Euros.

That sounds like much but compared to the Honda NSX, they're less expensive, making it a well-deserved bargain to get your hands on. In conclusion, the latest minor change and the addition of the new Roadster variant gives the BMW i8 more reason to love about the flagship of the BMW i range. With its improved performance and better fuel efficiency, there's so much to love about this Bimmer especially when you likened it to the Mercedes-AMG GT R parked next to it and sooner or later, you're going to fall in love with such German steel like the i8. The best just got better and it's even better than the best.

Photo: BMW AG

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in and Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

As South Koreans demanded for some fuel-efficient vehicles in tough times, Hyundai and Kia responded to these times with their latest PHEV offerings for the general public. For Hyundai, they have the Ioniq Plug-in for those who are living the urban lifestyle. For Kia, they have the Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Korea's first PHEV crossover made for the outgoing people. Let's take a look at these two PHEVs offered for the Korean motoring public and why they are significant to them.

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in

First off, let's look at the Ioniq Plug-In, the third addition to the Ioniq range consisting of the normal hybrid model and the electric model that runs only on electric power. With prices start from 33,730,000 Korean Won until privileges applied to its pricing to make it 27,300,000 Won his is by no means the best of both worlds for the third Ioniq because with this one, they can do both things; refuel and recharge, and this is the future done right by the Koreans.

With the Kappa GDi 1.6L petrol engine producing 105PS of power coupled with the 44.5kW electric motor and a 6-speed Double Clutch Gearbox unheard from most PHEVs, this Ioniq can get through 0-100kph in 10.6 seconds and 80-120kph in 7.6 seconds, so this PHEV is very spritey with life. In EV mode, it can travel up to 46km of driving range, and fuel efficiency, it promises a combined rate of 20.5km/L. Not bad for a PHEV that weighs around one and a half ton. Because this is an Ioniq, its aerodynamic styling plays a crucial role in attaining its fuel efficiency status and that is a good thing. Even though this is just Korea's take on the Prius PHV, the Ioniq Plug-in handles like a dream and once you get a hold of it, it feels like you can forget about the stubborn image of what a PHEV looks like because the world needs a better one, not another one as you may.

Of course, because this is one of the most advanced PHEV vehicles ever made, the Ioniq Plug-in comes with Hyundai Smart Sense consists of Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist System, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart Cruise Control. Simple as that.

2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

Now, let's take a look on the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, Korea's first PHEV crossover SUV ever built. With prices start at 33,050,000 Won before government subsidy applied, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid might be the ideal fuel-efficient crossover fit enough for your quiet Sunday drives.

Like the Ioniq Plug-in, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid is powered by a Kappa GDi 1.6L petrol engine producing 105PS of power coupled with the 44.5kW electric motor and a 6-speed Double Clutch Gearbox, and like the Ioniq Plug-in, you can refuel it or recharge it with the available 220V charger.

In EV mode, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid can travel up to 40km of driving range and with both the engine and the electric motor armed, it can travel up to 840km of driving range. In other words, that gives it 18.6km/L of combined fuel efficiency. Easier said than done.

With these PHEVs offered to the Korean motoring public, fuel efficiency and ecology never felt so alive and when the Japanese offered us fuel efficiency PHEVs that are too regular to drive on a day-to-day basis, the Koreans sure know how to liven it up with a little bit of driving fun that is unheard of from most PHEVs and with cars like the Ioniq and Niro, they really are heading on the right direction.

All New Toyota Prius PHV

Because the world radically changes due to the economy, problems in the Middle East, the politics, and the relentless war on...well, whatever that is, people are switching to fuel-efficient cars to adapt themselves to the times. Toyota responded to the times by creating this new-generation Prius PHV, which sets the standards in the market for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

2017 Toyota Prius PHV

Well, this is basically a Toyota Prius with extended range courtesy of its plug-in hybrid powertrain that reminds you of the great Chevrolet Volt. So, what's it all about? Following the success of the previous Prius PHV, which is based on the previous third-generation model, this new Prius PHV, based on the current fourth-generation model is a commitment for Toyota's goal of reducing whole fleet CO2 emissions by 90% in the next four decades through the salves of hybrids, electric, PHEVs, and fuel cells.

2017 Toyota Prius PHV

2017 Toyota Prius PHV interior

To help differentiate the Prius PHV from a normal Toyota Prius, the new model features a different exterior design that promises to look more futuristic in the eyes of the masses while drawing inspiration from the exterior design from the MIRAI fuel-cell vehicle. On the utmost side, it looks more sophisticated to look at than a normal Toyota Prius. On the interior, it's been given a Tesla-esque dashboard that sticks to its futuristic theme of the new model. See anyone who drives the new Toyota Prius and chances are that the kinds of people you met are either environmental activists, Scientologists, Democrats, Tories, Socialists, college professors, IT experts, or maybe the Happy Science people that you once had a chat with them on the dinner table. Hmmm...

2017 Toyota Prius PHV

Although as revolting as the ones you had a chat last night, the drivetrain is somewhat a revolution in every way. Thanks to its new TNGA platform, the new Prius PHV promises to be very promising to drive courtesy of its clever aerodynamics, low ground clearance, better handling, less body roll, and better rigidity compared to the previous Prius PHV. It even has a signature MacPherson strut front and new double wishbone rear suspension that promises a sporty driving feel which is not bad for an eco car for the masses. Believe it or not, it was the first mass-produced car in the world to use a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic tailgate to reduce weight for better fuel efficiency.

The new PHV's Dual Motor Drive System allows the driver to take advantage of its 1.8L 2ZR-FXE petrol engine and a heavily improved electric motor that allows this car to travel by about 10.54km/kWh. Which means, with the improved system, fuel efficiency is expected at 37.2km/L and 68.2km of electric range.

Apart from the performance, the new Prius PHV offers another revolutionary features that sets the PHEVs apart and in addition to its Gas-Injection Heat Pump Air-Conditioning and Battery Warming System, the first ever solar panel exclusive on the PHV is applied on the roof which generates electricity to charge the hybrid system battery even when left stationary. Sounds ideal in case of heavy traffic as long as sunlight is visible in the skies. Depending on weather conditions, solar charging can increase the V driving range by up to five kilometers per day. That's about a thousand kilometers of all-electric driving per annum. This is great if you're driving on the hot summer months in Manila, Dubai, Los Angeles, Delhi, or any other hottest cities of the world. However, if you're living in places that rain such as Seattle, Louisiana, Whitby, or the rest of the Scotland Yard, that seems less likely and you're going to resort charging it at home or at a charging station nearest you. Using a Type II mode III Mennekes connector, it takes less than two hours to fully charge the Prius PHV or over three hours with a normal household plug socket.  Here's one for you; what happens when you use it as an alternate power source for your home in case of a blackout? That's a science project you're going to take on very soon.

But in the meantime, the Prius PHV features Toyota Safety Sense P with active safety tech such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function. These features are also a step ahead to the future for the new Toyota Prius PHV.

The new Prius PHV starts at 3,261,600 Japanese Yen plus delivery charges and while this is more expensive than a normal Toyota Prius, it's the cheapest PHEV in Japan and you can afford one over the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

When the first Toyota Prius was launched in late 1997, the term hybrid has been introduced in the world of motoring and thanks to the Toyota Prius, more and more cars have gone under the hybrid green route. Now, 20 years on, and the Prius continues to evolve in new and almost exciting ways while becoming as influential as Japanese pop culture some petrolheads are disgusted by it. The new Prius PHV pushes the Prius to greater heights with its efficient powertrain that takes them further while enduring today's trends. 2017 maybe the year of the Prius, because this is the year the Prius celebrates its 20th anniversary, but for those eco-minded people, it's becoming a celebration we are unfazed by it and the new Prius PHV is just the start of something new for the history of the Toyota Prius.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Kia K5 Plug-In Hybrid

The powerhouse lineup of the brand new Kia K5, consisting of petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants, got upped with the addition of the plug-in hybrid variant. With the PHEV variant now added, the whole K5 range is complete...almost.

2017 Kia K5 Plug-In Hybrid

2017 Kia K5 Plug-In Hybrid interior

The new K5 Plug-In Hybrid offers the same fuel-efficient stuff you get in the regular Hybrid model but now with added range courtesy of its 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack that can be recharged within various amount of hours courtesy of its 220v charger that can be plugged at home or can be charged at most charging stations anywhere.

It's powered by a 2.0L Nu GDi petrol engine that produces 156PS of power output, which is connected to an electric motor that joins together with the engine produces 50kW of power, resulting to an overall power output of 202PS and combined fuel efficiency of 16.4km/L. 44km in all-electric mode. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, just so you know.

Just like the regular Hybrid, the K5 Plug-in Hybrid still has the most clever aerodynamics for a fuel-efficient saloon. There's the Active Air Flap, which automatically engages when travelling at high speeds, allowing this car to absorb air through the engine compartment for cooling measures.

Like all variants, it comes with safety features such as Auto Emergency Braking and Advanced Smart Cruise control, just to keep this car safe on the road ahead.

The new K5 Plug-in Hybrid starts at 39,600,000 Korean Won, which is more expensive than the normal Hybrid variant of the K5 but for such pricing, this range-extending variant of the K5 is a key turning point for Kia's fuel efficient vehicles right from their portfolio. Things are shaking up in the world of PHEV cars with this newest variant, though.

Photo: Kia Motors

Hyundai Sonata (LF) Plug-In Hybrid

With the LF Sonata range consists of petrol, diesel, and hybrid, the unexpected range for South Korea's longest-running midsize saloon in history gets a little boost with the addition of the first ever PHEV sold in South Korea, the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid

As the first-ever Korean-made plug-in hybrid saloon, the new Sonata Plug-In Hybrid offers the best of both worlds apart from running in either petrol, electric, or both because for this PHEV saloon, drivers will be able to fill it up with either petrol or charge its batteries at home by whatever means necessary. 

With the 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack, which is five times more than what the regular Sonata Hybrid's battery had, the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid is expected to have an all-electric range of over 44km, which is a class-leading record for PHEV saloons on the market, according to Hyundai. In terms of recharging, it will take two and a half hours to have it fully charged at a 240V Level 2 charging station while at home, with the 120V outlet at hand, it will take five hours to have it fully charged.

Like the Sonata Hybrid, it comes with the 2.0L Nu GDi petrol engine that produces 156PS of power output but for the PHEV model, the electric motor that joins together with the engine produces 50kW of power, 32% more than the motor used in the regular Sonata Hybrid. Have them together as well as the 6-speed automatic gearbox, the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid delivers a combined 17.2km/L of fuel consumption, which is kinda less than what the regular Hybrid had but because this is a PHEV saloon, its fuel consumption well served.

Optional safety features are offered in the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid including the Forward Collision Warning System, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, and not to mention the Advanced Smart Parking Assist System where you can let the parking all by itself when it spots a vacant parking space.

The new Sonata Plug-In Hybrid starts at 40,620,000 to 43,220,000 Korean Won, which costs a lot more than the regular Sonata Hybrid, but because being the first PHEV offered in South Korea, looks like it's going to be treated as a niche vehicle with no competition in sight but as the right opportunity comes in the Korean motoring industry, there will be rivals ready to take on the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, wanting a piece of it.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Second Generation Chevrolet Volt

The Chevrolet Volt has been with us for five years now and when it was launched, we couldn't tell if it's a hybrid or a zero-emission vehicle like the Nissan Leaf. In general, this is the first ever PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle) in the market and because it's a PHEV, you can either refuel it with petrol or charge the batteries in one plug. To commemorate the Chevrolet Volt's fifth anniversary, a regeneration to the first ever PHEV in the market has occurred and for the new Chevrolet Volt, this PHEV promises to go further, sticking through to its "FIND NEW ROADS" slogan.

2016 Chevrolet Volt

Here it is, the future really is now thanks to science and some clever American engineering. The new Chevrolet Volt looks more crisper to look at than the previous model, although some Chevrolet purists find the new look to be more sacrilege to the front just like what the Traverse, Impala, as well the upcoming Spark and Cruze had because by losing their trademark Chevrolet front face that has been around for ages, Chevrolet purists might simply just call it witchcraft. Putting the sins aside, it looks not too bad to look at.

2016 Chevrolet Volt interior

2016 Chevrolet Volt interior

On the interior, this is more of an improvement if I'm honest. Even though the outside looks somewhat resembled to the Corvette Stingray, it's surprisingly spacious as well although the back needs a bit more room if I'm honest. In terms of convenience, the Volt, like all Chevys, have 4G LTE connectivity so you can connect to the internet wirelessly and do whatever you like while you're stuck at traffic. There's also a wireless charger which makes the new Volt a handy power bank on the go but due caution however that it might use up most of its batteries, making its range a bit of a setback. If that's a problem, better set this Volt to run on petrol alone while letting its batteries do the talking on the electronics department. Sounds shoddy even if you're a city folk going out town with your friends.

2016 Chevrolet Volt

The new Volt is powered by two electric motors as well as a 1.5L petrol engine which now runs on regular rather than premium. Running on electric alone, the new Volt claims to have a range of 55 pure electric miles  but by running on unison, it can get up to the claimed total range of 420 miles on a full charge and a full tank of gas. That's over a thousand miles between fill-ups by charging regularly and overall, its overall fuel consumption is around 82 MPG-e city and 72 MPG-e highway. 

That's even less than the BMW i3, which costs 17,000 dollars more than the Volt's $25,670 suggested retail price, but mind you, the new Volt has the highest range by any PHEV available, meaning that most of the owners will rely on electricity alone and because it takes $650 dollars to fill the Volt per year, $150 less than what the previous Volt did, it's value for money as well. Think about the savings you'll get from this car.

In terms of charging the car, the Volt comes with either a 120-volt portable cord which lets the car to be fully charged for half a day or a more expensive 240-volt charging system, which allows the Volt to be fully charged after four and half hours later. There are many ways of battery management in the new Volt, including a brand new Regen on Demand system which transfers the kinetic energy from the moving car and stores it in the batter while slowing it down. There's also a programmable location-based charging as well.

Being capable on taking on city traffic, the new Volt offers safety tech such as an available Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Forward Safety Awareness. For protection, it was utilized in advanced high-strength steel for better weight loss and added rigidity as well as implementing ten airbags.

So, should you buy one? As mentioned, the new Volt starts at $25,670 but don't rush for these ones just yet because just like the last model, the new model is available in selected US states, including California. Next year, it will be available nationwide.

Photo: General Motors

Cadillac ELR vs. BMW i8

In the not too distant past, most Cadillacs are infamous for being a car made for pensioners because by the way you look at them, it seems that most Caddies in the past have looks only pensioners would want but thanks to the ART & SCIENCE philosophy, not only Cadillac was saved from the brink of extinction but also turned the tables on what we expect from a Cadillac. With cars like the ATS, CTS, XTS, SRX, and the Escalade, Cadillacs are getting more noticeable than the past as well as gaining admirers. With all that ART & SCIENCE still flourishing General Motors' luxury brand, looks like Cadillac made this...

2014 Cadillac ELR

This is the Cadillac ELR and while being true to its name, this is the brand's first electric long range vehicle designed not only to look smirk on your neighbors thinking that you have a car that is way more than the commoner Nissan Leaf but also a car that can get you from points A to B longer than your average German saloon.

2014 Cadillac ELR

Of course being one of the firsts from Cadillac, I could get amused that this new model is just like the Chevrolet Volt because like the Chevrolet Volt, the ELR is a plug-in hybrid vehicle or PHEV. You can either charge it with electricity, fill up petrol or like that little girl from that taco commercial...why not have both? WHY NOT HAVE BOTH?! That's a clever way to say that! WHY NOT HAVE BOTH?

You see, the ELR is equipped with the 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor generating up to 135kW (before you reach your calculator app, yup. That's 184HP) on the electric side while on the petrol side, it comes with the 1.4L EcoFLEX engine, the same engine you would expect on most Opels or Vauxhalls in Europe. Running on petrol alone, it develops a very compact car-ish 83HP of power and it's made to run the 55kW generator when the Li-iON battery is running on empty.

Running on battery alone, it can reach up to 37 miles of distance, enough to reach from a house from 46th Avenue South, Seattle, to Three Lakes Rd, Snohomish, WA. With the battery and the generator working together as one, it can travel up to 340 miles of distance, the driving distance from San Jose, California, to Seattle, Washington...as a theory.

There's more because on the ELR, you are in charge when is your car fully charge. You make the schedule on when to charge it, customize your charging mode as well as the charging level, and you can program it based on off-peak rates or your next trip. On a 240V outlet, it takes about five hours to fully charge it but on 120V outlets, it may take 75% of the day to fully charge it and that's theoretically...boring.

2014 Cadillac ELR interior

2014 Cadillac ELR interior

So, while this maybe one of the most ideal machines you can drive as a daily driver, there are some mishaps in the ELR's luster and that's when we get to the interior. Of course, it's all typical Cadillac interior just like any luxury car makers to wear uniform interiors but the Cadillac CUE system...what can I say? Of course, it maybe more enjoyable to explore the CUE but your weary fingers can't sustain the boring and complicated methods on how to master the Cadillac CUE infotainment system. It's hard to find the MP3 player, the Bluetooth, the navigation, and those tick-tack stuff this navigation system has loads of it. It's like getting lost in a maze or something.

Of course, while it may seat up to four, its coupe layout means that the rear room is mostly cramped for the rear passengers. You might be finding unfathomable difficulty squeezing yourself at the back of the ELR.

While this maybe the coupe, the ELR is not one of the best cars to enjoy on a weekend drive because the suspension setup is a little bit too wonky. The HiPer Strut front and Watts Link rear Sport suspension doesn't feel like a European sportscar and it behaves...like a commoner eco box. This car doesn't behave like a fit and agile coupe from another world and while the suspension setup is the least of the problems for the ELR, the biggest problem is the pricing because the ELR starts at 75,000 Dollars plus tax and destination charges and you can charge more with the optional extras. Is it more bang for the buck. Sadly, no. The ELR is not what you called a good car to drive but there's one good thing you might consider...

2015 BMW i8

This is the BMW i8, it's one of the most anticipated models of 2014 and by no means one of the most interesting cars to drive. Like the Cadillac ELR, it's a plug-in hybrid vehicle but unlike the ELR, the petrol engine is a 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo engine developing 231PS of power. Unlike the ELR, the joint custody of the 1.5L petrol and the hybrid synchronous motor developing a total output of 362PS of power. That is how Germany wanted to beat USA with all that power comes in.

This car is proven to be the epitome of a blue-blooded eco car and while it maybe a PHEV just like the ELR, the BMW i8 is unlike any other because of its bespoke hybrid system that delivers a range up to 23 miles and 75mph on electric power alone but running on all powers, you can expect 135 mph imperial of driving distance. Of course, while it maybe less than the ELR, the i8 is still more enjoyable to drive than the ELR thanks to its all-wheel drive system that lets you have fun without crashing into it.

2015 BMW i8 interior

2015 BMW i8 interior

While the i8 is truly one of the most enjoyable cars, it is one of the most exclusive cars ever made and thanks to the 126,000 Euro pricing and the long waitlist currently facing, having one is an unfathomable difficulty. So, the conclusion is simple, while the Cadillac ELR is designed for travelling further distances in mind, the BMW i8 is by no means one of the most interesting machines of the planet, incorporating how this plug-in hybrid sports car made from the blank sheet of paper and some creative brainstorming from the Germans.

2015 BMW i8

In the end, only history will tell the winner but for me, I would go for the i8.

BMW i3

2014 BMW i3

This is quite a bizarre treat for BMW though. Having managed to create some sort of a zero-emission vehicle for the posh people, not to mention that BMW is a luxury car brand like the others, the new BMW i3 is one heck of a posh compact for those who think that the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt are so...(clears throat)...not their type.

It's the first of BMW's new BMW i sub-brand, which in their philosophy, represents visionary electric vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. The i3 is more than just a city car peddling its zero-emission smug for the masses, it's just another one of those eco cars that goes "smug alert" owners would go for. I said smug, get it? Smug! Desolation of the smug! Oops! I said it again!

Anyway, while eco cars like the Prius, the Insight, the Leaf, and the Volt, among many others continuing their desolation of the smug alert, would the BMW i3 be part of it or is it? First, let's start with the basics but best to hurry up or else I'm totally tripping balls over this one.

2014 BMW i3

At its normal form, the i3 is generated by an electric motor placed in the rear axle which generates 170PS of power and 250Nm of torque. Yes, I see what they did there, that's more than the Nissan Leaf got by about 61PS but 4Nm less. 0-100kph takes 7.2 seconds and top speed limited to 150kph.

What really amazes me is unlike any other electric compacts which runs on front wheels, the i3 runs on rear-wheels, meaning that in theory, you can really make a mess in your neighborhood without knowing it's you. It's like you're doing the whole "it's not me cubicle shoe trick" where people think you're taking a tinkle instead of pooping at the toilet which you just did. Because it's smaller than any other normal EVs but a bit bigger than the ridiculously boring Mitsubishi i-MiEV, I can only imagine a few idiots willing to risk their lives driving one of these at their nearest shopping center. Get it? Amazing!

The normal version looks great when you're looking for some high-voltage hijinks. No, not the whole Brainiac stuff about electricity but you know what I mean. However, if you're looking for some extended trips, BMW offers the i3 an optional range extender engine, meaning you're turning this from Leaf to Volt because the Volt is a PHEV unlike the Leaf which relies on electricity only. Anyway, the REx option uses the 647cc engine direct from one of BMW's mopeds, the C650 GT. Wait a minute, do you really need an i3 with the option of using a petrol engine from a moped?

For the i3 with the REx option, the petrol engine only kicks in when it's low-batt, serving this as a generator to produce electricity to extend the range by about 320km. It may not be qualified as a suitable car that takes you to a trip from your house in Muntinlupa to a park in Baguio but the optional moped engine is quite handy when you need it until it's time for a recharge.

The BMW i3 has the maximum total range when treated right is up to 200km while the one with the REx option, can last up to 340km. As for the batteries, a DC fast charging will take less than 30 minutes, about the same length as two 15-minute episodes of your favorite cartoon, while charging in AC takes about 3 to 6 hours, and it takes 6 to 8 hours when you charge it at your house via an ICCB outlet. Depending on your schedule, it might be best to plan your charging accordingly because if you left with an i3 with less than what you expect, this is like an embarrassing exit from your house to your school with your toast in your mouth.

2014 BMW i3 interior

I'm starting to think that the BMW i3 is becoming the city car that defies the conventions of what a zero-emission electric cars of today have. I think it's becoming more fun to drive not only because it's rear-wheel drive but maybe because of its zero emission that most idiots would do to drive one of these at the malls without causing too much smoke belchings and its compact sizing which makes it very unique. I do really wish to have one of these but because of its 34,950 Euro pricing, I'm afraid that this is too much to pay for this very enjoyable green car which sends Dr. Bunhead into questioning what in a world would he do for this.

2014 BMW i3

Available colors: Ionic Silver mit Akzent BMW i Blau, Arravanigrau mit Akzent BMW i, Blau, Solarorange mit Akzent Frozen Grey metallic, Laurusgrau mit Akzent BMW i Blau, Andesitsilber mit Akzent BMW i Blau, and Capparisweiß mit Akzent BMW i Blau.

Photo: BMW AG

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Couple of months ago, Mitsubishi launched a full model change on the Outlander which features the most obvious styling a Mitsubishi fan couldn't think of. It's available in 2.0L and 2.4L petrol engines and that's it. Period. However, Mitsubishi plans something big for this new model and it promises to be more of an eco car that you can go further through the extra mile. There is now an Outlander that promises to get you through places further...

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Here it is, the world's first 4WD plug-in hybrid vehicle made from Mitsubishi Motors. It's called the Outlander PHEV. Although it looks nearly the same as the latest model, this new model took the lessons that came from the Chevy Volt, which means that as a PHV crossover, you can either refuel it with petrol or charge the batteries in one plug. Thanks to being a full fledged PHEV crossover, the all new Outlander PHEV sure comes in handy if you want to bring your family on a winter vacation on Hokkaido because with an electric range of 67 kilometers per charge and fuel economy of 18.6km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards, this is a perfect cruiser that can get you through the next prefecture up to another. Might be come in handy for your next adventure to Japan's most beautiful landscapes.

All that power output comes from the dual 60kW electric motors coupled to a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and the 2.0L 4B11 engine that generates 118PS of power and 186Nm of torque. As for the batteries, Mitsubishi's going the right way around because they've placed Lithium ion batteries, the kind of batteries that powers your trusty laptop PC or your new cellphone. These batteries are much lighter than conventional nickel metal hydride batteries that most hybrids have, increased amount of power that can be transferred on the low current, and its self discharge rate is about 5-10% per month. As for the recharging rate, it takes 3 to 4 hours to fully charge the batteries via a 220-volt outlet but if you overdo it, the batteries will about to suffer and the EV range will drop so you better need some careful planning when will you charge the batteries. Well, if you're getting nervous about the batteries, kindly switch on the petrol engine and you'll have as much thinking time to think about the battery charging.

Here in Japan, the PHEV version of the Outlander arrives on late January 2013 and priced at 3,324,000 yen. After much praise, it should be ready for the world market sooner than you can say "you will be upgraded".

Available colors: White Pearl, Titanium Gray Metallic, Black Mica, and Technical Silver Metallic.

PRICE LIST:

2.0 12kWh E - 3,324,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G - 3,569,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G セーフティパッケージ - 3,664,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G ナビパッケージ - 3,978,000 Yen
2.0 12kWh G プレミアムパッケージ - 4,297,000 Yen