GRA
Well-known member
That's the Crosstrek, and as I noted uptopic and in the Crosstrek topic, it's unsuitable as well as uninspiring.LeftieBiker said:Right, thanks. 2003 Forester. They just came out with a Toyota-Powered Subaru something or other PHEV. I forget if that has AWD, but think it does. The AER is unimpressive, but in GRA's case the AER isn't very relevant anyway - just the MPG and emissions.
If the Prius AWD HEV were a Prime, that would be more in the ballpark. Unfortunately, it's still a Prius, with all the negatives regarding driving dynamics and controls that implies, plus it's the wrong body type (flat-sloped rear windows provide lousy rear view, never mind the reduced cargo volume). The Prime's AER is about right for me, and also can be fully charged off 120V in 8 hours, which is another advantage of the smaller battery.
My dream PHEV would, as I've said, have been something like a Voltec-powered compact AWD CUV or wagon, with the battery capacity of the Gen 1 Volt or even smaller (20-30 mile AER), but using the Volt 2's new cells to save weight/space. It has to have room for a spare and jack without seriously impinging on cargo space, allow me to lie down in stretched out in back with the rear seats folded, good or better 360 visibility, good or better driving dynamics (in other words, it's not a Prius), excellent ergonomics and gimmick-less, physical controls. get at least 40 mpg Hwy and have a hold mode.
For a BEV, take all the above and replace the AER with 300+ miles of EPA Hwy range, and say 125 kW or better QC rate with 350+ preferred, and at least a 12 year warranty on battery capacity.