I test drove the 06 HCH last week
#1
I test drove the 06 HCH last week
I do not own a hybrid vehicle yet. I have test driven the 05 Prius and HCH and now the 06 HCH. I think most things about the new HCH have been covered here, but I do have a few concerns/questions for the owners of the 06's.
I really noticed the ICE start up as I let off the brake while in auto-stop. Does this get smoother with age or was it normal? Maybe I just need to get used to it. I did not notice this when I drove either of the 05 vehicles. I think it will really bother my Wife.
The brakes on the 06 HCH seemed to have stages. I had to adjust the braking pressure as the vehicle slowed to keep the vehicle slowing at the same rate. Without the adjustment it seemed like I might not stop any time soon.
The dealer had already installed items on the vehicle and would not come off the cost of these items. They said unless I get on the waiting list that's the way it is. I guess that their claim not to sell above the MSRP is not really true.
I really noticed the ICE start up as I let off the brake while in auto-stop. Does this get smoother with age or was it normal? Maybe I just need to get used to it. I did not notice this when I drove either of the 05 vehicles. I think it will really bother my Wife.
The brakes on the 06 HCH seemed to have stages. I had to adjust the braking pressure as the vehicle slowed to keep the vehicle slowing at the same rate. Without the adjustment it seemed like I might not stop any time soon.
The dealer had already installed items on the vehicle and would not come off the cost of these items. They said unless I get on the waiting list that's the way it is. I guess that their claim not to sell above the MSRP is not really true.
#2
Re: I test drove the 06 HCH last week
MG48,
With the braking, what I think you are feeling is the regen kicking in. With an ever so light tap of the pedal you should notice that the car will start to brake and the charge LED's light up. At this point there is little or no brake pad being used, only the motor generator making juice for the battery. If you play the regen braking game each time you anticipate a stop, your pads will last a very long time.
Pushing the brake a little more will engage the brake pads and you will feel another slight decel or hard decel depending on how hard you stomp.
Hope this helps.
Ralph
With the braking, what I think you are feeling is the regen kicking in. With an ever so light tap of the pedal you should notice that the car will start to brake and the charge LED's light up. At this point there is little or no brake pad being used, only the motor generator making juice for the battery. If you play the regen braking game each time you anticipate a stop, your pads will last a very long time.
Pushing the brake a little more will engage the brake pads and you will feel another slight decel or hard decel depending on how hard you stomp.
Hope this helps.
Ralph
#3
Re: I test drove the 06 HCH last week
The ICA engine startup is noticable on my 06, but it doesn't bother me at all. The brakes do have a slightly non-linear feel because of the regeneration as stated above, but I got used to it quickly, and like it because I can modulate when I am using the pads, or just the regen.
#4
Re: I test drove the 06 HCH last week
Originally Posted by mg48
I really noticed the ICE start up as I let off the brake while in auto-stop. Does this get smoother with age or was it normal? Maybe I just need to get used to it. I did not notice this when I drove either of the 05 vehicles. I think it will really bother my Wife.
Regarding the brakes, I try to maximize my regen when slowing down anyway, so I'm already making adjustments. Even if you weren't doing that, I think you would get used to that pretty quickly too.
#5
Re: I test drove the 06 HCH last week
Originally Posted by mg48
I do not own a hybrid vehicle yet. I have test driven the 05 Prius and HCH and now the 06 HCH. I think most things about the new HCH have been covered here, but I do have a few concerns/questions for the owners of the 06's.
I really noticed the ICE start up as I let off the brake while in auto-stop. Does this get smoother with age or was it normal? Maybe I just need to get used to it. I did not notice this when I drove either of the 05 vehicles. I think it will really bother my Wife.
I really noticed the ICE start up as I let off the brake while in auto-stop. Does this get smoother with age or was it normal? Maybe I just need to get used to it. I did not notice this when I drove either of the 05 vehicles. I think it will really bother my Wife.
Are you noticing this, or is the actual engine startup itself louder/rougher?
#6
Re: I test drove the 06 HCH last week
Originally Posted by Double-Trinity
I'm not sure if this is the issue, but I do know that if you press the accelerator very shortly after releasing the brake in my '03 model, it begins to rev the engine before the transmission fully engages, meaning there will be more of a difference between driveshaft speed and engine speed causing the tranny to "tug" a bit more.
Are you noticing this, or is the actual engine startup itself louder/rougher?
Are you noticing this, or is the actual engine startup itself louder/rougher?
#7
Re: I test drove the 06 HCH last week
just wait a second between letting up on the brake and pushing on the gas, and you won't feel such a harsh transition. i own both HCHI and HCHII models and I can attest that the HCHII transitions from autostop much smoother than the HCHI does.
#8
Re: I test drove the 06 HCH last week
Originally Posted by mg48
I really noticed the ICE start up as I let off the brake while in auto-stop. Does this get smoother with age or was it normal?
The brakes on the 06 HCH seemed to have stages. I had to adjust the braking pressure as the vehicle slowed to keep the vehicle slowing at the same rate. Without the adjustment it seemed like I might not stop any time soon.
The dealer had already installed items on the vehicle and would not come off the cost of these items. They said unless I get on the waiting list that's the way it is. I guess that their claim not to sell above the MSRP is not really true.
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