[sjw91]

I liked the extra power, standard AWD, and only the hybrid comes with parking sensors.

 

[sjw91]

Only sometimes? You guys also get a bigger gallon..... Oh wait.....

Don't tell him what we're paying per gallon.

 

[sjw91]

Another advantage to the hybrid: Brake pads last over 100k.

 

[sjw91]

Ha. Will see about that down the road but yeah the regen paddle braking is helpful as well. Keeping my hands on wheel and drive focused as it feels the way to me.

Not the paddles. Just using the brake pedal uses regen for a lot of the braking. Unless you slam on the brakes, the pads don't engage until the last bit.

 

[sjw91]

I like the pushbutton shifter. I hated the joystick thing in my CT200h (loved the car, though). And most valets were clueless in it. I had to walk across a parking lot to get the car after one couldn't figure out how to back up.

 

[sjw91]

I have been completely unable to determine any mileage difference between using and not using the Air Conditioner.
Not that I'm complaining, mind you.
Pretty rare to even want the AC on around here, but so far this has been a warm summer.

I'll concur with that. It's Florida in July, and I'm showing 39mpg right now. I wasn't doing better than that in January.

 

[sjw91]

Makes sense.
I still wonder why Honda decided that all hybrids would be AWD.
Considering at least half of Americans live where AWD is not required, it just seems like an odd decision.

They're not alone. Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai and Mitsubishi hybrid SUVs come only with AWD. Since the hybrid take rate is significantly lower than the ICE version, it would be more economical for the manufacturer to build just one drivetrain configuration. And since it's an SUV, AWD would probably be the best decision. The Ford Escape hybrid comes only with FWD, and one of the complaints about it is not offering AWD.

 

[sjw91]

Can you post a few pictures? Thanks!

Here's mine

 

[sjw91]

That's better than the early ABS tests on police cars. They would key down on their 100-watt mobiles and all the wheels would lock up.
TV Engineering? I was at (W)WOR-TV for many years.

I remember Channel 9. I grew up 20 miles from Canada, but we got all the NYC channels on cable - back when cable was 12 channels and $5 a month...

 

[sjw91]

Thanks. I have always gone with the EX-L level with my last 5 Honda's (best bang/buck level IMO). If I read correctly, the Hybrid EX-L now includes the heated steering wheel which is nice. But the Touring sure seems to have some nice upgrades for $3200 more though. Too bad the wireless charging on Touring does not support wireless Apple CarPlay though (still need the wire).

I have a few issues with the wireless charging pad. It's only useful when going on a straight flat highway. There's nothing to hold the phone in place. If I take a curve, the phone moves off center and stops charging. And it's a really slow charge. Charging via the cord is much faster.

 

[sjw91]

Good point, never thought about the phone moving around, but it obviously will, and some phones are particular about placement.
I think the rubberized surface is supposed to prevent it, or at least slow it down, but that's pretty futile unless you're driving on glass.
Perhaps a 1" square of velcro on phone and pad? I don't think it would interfere with the wireless charging.
Wired charging will always be faster than wireless.

I cut a piece of foam to gently wedge between the phone and console. I keep it in the storage bin and just take it out when needed. Really not a problem. But it seems like other cars have a deeper well for wireless charging.

 

[sjw91]

"Kind of Hot" is a good description of most wireless charging setups I've seen.
My rule-of-thumb is if it's too hot to hold my hand or finger on something's wrong, but up to that point I'm pretty tolerant, it's under warranty.
The battery itself creates heat while being charged, and inductive losses in wireless charging are large. Even my Samsung watch gets pretty warm after a (wireless) charge.
BTW - Most backs I've seen are actually glass, maybe to discourage DIY battery changes?
(It's to allow wireless charging of course. a metal back would be problematic. Why they don't use plastic I don't know, maybe it interferes with wireless charging?)
BTW - You can get XM on your phone, instead of satellite. Good for times in underground garages, subway trains and sewers. You even get some channels you can't get from the birds (though I haven't tried them). I suspect that will be the only way to get them soon, as the birds fail.

How much time do you spend in sewers?

 

[sjw91]

yes, real gallons

They must be better. They cost a lot more than ours.

 

[sjw91]

Yup, IMHO the dealer is as important as the car. I would never buy a car without having a local dealer that I trust.
Volvo has fallen considerably. I had a '60 PV-544 that was GREAT, but today it's just a name owned by the Chinese.

Only know a few people with new Volvos, and they haven't had any issues. I think the sedans and wagons are beautiful. The SUVs, not so much.

The new Mazda CX-60 looks like a compelling plugin hybrid, but it won't be sold in the US. Who knows what we'll get.

 

[sjw91]

One of the main issues we found with the Mazda was it was trying to be too many cars at once. It was trying to be sporty, and practical, but lacked decent space inside, and the centre console was comicly large, so large that I had nowhere to put my left knee. It sort sounded ok..ish. when you thrashed it...but didn't feel like it had much substance, not like the 2.5mzr engine in our 6 Sport, that really was a cracking car 0-60 in 8 seconds. This was more show and less go..and it felt strangled..heavy... underpowered..and sort of clumsy,.I did like the outside styling though, but it let's you down as you expect more from it than it can really deliver.

In comparison the Honda is more go and less show, it's not sporty inside compared to the Mazda, and the styling outside is more akin to understated, but that rapid instant torque, and deadly quiet cabin (unless thrashed) our 2wd gets to 60 in 8 seconds like the 2.5 6 Sport used to, and can deliver 60mpg, is massive inside, lots of leg room and i think is the best designed interior of any car full stop. It's not perfect, it has some annoyances..but no car is perfect. We are very happy with our choice of car, and even more so Honda. I am even considering buying a second Honda, Civic Type R either used or brand new as a toy as I never considered Honda before now..

Agreed. The CR-V moves and handles quite well for its size. I have a Corvette for when I need something sportier (and gets better highway mileage than the CR-V hybrid, by the way). They offer the hybrid in 2wd over there? Only AWD here.

Mazda keeps trying to push the sporty image, but they need to modernize their powertrains. That 2.5 isn't aging well against the competition, and the 6-speed automatic is ancient.

 

[sjw91]

Looks like they bought a 71 plate MG HS, so well down the pecking order there.....no seriously..good for them...good for them..

I had to look it up, since MG hasn't sold cars in the USA for 40+ years. Actually not a bad looking vehicle. But I can only assume their quality remains abysmal?

 

[sjw91]

Im sure its adequate for their price range, nothing you wouldn't expect. Owned by the chinese now, they offer an 8 year, 80,000 mile warranty/ that's a bit concerning..something doesn't add up there. Even KIA offer a 100,000 mile warranty along with Honda etc..

Honda is 3 year/36k full warranty and 5 year/60k powertrain warranty here.

 

[sjw91]

Plus 8 or 10 years (depending on the state) on the HV battery.

Thanks. Forgot about that part.