http://www.car4play.com/forum Car4play forum en-gb Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:39:24 +0100 Copyright: Car4play webmaster@car4play.com (Technical) 5 car4play687617 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:39:24 +0100 >>115-130bhp now depending upon flavour. Ours is the 115, Gen 4 hybrid drive. The injun is 90. I think the electric motor is nominally about 50 but the combination is less than the sum of the parts. In practice it's very useable. In practice the traction battery is so small at about 0.76kWh I don't think it will make 114bhp/116PS for very long! By my rough estimate about a minute if it could deliver the whole lot, and most of the time it's around half full. The 2026 F1 cars seem to have a similar problem:) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687617&v=e car4play687615 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:17:51 +0100 >>Yes it is BT. 1.5, 3 cyl., 90bhp. And much of it I think is down to the energy recovery and the fact that on local running with yo-yo progress the engine is only running 30%-40% of the time although of course that is the most energy consuming proportion. The Toyota self-charging hybrid drive is a fascinating thing. 115-130bhp now depending upon flavour. Suspect they have beefed up the e-motor. As a long term prospect also one of the better direct fuel injection engines as it also has indirect injection of fuel to prevent carbon build-up on the intake valves. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687615&v=e car4play687612 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:13:52 +0100 >> >>We have a Mazda 2 Hybrid (rebadged Yaris Hybrid). Brim to brim mpg is between >> 60 & 70. >> >> I suspect that's because it's running the Atkinson cycle Yes it is BT. 1.5, 3 cyl., 90bhp. And much of it I think is down to the energy recovery and the fact that on local running with yo-yo progress the engine is only running 30%-40% of the time although of course that is the most energy consuming proportion. The Toyota self-charging hybrid drive is a fascinating thing. I used to say I'd never have a 3 cylinder after I drove a C1 for a month and hated the drone. The Hybrid is a bit like that but not really annoying as I don't flog it! The C1 was a courtesy car and therefore had to be driven flat out all the time. The MX-5 has a 1.5 4 cyl. with 129bhp - no turbo. Pretty respectable. It has a geometric 13:1 compression ratio and I believe is pretty much pure Atkinson at lower rpm and outputs. It's not unusual to see 50mpg out of it. The Skyactiv is a remarkable engine. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687612&v=e car4play687598 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:15:18 +0100 >> Don't know whether you have already heard John F, but the Puretech is being pensioned >> off in favour of a new 3 pot with a timing chain. Service intervals will >> increase from 12 to 24 months. >> Let's hope they have learnt to put a decent size cam chain in this new engine after the recall for failing cam chains in the 1.5 diesels... http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687598&v=e car4play687576 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:04:02 +0100 Five owners though. This is not an out and out red flag but any sensible buyer would want to understand why this is the case. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687576&v=e car4play687567 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:50:41 +0100 Ah, thank you. I did take a look but I think a little smaller than would suit. It would of course be fine for every day, but there are occasions when friends visit and we disappear for a few weeks, we have done Spain, Portugal, Scotland, down to Italy and so on. These are serious trips and with four people plus kit a decent sized vehicle is needed. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687567&v=e car4play687520 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:56:29 +0100 >>We have a Mazda 2 Hybrid (rebadged Yaris Hybrid). Brim to brim mpg is between 60 & 70. I suspect that's because it's running the Atkinson cycle. My modest 1.3L Yaris claims to produce 90-odd BHP. I don't need all those horses and rarely call on them. If that ran the Atkinson cycle, it would probably still be capable of cruising at 70MPH (my old 35BHP Panda and 45BHP KIA could). The economy would be improved and it wouldn't have to cart around 28Kg of motors and battery - let's face it, you wouldn't willingly put that much load in a car unnecessarily. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687520&v=e car4play687518 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:32:24 +0100 I think you have to distinguish between self-charging hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Self-charging hybrids will not attract the mileage payments. We have a Mazda 2 Hybrid (rebadged Yaris Hybrid). Brim to brim mpg is between 60 & 70. I regard it as an efficient petrol car. The traction battery is only 0.8kWh which is about the same as a decent sized starter battery although of course it's lithium based and has a bigger useable capacity. It's not unusual to see it running 60%-70% of the time on battery. Basically it uses the battery to store and reuse recovered energy and most 'braking' doesn't involve the friction brakes at all. We did a 30 mile round trip this morning and the discs were clap cold when we got home. Transmission is ingenious. 2 motor-generators and the petrol engine combine their propulsive and recharging efforts seamlessly through an assemblage of epicyclic gear sets. Yes, you are lugging 3 motors around but your energy for 450 miles range is carried in the form of about 28Kg. of petrol. A 100kWh EV battery would be 500Kg or more. This is our 'local' car so arguably we should have gone electric. But it's comfortable little car and the fuel cost per mile is half that of the Outlander so we have already used it for a couple of holidays. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687518&v=e car4play687517 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:32:23 +0100 Identical to mine but 7000 miles less. https://tinyurl.com/3bf4h253 http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687517&v=e car4play687516 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:46:15 +0100 You're right! Thank you. I'll take a look http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687516&v=e car4play687513 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 20:32:36 +0100 Ssangyong and KGM are both listed on AutoTrader http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687513&v=e car4play687512 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 20:32:07 +0100 Don't know whether you have already heard John F, but the Puretech is being pensioned off in favour of a new 3 pot with a timing chain. Service intervals will increase from 12 to 24 months. No mention of machine washable air filters though ;) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687512&v=e car4play687506 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:20:26 +0100 >> Although Ssanyong isn’t listed on Autotrader >> for some reason so a dead end there. >> That's because it's now KGM, the car(tist) formerly known as Ssanyong. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687506&v=e car4play687505 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:12:58 +0100 Thanks for your helpful posts, very interesting to see the suggestions. It will certainly give me something to think about over the next few months. I was aware of the Mazda cx5, but interesting to see they have a range of others. My brother has a Suzuki Vitara and is very pleased with it. They do seem a little basic, but then I guess most things would compared to my Lexus! I bought the Lexus instead of a CRV, and must admit there were times when I wondered if the CRV would have been preferable - more space and more economical with the reliability. The Peugeot is perhaps the left of field candidate, but looking at the car that was signposted, it looks a lot of car with not many miles for the money. My dad swore by his 505 estate, what a car that was. I find a hybrid to have worked well for me. The battery in the Lexus is enough to offer a good starting shove, but does recycle energy otherwise wasted. I have got 44mpg, and would be disappointed if I didn’t get 40 in the summer, and a bit less in winter. I believe the new tax will only apply to EVs and plug in hybrids. But I may be wrong and with calamity Rachel who knows? As they say in the apprentice, the search continues. Although Ssanyong isn’t listed on Autotrader for some reason so a dead end there. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687505&v=e car4play687504 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:30:37 +0100 2 Honda CRVs - 2012 till present 2012 - 2023 Petrol - 2.0 ltr, auto 4WD average approx 30- 32mpg 2023 Petrol Hybrid, 2ltr auto 4WD- average approx 38 - 40mpg - roughly 25% more mpg despite being faster, larger & heavier than my first CRV http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687504&v=e car4play687503 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:46:01 +0100 After six years we are still very pleased with Mrs F's cracking little SUV Peugeot 2008 1.2 puretech EAT6 Allure Premium. There are loads of post 2020 ones around....e.g. this one.....if the tinyurl link works (first time I've tried to 'shorten' a URL). They seem great value for money - which anyone who knows my M.O. is top of my priority list! https://tinyurl.com/mvj8c283 I have long felt that hybrids, despite their current popularity, are a dead end branch of the automotive evolutionary tree. Especially with ever better EVs sprouting aloft, I can't see the point of carting around two separate power units. A friend of mine has a hybrid, and he is less than gruntled with it, with the impending EV mileage charge adding insult to dissatisfaction. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687503&v=e car4play687457 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 13:57:46 +0000 >>E Vitara is on my next car list Here ya go: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602099785625 http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687457&v=e car4play687448 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:39:42 +0000 https://www.new-car-discount.com/car/mazda/cx-30/hatchback/all/all Well screwed together cars, now with 6yr warranty. Entry level engine is a 2.5 litre 4-pot that delivers lowdown grunt and decent fuel economy. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687448&v=e car4play687447 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:28:42 +0000 For the Hyundai if you want knobs for heating and ventilation f those between 2020 and 2023 have the digital controls. But the non Hybrid Kia I had 2020 model was superb mechanically. As I posted before on another thread, If you have a dealer near you a Ssangyong Korando 3 years old are silly low money. lovely dashboard and very comfortable. Balance of 7 year warranty to boot. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687447&v=e car4play687446 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:09:22 +0000 >> Hopefully the idea of used vehicles opens up more possibilities alongside the Tucson. I have >> yet to even look inside one, let alone play with the switches etc so I >> have a way to go, but suspect aJapanese or Korean outcome could be highly likely. It will require metric spanners. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687446&v=e car4play687445 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:02:52 +0000 Thanks folks, some interesting ideas and suggestions here. I realise that I failed to give you some relevant information. My practice is to buy cars that are typically two or three years old, low mileage and with a degree of manufacturers warranty left. I have only ever bought one new car with my own money, much preferring to allow others the privilege of early, high depreciation. As to an electric car, no thank you. I live in a small village and in the 1600s when the place was built they strangely did not think to put driveways, garages and off road parking in. So hybrid it is. I did think of a PHEV, we could finangle a cable to the car possibly, but now that tax will be paid on every mile a PHEV covers then the economics become increasingly less attractive, never mind the practicalities. Sadly even a Chinese MG does not appeal, any MG that needs metric spanners is off the agenda along with all the other Chinese stuff. Hopefully the idea of used vehicles opens up more possibilities alongside the Tucson. I have yet to even look inside one, let alone play with the switches etc so I have a way to go, but suspect aJapanese or Korean outcome could be highly likely. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687445&v=e car4play687443 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 07:21:12 +0000 >> >>Try autotrader ... £23,295 ;-) >> >> >>https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602129868394 >> >> Me likey. >> Me hatey...hideous Would a EV suit mg spannerman? E Vitara is on my next car list. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687443&v=e car4play687442 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 07:09:49 +0000 >>Try autotrader ... £23,295 ;-) >>https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602129868394 Me likey. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687442&v=e car4play687439 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 23:36:43 +0000 If the plan is no China, I'm sure there are absolutely no Chinese components on this bad boy.... https://www.new-car-discount.com/car/ford/puma-gen-e-electric-hatchback/hatchback/electric/automatic/124kw-select-47kwh-5dr-auto/25/ http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687439&v=e car4play687438 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 22:18:27 +0000 Welcome to t'internet Bb ;-) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687438&v=e car4play687436 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:14:31 +0000 MGspannerman has said no Chinese! So no MG, etc. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687436&v=e car4play687435 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 20:49:06 +0000 >>Top of the range MGS5 EV Trophy can be had for c £26k >>....see CarWow for best pricing Try autotrader ... £23,295 ;-) https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602129868394 http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687435&v=e car4play687434 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 20:44:01 +0000 Previous customers of new-car-discount.com get emails of "off menu" deals every few weeks. Check the latest ones here: https://new-car-discount-com.eo.page/fvvpr http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687434&v=e car4play687432 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:55:26 +0000 Tiggoo 4 £19995 or top spec £22.000 Zero problems reported for same engines in Omoda and Jaecoo on sale elsewhere.. Quite like the size and looks of it myself, Possibility for Youngrover girl to replace both cars when i expect to stop driving in about 12 months.. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687432&v=e car4play687430 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:50:09 +0000 Top of the range MGS5 EV Trophy can be had for c £26k https://www.mg.co.uk/new-cars/mgs5-ev see CarWow for best pricing After all MGSpannerman, it's an MG and you wouldn't need your spanners :-) http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687430&v=e car4play687429 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:49:17 +0000 Sister to the KIA, mechanically excellent, but BUT (tastes will differ) I really don't like the dashboard layout and screens, even if they have brought back knobs for aircon etc. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687429&v=e car4play687425 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:03:41 +0000 We tend to help out the juniors by passing on our cars when we feel the need to move it on. The elder one has a very busy job and sometimes works very unsocial hours, as well as being a mum to the two grandchildren. Her car is small, the kids aren't and it is reaching the (even more) unreliable stage. We are thinking of passing on our Lexus NX. it is 9+ years old with 80k, has a full service history, newish Michelin cross climates and discs/pads that will last a minimum of 40k. Well fettled in fact. We would likely hand over in the autumn. Yes, it's a relatively expensive car and one she couldn't otherwise afford. But it appeals to us to think that she will have a good family car with plenty of life in it, more room and that we know is safe and reliable for use with the children and late at night. The default replacement was another NX. However a friend has just ordered a new petrol hybrid Hyundai Tucson, and my goodness what a car and with a very high spec level. Much better mpg, cheaper to buy and insure and service costs more agreeable. So it has set me thinking, perhaps I should look around, but what else should I at least consider? The Tucson obviously. I would like an SUV no bigger than the NX, comfort/ reliability/ economy are factors. Performance not so much, but what else? Excluding VW, Merc and Chinese though. Budget around 20-25k. I would welcome any thoughts. Thanks. http://www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?m=687425&v=e