The HS250h based on a version of the Prius platform and has the same wheelbase of 106.3 inches, but the HS is greater connection between the IS and ES models. It is a little larger than the Mercedes C-Class. The gas / electric drive is comparable to the Prius, Lexus, but that is pumped on steroids.

Hybrid transmission BOTH effective and powerful

The Prius combines a 1.8-liter gas engine, and with the eclectic motor performance is a modest 134-hp. The Lexus combines a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor that produces a respectable 187 hp. Thus, while the Prius feels lethargic, feel alive HS chain, on the road on the same ramps and passing on two lane roads. The powertrain will be a continuously variable transmission, which helps the engine in its power band, more effective and delivers power smoothly.

The management system of the engine allows the selection of three driving modes. I have most of my driving in economy mode, which reduces the throttle response. Press the power mode, and you have a professional off-the-punch-line performance, and you can feel the difference. You can also use the EV button, makes the SH-mode electric motor only, and as long as you can, the speed drops below 19 miles per hour you drive more miles in this way. It is ideal for stop-and-go traffic or not, your course of a particular person when you come home late.

Chassis and interior are generally Lexus: soft and luxurious

The ride quality is smooth and soft Boulevard, unlike the Prius. Some of those that are attributed to independent multi-link rear suspension, as contrary to the torsion beam axle at the Prius. The Harmonized System absorbs shocks and bad road surfaces as you would expect in a Lexus, but it’s a little harsh too much body lean in corners, and you can see some protests from the tires, which I’m sure, are designed to hear mileage for the soil sculpture. The cabin is quiet, as a rule, only under hard acceleration, when the 4-cylinder engine, you can know that he works hard. The wind noise at high speed is kept at an absolute minimum, thank you for slippery drag coefficient of only 0.27 of the car.

Used in accordance with the “green” issue, 30 percent of the cabin and luggage compartment “ecoplastic”, the derivative of a plant, a carbon-neutral material that is easily recyclable. You can not say face to feel or what pieces are made, making it a good thing.

Slip into the cabin, which is all HS Lexus. My test car featured a beautiful dove gray and charcoal, two-tone leather upholstery. The gray seats are comfortable, and both were heated and cooled. Trim cut wood doors, and a headliner was rich pile under control and looked good. The carbon dash dark with high contrast the dashboard less gray and had good research and effective layout for all controls.

Rear seat space is good enough for two adults and one third in a pinch. There sufficient legroom thanks to the seat in front is very low. Unfortunately, the rear seats do not fold down because it is between the rear seat backs and trunk if the battery is the electric motor. However, the boot is big and can be up to 4 golf bags or heavy luggage take a long journey. The trunk is large and the height is low, it is easy for products to go up and down.