I now have brand loyalty although I wish they hadn't discontinued the Jazz Hybrid - I think they need to get in the game as far as more alternative powered vehicles are concerned.
The last Hybrid IMA wasn't really as good as it could have been, I think the acronym is testament to this - Integrated Motor Assist rather than a true split mode power unit. The electric pancake motor was connected to the combustion engine so always had to turn it, and the efficiency was not much greater than the petrol unit. Smooth and brisk acceleration were highlights though.
The new model hybrid in other territories with the i-DCD dual clutch 7 speed gearbox does seem to be well received. The motor is directly connected to the 1-3-5-7 input shaft, which means that moving from standstill is nearly always electric, the IC engine is fully decoupled and can be bump started when needed, and the twin clutch set up allows the power to be blended from both sources.
If you live in California you can
lease a FCV Clarity, although it will likely cost more overall for the term than a conventional A6 or 520.
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TG
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