Picking up a 2012 1.5RS Hybrid tomorrow which i understand was Japanese only model. Unfortunately a CVT.
It is a June 2012 model imported into Cyprus end 2016 with two owners since then. 90,000 kilometers and very good condition with only an engine mount needing replacing.
Build was June 2012. If i have understood this has a 1.5l engine with 83kw and 114nm torque plus 10kw and 79nm from the battery. Not sure if this is like many other hybrids where the combined power is not simply the addition of both numbers but rather a lower combination of both? I believe this came with a nickel metal-hybrid battery pack instead of the lithium cells which may have come out from 2013 and had more power both from the engine and battery pack and 100kw combined? Can anyone confirm this?
Also anyone has any idea on what make these tick and perform better?
Spark plugs - Iridium, platinum, particular brand and heat range?
Air filter
Fuel - i have the choice of 95, 98 and 100 octane (which I run in my STi).
Tyres - have plenty of life. I think Pirelli P1 or P7 on a 16 inch rim. I suspect run-flat but will check tomorrow.
Speed limiter - It states 120km/h on the registration. If so can it be removed easily? The seller stated that whenever he put cruise control on it would cap it to 110.
Suspension mods for a bit better handling? Maybe lowering slightly may help with the roll. Definitely could be better around corners as will be driven plenty on mountain roads.
Performance mods - now I know you don't get much extra out of N/A motors but every kw counts. Would consider exhaust manifolds and engine management changes. Remapped for higher quality fuel? Nothing internal. I know this goes against the ethos of buying a hybrid model, but I have found on my current daily Focus ST diesel a remap from 185bhp to 220bhp and a heap of torque, lowered fuel consumption about 10%. 48mpg to 53mpg and more if i am good.
Sound proofing - although it is much quieter than my old 2002 Fit, the racket when accelerating is not good. I am used to loud cars coming from V8s and two Imprezas that I own, but this is terrible as it is not exhaust noise. Has anyone worked out where to strategically place sound proofing.? I assume transmission tunnel, bulkhead and possibly under bonnet blanket?
Looking forward to comments and taking delivery.