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n4:VodafoneDylan: I have a third generation Prius. Real world consumption shows as 4.2-4.4 L / 100K, depends on if you're using eco/power mode, air con etc. Recently drove from Auckland to New Plymouth then Wellington, 720K on one tank and car said it could go 80K more still.
Another option could be the plug in hybrid electric varient of the Prius. A colleague goes from Huia to Auckland CBD and back every day in a Nissan Leaf, fully electric. They're a very good option if you live in their range or could charge it at work.
I've been looking at the Leaf (somewhat longingly) as the replacement for my Honda Civic Hybrid. 75km is within the Leaf range and I can charge up overnight at home. Can't really make the business case work (investment vs savings) on replacing the Honda now, so will have to wait until the Honda is 'end-of-life' first. On that topic I couldn't justify a new hybrid when I bought the Honda, but buying a four year old car meant the savings justified the (by then slight) premium over a non-hybrid.
I considered the Honda Civic Hybrid too, but I prefer the Toyota hybrid system that means it can run in electric only at low speed which is great for traffic jams/slow moving and being at traffic lights etc. When you have low road noise you also have low car noise so it's more relaxing.
We went for the third gen one with the 1800cc engine so it has more power for overtaking and hills, cruise control at 100K up the bombay hills etc is no problem, then going down the other side the engine goes off, the generator charges the battery fully (and then I think also engine braking kicks in too). Regenerative braking is good.
