@kezo Does the Tucson have a permanent 4WD system, or is it like my BMW where the power to each axle (and indeed wheel) varies depending on the traction required (which also helps fuel economy)?
Also, whilst running costs aren’t a major consideration, I’m still trying to get my head around whether the PHEV is the best model for me and would appreciate your take on this. I completely understand why company car drivers go for them (due to the low benefit in kind tax) but I need to be sure that the extra weight of the car and smaller petrol tank are more than offset by the extra power and economy. The Tucson PHEV is around 60 bhp more powerful than my BMW, but the extra weight makes it slower, and one or two reports I’ve read suggest that once the battery is depleted the fuel economy isn’t great due to the heaviness of the car (I appreciate that these issues apply to all PHEVs and not just the Tucson).
I’ve often seen MPG figures quoted for PHEVs but obviously this is only part of the picture as you have to pay to charge it as well. Have you worked out how much it costs to charge yours? My electric cost 27p per kWh last month but has come down this month (can’t find the new rate). I’m interested to know what the likely pence per mile is to run on electric only, based on the charge cost divided by the realistic electric only range (30 miles?).
I’m guessing that on longer journeys it’s better to leave the car in hybrid mode and let the car decide when to use the engine and when to use the battery, but I’ve no idea what the likely cost per mile is likely to be in that scenario, as the quoted MPG is nonsense (as it is with all PHEVs) and, again, I’d have to factor in the charging cost as well as the petrol used.
As I say, it’s an easy decision for company car drivers as the tax saving makes it a no brainer, but I’m struggling to get my head around it as a private driver where we have no tax advantages and have to pay more AP to get one. Thoughts welcome!