http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/20/automobiles/autoreviews/byd-f3-dm-review.html?pagewanted=all
Some choicy snips:
"Think of the F3DM as a Chevrolet Volt with a Wal-Mart price tag, a car with a large-capacity battery — that delivered 31 miles of uninterrupted pure-electric driving for me — as well as a gasoline engine that gives it the ability to go an additional 300 miles."
" The F3DM — which does have an auxiliary audio input jack and a parking sensor — is expected to sell for less than $29,000. Incentives could drop the price closer to $20,000."
"If my destination had been in those first 30 to 40 miles, which the F3DM can easily achieve with sensible driving techniques, and I had the opportunity to charge the car for a full work day or overnight, the gas in the 8-gallon tank would go stale before having a chance to be burned in an engine."
" It was once thought impossible that Japanese and Korean cars would ride alongside Fords, Chevys and Dodges on American roadways. After my day with the impressive, though imperfect, F3DM, I see that Chinese cars—electric and affordable — are not only possible, but imminent."
-==========================
Some thoughts:
1. the car looks like my 2007 Corolla, inside and out... except shoddier and cheaper.
2. I would seriously consider this car if the price is right: about $20,000 *AND* if the car proves reliable.
3. if the price differential between this and the Nissan Leaf is less than 8,000 --- I think I'll take the Leaf!!
Some choicy snips:
"Think of the F3DM as a Chevrolet Volt with a Wal-Mart price tag, a car with a large-capacity battery — that delivered 31 miles of uninterrupted pure-electric driving for me — as well as a gasoline engine that gives it the ability to go an additional 300 miles."
" The F3DM — which does have an auxiliary audio input jack and a parking sensor — is expected to sell for less than $29,000. Incentives could drop the price closer to $20,000."
"If my destination had been in those first 30 to 40 miles, which the F3DM can easily achieve with sensible driving techniques, and I had the opportunity to charge the car for a full work day or overnight, the gas in the 8-gallon tank would go stale before having a chance to be burned in an engine."
" It was once thought impossible that Japanese and Korean cars would ride alongside Fords, Chevys and Dodges on American roadways. After my day with the impressive, though imperfect, F3DM, I see that Chinese cars—electric and affordable — are not only possible, but imminent."
-==========================
Some thoughts:
1. the car looks like my 2007 Corolla, inside and out... except shoddier and cheaper.
2. I would seriously consider this car if the price is right: about $20,000 *AND* if the car proves reliable.
3. if the price differential between this and the Nissan Leaf is less than 8,000 --- I think I'll take the Leaf!!
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