The energy was just about $7k
The energy was just about $7k outside of my budget, and didn't make sense. But the hybrid has been an excellent car!
If any way possible, I probably would have preferred a smaller engine (their 1.6 liter engines), with a bigger electric motor.
The 30kW/40HP motor, paired with the 10HP generator does not provide sufficient power for acceleration in eco mode, and becomes sluggish around 25-30MPH in normal mode.
Regenerative braking also doesn't work well with such a small motor, as most gentle braking only recaps 75% of the total kinetic energy, and normal braking only 50% (both of which you'll see regularly).
Having an at least 50% stronger motor (and battery to support the higher amps) would have been preferred.
Also, this vehicle is nearly 6 years old, they should have found a better place for the battery, than hogging up the trunk space! Current trunk shape barely fits a large and a small suitcase!