ON THE ROAD 25


with increasing social pressure towards greater environmental responsibility, consumers have a role to play in evaluating their purchase decisions. Meanwhile, through continued research, the


battery’s density and charging speed are consistently improving while economies-of-scale manufacturing continues to reduce costs, thereby increasing the credibility and desirability of battery-driven cars. The yay-or-nay from tyre kickers has been made


notices the battery level is critical. Next up is Eco mode in which the petrol engine


and electric motor are both engaged, favouring economy at the cost of outright accelerative ability – ideal for burbling along in stop/start traffic or when you’re just not in a hurry. At the other end of the scale lurks Sport mode,


where all available energy from both motors is maximised in the pursuit of ultimate performance and where endorphins turn to adrenaline.


THE FUEL OF THE FUTURE? An increasing number of manufacturers are


undertaking to gradually phase out the internal combustion engine over the next two decades. And


easier in First World countries through governments offering generous subsidies on hybrids and EVs, which have been touted as vehicles of the future. With that said, this isn’t likely to happen any time soon in South Africa, where owning a plug-in vehicle locally is complicated by the lack of charging facilities available, if not the state of the current electric infrastructure in its entirety. Again, this makes a self-charging hybrid such as the Lexus IS300h an ideal choice. Probably the greatest joy of driving a hybrid – and a signifier of how far the technology has come – is its multi-purpose appeal. Between Mondays to Fridays in traffic, you’re treated to whisper-quiet eco- conscious commuting in sumptuous luxury, while over weekends the countryside cliffs echo to your rediscovery of the thrill of driving. From eco cruiser to autobahn crusher, the


hybrid IS300h fulfils every such role. But there are also the sometimes-forgotten in-between moments, when – thanks to its optimised efficiency – you’re doing your part for the planet (and your budget) even without trying. The app for measuring that feel-good factor is yet


to be invented. • The Lexus IS300h SE is priced at R753 800 and comes with a class-leading seven-year/150 000km warranty and full maintenance plan.


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