**Certainly. Hybrids and EVs are expensive, when compared to IC engined cars. It may not always be the case. As production increases, then costs may fall. Hence my example of the Model T Ford. Whilst Hybrids will always be more expensive that IC only cars, there will ultimately be a point reached where oil is so expensive, that hybrids may make sense. Oil is a finite resource. It is also, far and away, the best, presently available, energy storage system for automobiles. **Certainly.
**I don't know the Forrester, but I've never seen an engine reach operating temperature that quickly (in cool weather). I feel compelled to doubt your claim. I would expect several km would be about right. The Blue Motion engine would likely warm up faste, due to it's small block mass. **Good point. Perhaps the indicator cancels the engine management in this area? Those whacky Germans are pretty good at ensuring stupid mistakes are not made when releasing new techology. Mostly. **Indeed. Nonetheless, given the rising cost of oil, research is likely to continue. Hybrids, in their present form, may not represent the answer to the problems. Standard IC engines are unlikely to represent the future either.