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Feb 24, 2005

Toyota Prius hybrid most appealing luxury car

TOKYO - Toyota Motor Corp's Prius gasoline-electric hybrid automobile is the most attractive luxury car, according to results of a consumer survey by Nikkei Research Inc.

Honda Motor Co's Odyssey minivan came in second, followed by Toyota's Estima minivan and Celsior sedan. Japanese cars took the top four slots in the overall standings.

The survey covered 180 domestic and foreign automobiles with price tags of 2.5 million yen (US$23,650) or higher. It consisted of four indices: which car consumers want to purchase or drive, which they are willing to pay a high price for, which car they would recommend to others, and which they would want to use over a long time.

The results evaluated overall car attractiveness based on the scores for those four indexes.

The Prius was the leader in all four indexes. Not only was the hybrid car evaluated highly for its fuel efficiency and Earth-friendliness, it received high marks over a broad range of areas, from its excellent electric technology to its trendiness.

The Odyssey received high marks for ease in getting in and out, while the Estima was evaluated highly for its spacious interior. German auto maker DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes-Benz C-Class came in fifth overall, followed by its S-Class.

Of the top 30 automobiles, there were nine Toyotas, three models by Nissan Motor Co, two by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd - the maker of Subaru cars - and one Honda. The remaining 15 were imports.

Nikkei Research also compiled a users' ranking based on replies from owners of luxury cars priced 3 million yen and up. The Prius held the top spot there as well. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was second, followed by German auto maker BMW AG's 6 Series.

The online survey was conducted in the middle of December 2004 for drivers 18 years and older, with replies received from 13,308 people.

(Asia Pulse/Nikkei)

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