The disadvantages of an economy-minded hybrid
The big problem with hybrid vehicles is that to achieve the fuel consumption ratings published by the manufacturers (and calculated by Transport Canada), we must drive very, very slowly. And as soon as there is traffic behind us, we'll crack under the pressure and speed up... which hurts our average. In short, it takes a level of patience that I will never have.

An hybrid forces you to change your driving habits.

It's particularly stressful to drive slowly while we're being tailgated by a Ford Super Duty, for example; there was one so close to me that I could see the bugs lodged in its radiator through my rearview mirror. "Hey, gimme a break! I'm trying to save the planet here!" If there wasn't any traffic, we might succeed in achieving the magic number of 5.7 L/100 km, but you must really not be in a hurry... ever.

Obviously, there's the question of the electric motor's durability. There is a warranty, but will it be as effective after four or five years of service? Toyota reports that several taxi Priuses are roaming the streets of Vancouver; they are holding up very well, even with a few hundred thousand kilometres on the odometer. A few harsh winters in the streets of Montreal would be a good test. Sceptical people could always opt for a lease instead of a loan. In addition, many manufacturers have announced diesel powertrains in a year or two, which is more interesting for their performance and fuel economy.

Competition
Although the Accord Hybrid is cancelled, the Camry still has some rivals.

Nissan proposes its 198-hp Altima Hybrid, which costs $33,998. Its fuel economy ratings (5.6/5.9 city/highway) are close to those of the Camry.

Saturn offers the 164-hp Aura Green Line for $27,290. It costs much less than the others, but its fuel economy ratings aren't as good (8.4/6.7 city/highway).

Let's not forget Toyota's own 110-hp Prius, which costs $29,500. It offers about as much space inside as the Camry, but with a more-efficient powertrain (4.0/4.2 city/highway).

This Camry ($32,000 base) is equipped with the B package, which includes leather seats with front heaters, a power front passenger seat, a sunroof and illuminated vanity mirrors. Total price is $35,680.

As for emissions, the Camry Hybrid cranks out 2,736 kg of CO2 in the air every year, compared to 3,072 kg for the Yaris, 3,264 kg for the Corolla and 3,984 kg for a 4-cylinder Camry. As for the Prius, it spits out only 1,968 kg of CO2 in the air. The Altima Hybrid and Aura Green Line's numbers are 2,784 and 3,600 kg, respectively.

Last year, the Camry Hybrid was awarded the Green Car of the Year Award.