Car? SUV? No, it’s Super-Hybrid!

Out there on the highway. It's a car! It's an SUV!

No, it's Super-Hybrid!

So might go the hoopla surrounding the hottest vehicle on America's roads: the hybrid.

The name comes from its twin engines, one a jazzy, futuristic electric motor, the other a rather conventional gasoline-powered version. The electric motor powers the car for normal stop-and-go driving. The gas, or internal combustion, engine supplies additional power when needed, at higher speeds, and also generates electricity for the electric motor.

In some cars, when you coast or go down hill, the electric motor acts as a generator and recharges the battery. All this hypes your gas mileage and reduces polluting emissions — two admirable goals.

But what is the future for the hybrids? How big a share of the U.S. auto market are they likely to conquer? And, most important, are they good buys now?

The quick answer is that they are indeed worthwhile purchases — if you are willing to spend several thousand dollars more per car in order to make a contribution to the environment in return for some benefits.

Among them, say the car makers, are benefits to your image. The manufacturers say the hybrid drivers are considered to be people on technology's cutting edge, who are trendy, cool and eco-friendly.

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