2020 was nothing if not a year of change. We were all shocked and forced to change our way of life because of Covid-19, and scientists are announcing that some environmental tipping points and thresholds have been crossed or that we are rapidly approaching them. Times of intense change have always been seen as an opportunity to reflect on our lives and the world around us, and this could be the moment for you to start thinking about your driving.
With petrol and diesel cars being quickly targeted by government regulations, and the EU even stating that the ban on selling new petrol and diesel cars will be moved up from 2040 to 2035 at the latest to help protect the environment, there has never been a better time to think about switching to an electric vehicle. If you’re stuck in the middle and not convinced about going fully electric, we have the perfect options for you: the 9 best hybrid cars to buy.
This list provides a comprehensive lineup of the best hybrid cars to buy to play your part in helping make the planet cleaner, while getting the best performance.
There are many reasons why hybrids are the way to go now. The lightweight materials used to make hybrid vehicles mean that electric power will be sufficient to move the car. This means less reliance on petrol and greater freedom and fuel economy. The UK government also offers some tax benefits for less polluting cars, like hybrids, which could offset the additional costs or higher prices of hybrids, ultimately making owning the best hybrid cars affordable. The last reason, and perhaps the most important, to jump on the hybrid bandwagon is their resale value. Due to the fluctuations and unpredictability of oil prices, more and more people are turning to hybrid vehicles either to ease gas prices or to not be as dependent on oil. Therefore,
WHAT IS A HYBRID CAR?
To put it simply, a hybrid car combines at least one electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine to power the car, and it recovers energy through regenerative braking. The amount of power provided by the electric motor varies; some cars are fully powered by the electric motor, sometimes it’s all the petrol engine, and sometimes they cooperate. This leads to less petrol burned and, consequently, better fuel economy, meaning more money in your pocket. In some circumstances, adding electric power can actually enhance performance.
The electricity comes from a high-voltage battery (separate from the car’s conventional 12-volt battery) that regenerates by capturing energy when the car decelerates. In conventional cars, all is lost to the heat generated by braking, but here, it is put to better use. The battery can also be maintained by the petrol/diesel engine if necessary. One of the best things about hybrids is that they can be designed and engineered for different targets or specifications. A hybrid could, for example, aim for maximum fuel economy or keep the vehicle cost as low as possible. In addition to the high-quality features and performance that often come with hybrid cars, as car manufacturers want to impress with their hybrid range, for the best hybrid cars, luxury is a given.
THE BEST HYBRID CARS IN THE UK
1. TOYOTA COROLLA
After 10 years, the Corolla is back and looking to reclaim its place as a top hatchback, this time as a hybrid. Available with a 1.8-litre VVTi (same as the Prius) or with a 2.0-litre powertrain, it’s fast but remains an economy-focused device, with CO2 emissions of just 89 g/km and over 60 mpg at its best.
2. HYUNDAI IONIQ PLUG-IN
For those thinking about a hybrid for the first time, the Ioniq offers low running costs at an affordable price as well as a normal and reassuring driving experience. It is more practical and smarter inside than its main rival, the famous Toyota Prius. There are conventional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions, but the conventional hybrid is our choice.
3. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
The Golf has long been a favorite, but this hybrid version offers something new. It still has as many strengths as before with a smooth and responsive powertrain, brilliant packaging, and looks both inside and out, and the usual Golf performance. They changed the engine but not the winning formula.
4. HONDA CR-V
The latest CR-V SUV offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage, and the hybrid version – combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor – delivers power to match. It’s also a very efficient and stylish hybrid that would make a great family car with all that space.
5. FORD MONDEO HYBRID
Like many names on this list, the Mondeo has been around for a while. This long-standing success hasn’t stopped Ford from offering something new with the hybrid version. Its low CO2 emissions of 98g/km (103g/km for the estate) significantly reduce tax, although the Mondeo Hybrid is not exempt from London’s congestion charge.
6. VW PASSAT ESTATE GTE
The VW Passat is a comfortable and eco-friendly offering from VW. Emissions are only 29 g/km of CO2, and fuel economy is also good, around 65 mpg with a full battery and even up to 40 mpg with a flat battery. Owners will also benefit from very low monthly BIK (Benefit in Kind) tax payments due to the low emissions.
7. BMW 330E
If you think hybrids might not have the comfort and performance you’re used to, BMW’s 330e sedan might help change your mind. Built on the already superb BMW 3 Series, the electric motor and 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine combo mean this hybrid will do 0-60 in just 6.1 seconds, all with the typical BMW comfort and luxury.
8. MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
There’s nothing extraordinary about the Mitsubishi Outlander, as the Japanese manufacturer’s 2.4-litre hybrid petrol engine offers great aesthetics and fuel economy. Even if you run out of fuel, the battery alone will allow you to travel 28 miles – certainly a reassuring feature for anyone who has ever been stranded on the motorway.
9. KIA NIRO
The Kia Niro petrol/electric hybrid is much more conventional in its appearance than its other hybrid counterparts. It looks and feels like an SUV and comes with many tech features: there are plenty of USB charging ports, a wireless mat to charge your smartphone on the dashboard, and it has a standard EuroNCAP 4-star safety rating.