The world of cars is getting ever more electrified, but many people are not ready to make the leap into a fully electric car. Hybrid cars have been around for a while now, but there is a really compelling argument to be made for opting for one as a means of taking that first step away from a pure petrol or diesel vehicle.
The term hybrid means more than it used to, as you can now choose between mild hybrids, self-charging hybrids or plug-in hybrids. The battery in a mild hybrid only ever gives the engine a bit of a boost to help improve economy and it can’t power the car on its own. A self-charging hybrid can run the car on electric alone for a while but you don’t plug it in while a plug-in hybrid takes the majority of its charge from the mains and can go further on battery alone.
Going hybrid needn’t be as expensive as going for a fully electric car. Here are some picks of cars for a range of budgets, and if you don’t want to go for new then there should be plenty of used cars for sale UK-wide.
Up to £20,000
Honda Jazz
Honda has been making hybrid cars for some time now, which means that the Jazz hatchback is a well-polished and reliable product. It’s versatile, easy to live with and should prove economical to run, even if it doesn’t have the image and performance that some of its rivals offer.
£20,000 to £30,000
Toyota Yaris Cross
Toyota is another brand that has huge experience with hybrids, but things have changed loads since the Prius. The Yaris Cross takes one of its traditionally smaller models and turns it into an SUV, boosting both kerb appeal and practicality in the process.
Sure, the interior could be a little snazzier, but there is a decent sized boot and a good amount of space for rear passengers. Add in the impressive fuel economy and Toyota’s 10-year warranty and this has a lot going for it
Skoda Octavia iV
The Skoda Octavia is, for many, the perfect family wagon. It’s got a smart and solid interior, a huge amount of space in the boot with a wide and low opening that will appeal to dog owners and those with an active lifestyle.
It’s also got a 13kWh battery that enables you to cover just over 40 miles on EV power alone and a 1.4TSI petrol engine that kicks in the rest of time. There are often some decent lease deals out there too, which makes it an even more compelling pick.
£30,000 to £40,000
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX is a model that gives you a choice, as you can get this premium mid-sized SUV with either a self-charging or a plug-in hybrid option. The most recent update to the Lexus NX has helped it take a big step over its predecessor, as it is better to drive and has more and better tech, but still retains the things that made it good before. It’s still comfortable, reliable and has that compelling 10-year warranty that gives Lexus buyers extra peace of mind. It’s also a slightly left-field choice so will offer something different to the usual German options in the SUV sector.
Mercedes-Benz C300
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class range borrows a lot from its bigger and more expensive relation – the flagship S-Class saloon. The looks and the stylish and high-tech cabin to name just two factors.
There are a wide range of engine options, all of which are hybrids. However, they are all mild hybrids – you won’t be plugging this car in. The battery helps boost economy and give you a little extra oomph when pulling away from a standstill and when you head uphill.
BMW X5 45e £62,500
If plug-in hybrids are a half-way house towards electric car ownership then the BMW X5 45e takes another step further down the line. This is because it comes with a bigger battery than most PHEVs that allows it to cover as many as 60 miles before the engine kicks in.
The power of the engine and battery combined means that you don’t feel the extra weight of the battery though – this is one big luxury SUV that is enjoyable to drive.
