Hybrid car buying guide

With over a dozen hybrid models already available in the UK, and several more models to be launched in 2012, hybrid cars are taking their place alongside conventional cars. The first diesel hybrids are now appearing in UK showrooms, joining the more established petrol hybrid option.

Who should buy a hybrid car?

Having been available for over a decade, hybrids can now be considered as a conventional technology – indeed, with plug-in hybrids starting to appear on the UK market, standard hybrids are now often referred to as 'conventional hybrids'.

Hybrid cars therefore should be considered by most car buyers as a real option. In general, hybrids improve fuel economy by around 20%-25%, and reduce all tailpipe emissions considerably as compared to an equivalent non-hybrid model. Hybrids perform particularly well in urban start-stop driving conditions, with the battery recouping some of the energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. Most hybrid models also offer a zero-emission mode for short distances during which time the car is driven solely on electric power.

The only type of driving not particularly suited to hybrids is regular long-distance driving typical of company cars used on business. During motorway use, the hybrid power-train adds little to the efficiency of the engine at high constant power. In this situation, a clean diesel would probably be a better option, although non-carbon emissions (such as NOx and particulates) will still be lower for a petrol hybrid. However, the new diesel hybrids are just appearing on UK roads will offer the best of both diesel and hybrid worlds.

What models are available now?

Of the many hybrid models now available to buy, one of the most popular remains the Toyota Prius hybrid, now in its third generation. Toyota also manufactures the Auris hybrid, which uses the same 'Hybrid Synergy Drive' technology as the Prius. To give an idea of how Toyota view the importance of hybrid technology, the manufacturer is on record that it intends to hybridize its entire model range.

Honda currently offers the Civic, Insight, CR-Z and Jazz hybrid models in the UK. A number of hybrids are also available from Lexus (part of the Toyota group), including the CT200h small family car, RX450h SUV and the GS450h executive saloon. Volkswagen and Porsche have recently joined the increasing number of manufacturers offering hybrid models. Others are likely to follow suit within the next few years following the popularity of already released hybrids.

The next stage of technological development of hybrids is plug-in hybrid vehicles, the first of these to become available in the UK being the Vauxhall Ampera and Toyota Plug-In Prius. Toyota's plug-in hybrid Prius will essentially be the same as the existing Prius with a slightly larger capacity battery and a mains charging plug; and takes the hybrid Prius one step closer to being a battery electric car.

Next: Available hybrid models >>

Post a commentReturn to top

blog comments powered by Disqus