In hybrid form, it’s closely related to the original Prius self-charging hybrid, but with vastly improved batteries and technology; the NiMH battery pack has no impact on the Yaris Hybrid’s interior packaging, and the 1497cc Atkinson-cycle engine, plus 60bhp motor, combine to provide 98bhp, 62mph in under 12 seconds and 1.2 miles of pure-EV driving.It works, too – we achieved 78mpg in real-world driving, and it’s a fantastic city car, easy to drive with a planted, robust feel, though it’s far from a hot hatch. Which makes the Auris Touring Sports, the compact estate variant, with Hybrid Synergy Drive such an interesting machine.There’s little to separate the Auris and Prius technically; both feature the 1.8-litre petrol engine, short-range EV capability and CVT transmission, and claim fuel economy and performance comparable to a 2.0-litre diesel in a car of the same size but without the emissions. Losing the two rearmost seats, the Outlander is one of the first plug-in hybrids, popularizing PHEV as a name and delivering 31 miles of fuel-free range from a traditionally thirsty class of car. Manage your power well, and short commutes could be covered entirely on battery.Volkswagen got it so right with the Golf GTE that it wasn’t long before demand outstripped supply; cynics might have noticed that the technically similar Audi A3 e-Tron continued to be available, with a suitably higher price-tag.CAR verdict: ‘We wanted one new, and then VW paused sales. The Prius could have been this, but no-one would have noticed’.Kia’s reinvention from budget Korean rebadged Mazdas, to cool, aspirational and distinctive might be defined by the Stinger and Sportage, but the Optima quietly offered a renaissance for the practical, affordable family estate. As a second hand buy, the Lexus CT200h makes more sense than new, and nearly-new examples with low mileage offer impressive savings compared to other hybrids.Don’t be fooled – this Lexus is definitely more Partridge than premium.
If it drove more like a 2 -series, it’d be perfect - slightly awkward looks aside’.One of the first SUVs to be seen silently creeping around London, the 2003 RX400h is now a £4,000 hybrid banger – but the later RX450h still looks fresh, despite being introduced a decade ago, and the 3.5-litre V6 petrol ensures performance from this large SUV is more than adequate. A Range Rover that can claim 101mpg and qualify for lower BIK. Also true to BMW’s brand, the 225xe is a practical people-mover that can shift; 62mph is achieved in less than 7 seconds. It should be a winning formula, but the rather dated and dowdy styling ensured the cutting edge tech was more appealing to the older generation; an advertising campaign starring Kylie Minogue further alienated Gen X’ers and millennials.
Search used hybrid cars listings to find the best local deals. Make sure the Auris you’re looking at has a good service history though, and we recommend buying from a Toyota dealer for the best used car warranty and after-sales support for the hybrid system.CAR verdict: ‘Forget virtue-signalling futurism - the Auris is just boringly effective. A plug in hybrid with a combined power output of 200hp from a 1.4-litre TSI engine and an 8.7kWh battery feeding the obligatory electric motor, the front-wheel drive Golf is heavier than a GTI, but keeps some of the sharp handling and if anything, an even more planted feel thanks to the extra kilos tucked under the rear seat.Fuel economy takes a hit if you can’t plug-in, but still approaches 40mpg in the worst scenarios for a petrol-powered Golf that deserves to be considered a hot hatch, and is one of the best hybrid cars to drive. Search for your next used Car from our advanced network of UK dealers Where the Auris wins out is in space – the Touring Sports has 530-litres of luggage capacity, expandable to 1,658 litres with the rear seats folded, and the load sill is lower too. It’s good for the class, but still a little soft and vague compared to the sharpest 3 Series. Find Hybrid – Petrol/Electric used cars for sale on Auto Trader, today. The P400e takes the already imposing bulk of Land Rover’s finest, and swaps the thirsty V8 for a 2.0-litre petrol Ingenium engine.