Environmental concerns, road tax changes, fuel price hikes and recent government incentives for electric cars have meant that hybrids are becoming increasingly popular. And they’re not just environmentally virtuous – they’re quiet and smooth to drive, extremely cheap to run and stylish, too. We round up some of the best for under £20,000.
Hyundai Ioniq
The Ioniq comes in three versions – hybrid, plug-in and fully electric, with the hybrid offering class-leading performance. It uses a 42ps electric motor for acceleration, bringing you impressively and silently up to speed, and the sleek, refined shape is constructed with faster aerodynamics and better fuel efficiency in mind. When you’re cruising along, a powerful 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engine kicks in, while the electric motor charges the battery as you drive using kinetic energy. Cheaper than a Prius, it offers a similar standard of spec, including C-shaped LED running lights, touchscreen infotainment and Hyundai’s fantastic 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Toyota Yaris
Supermini drivers will be super impressed with the 2018 hybrid version of the Yaris, which combines everything that’s loveable about this city runaround and makes it cleaner and easier to drive. If you make short journeys, you’ll see a real difference in fuel consumption, with an estimated urban economy of 78.5mpg, and its petrol engine will put you in the frame for emissions of just 82g/km. It also comes in stylish bi-tone trims, squarely aimed at a younger audience, with a range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi and smartphone mirroring.
Kia Niro
For just a teeny weeny bit over £20,000 you can drive home in a brand-new version of Kia’s flagship hybrid SUV, the Niro. This cool compact crossover is as easy on the environment as it is on the eye, with CO2 emissions at a competitive 88g/km. The electric motor and light aluminium bodywork leaps through traffic, while its tiger nose front grille and batwing bi-Xenon headlights gives it a bit of extra growl and presence. Inside, you get fantastic entry level spec including part leather seats, dual climate control and touchscreen infotainment. Add that Kia 7-year warranty and you’ve got a hybrid to cherish.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
If you’re not sure about buying a used plug-in hybrid, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will put your mind at rest – it’s a fine example of an electrically powered family SUV that can last the distance. It’s also the UK’s bestselling hybrid. Outlanders from 2015 onwards have 2.0-litre hybrid diesel engines with several driving modes (including all-electric) a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, daytime LEDs and a very roomy boot. Charging takes five hours from a regular plug at home and three hours from a public charger, but for that you get a mind-boggling 148mpg.
Volkswagen Golf GTE
A Volkswagen hot hatch with hybrid capability for under £20,000? At Arnold Clark, it can be done. With an average fuel economy of 150mpg, and a turbo charged 1.4-litre engine, not to mention the peace of mind that you’re in one of the world’s favourite car brands, you will be leaving other drivers in the dust as you do your bit to save the planet, one thrilling drive at a time. (The fact it can do 0 ¬– 62mph in just 7.6 seconds might also add to the thrill). Four driving modes help you do everything from gliding around town to motorway cruising, and it delivers the most eco-friendly results, with official CO2 figures of just 38g/km.