10 of the best hybrid cars you can buy today

Looking for a valid alternative to petrol or diesel? Hybrids are the answer

BMW i8: the ideal prop for the perfect gram

The Government’s recent announcement that no more purely petrol or diesel cars will be sold new after 2040 has focused the collective motoring mind on the fact that the days of fossils fuels are numbered. With electricity playing an ever-evolving role in cars – whether they are pure EVs or hybrids – there’s more market choice than ever before, but some options are more sensible, usable and practical than others. Here are our top 10 hybrids on the market right now.

10. Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Toyota is an old hand when it comes to hybrids, and the Yaris Hybrid is easier on the pocket than its Prius big brother. It’s highly efficient, well equipped and compact yet roomy inside. The ride can be a bit frenetic, however.

9. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

This large hybrid SUV sells even more in the UK than it does in Japan. Helped by the Government’s electric car subsidy, it costs just the same as the diesel version.​

8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 h

With CO2 emissions of only 94g/km, this makes a smart company car. Its prestige cabin and agile handling belie the low running costs.​

7. BMW i8

BMW i8: the ideal prop for the perfect gram

Oodles of sophisticated fun complement this hybrid’s futuristic styling while its hi-tech running gear allows high speed and low emissions. Of all the cars here, this would give the Porsche 911 the closest run for its money.

6. Volvo XC90 T8

With a 27-mile electric-only range, only 49g/km of CO2 emissions and a 2.0-litre turbo- and supercharged petrol engine as well, the T8 is even more appealing than its premium XC90 stablemates. It’s available with seven seats as well, but it’s not cheap unless your company is subsidising it.

5. Volkswagen Golf GTE

Almost as fast and agile as the petrol-powered GTI, the GTE boasts fabulous handling as well as the usual hybrid attributes. It has an all-electric range of around 30 miles and just 39g/km of CO2 emissions.

4. BMW i3

The i3 isn’t quite as cutting edge as its i8 stablemate, but it rates even higher in our chart. It has a very low centre of gravity thanks to its use of carbonfibre and aluminium plus a low-slung battery pack. The full-EV has a 124-mile range, while the range-extender version uses a two-cylinder petrol engine to charge the batteries back up.

3. Toyota Prius

Several decades in, the latest Prius finally handles well and gives the driver a reasonable level of thrills. Kit levels are higher than ever for the world’s best-selling hybrid, and it uses even less fuel and emits fewer emissions than ever.

2. Audi A3 e-tron

The A3 is already one of our favourite family hatchbacks, and now the range has been further enhanced. This hybrid rides even better than its VW Golf cousin GTE, and it has an even smarter cabin as well. A great company car – if costly for a private buyer.

1. Volkswagen Passat GTE

This fuel-sipping, hugely practical estate car can do 31 miles on a charge, but it achieves 500 miles on one tank of fuel. The spacious cabin is very well equipped and finished, and the load area is massive. It’s our star here.

Sarah Bradley is a writer for WhatCar.