A hybrid car tends to be more efficient than a standard petrol model, incorporating a battery-powered electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. By sharing the load, the engine in a hybrid car uses less fuel to run than a traditional car, lowering its emissions. Hybrids come in various forms which all work slightly differently, including mild hybrids, self-charging hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Self-charging hybrids, for example, draw their power from the engine and the car braking. Lower carbon emissions mean hybrids qualify for much more enticing benefit-in-kind rates than most non-electrified models, not as enticing however as pure-electric models.
So which models make our list of top ten hybrids for drivers in 2024?
1. BMW 5 Series 530e
The four-cylinder BMW 530e is quick, handles well, has competitive electric range and efficiency and uses its battery power very cleverly, making it possibly the ultimate executive saloon company car. The BMW 530e has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, teamed with a 181bhp electric motor and a 19.4kWh battery pack. It has a combined output of 295bhp and BMW claims it can return up to 470.8mpg and cover up to 63 miles on electric power alone. The interior is exceptionally well executed and the technology is similarly impressive. Every version is fitted with a Curved Display infotainment system, which combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen in a supremely user-friendly setup.
2. Honda Civic 2.0 eHEV Sport
A traditional family hatchback, the Honda Civic 2.0 eHEV is great to drive, affordable, and practical, with a bigger boot than most. Sport trim adds that bit of luxury, including part-leather seats, 18in alloys, LED front fog lights, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and wireless phone-charging. ‘Self-charging’ hybrid tech provides plenty of punch for driving around town or equally, accelerating up to motorway speeds, with the electric motor enabling travel for short distances at low speed without using the engine at all.
Regular long commutes can deliver around 51.4mpg making it a good vehicle for business drivers too. It uses a hybrid system based around a 2.0-litre petrol engine and ‘e-CVT’ gearbox. At low speeds the twin electric motors will push you along. When travelling above 30mph, the engine is on most of the time. It’s pretty fast off the block as well, with 184PS and a 0.62mph time of just 7.9 seconds.
3. BMW 3 Series 330e
One of the best all-rounders on the market, the BMW 330e is claimed by the firm to see a quarter of all 3-series buyers plumping for this model, and is a popular company car. It combines the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that you’ll find in the regular 320i with an electric motor, which is neatly integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. A purely electric range of 52–62 miles will cover several commutes to and from the office, for many, and make the the company car tax advantages particularly attractive. And with up to 289bhp, it can muster 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, which means you’re not compromising on performance.
You also get all the features we love about the standard BMW 3-series – its supportive seats, excellent driving position, smartly understated styling and selection of technology.
4. Toyota Corolla 2.0 Hybrid
The Corolla 2.0 Hybrid is one of Toyota’s self-proclaimed ‘self-charging’ hybrids which will appeal to people looking for an economical car that doesn’t need to be plugged in; instead, you simply treat it like a petrol car. It has a small battery powering the electric motor, which is topped up automatically when you use the brakes, helping improve efficiency and performance.
An ideal family car, albeit without a huge amount of rear passenger room, it offers low carbon emissions, great fuel economy and plenty of standard kit including a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and powerful LED headlights. In addition, it is one of the most comfortable models in the family car class.
5. Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI Life 5 Hybrid
This Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI comes in two PHEV forms; the standard eHybrid and the DSG, offering up to 88 miles of e-range. It drives well and has slick steering, assured handling and is really adaptable to any drive and social situation. Whether used as a business vehicle or on the school run, it is both comfortable and roomy enough to be used as a family car, but with enough grace to hold its own in the carpark at a business event. It is this all round appeal that has earned the Golf its long held reputation as one of the few makes to continuously disrupt class boundaries at a relatively modest price tag.
6. Renault Clio 2.0 E-TECH Hybrid
If it’s a supermini you’re looking for, the Renault Clio 2.0 E-TECH Hybrid is one of the most fun currently on the market. The Clio features a full hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a small drive battery. The hybrid achieves over 60mpg and sprints from 0-62mph in under ten seconds, making it fuel efficient and consequently cost efficient.
The Clio drives well on twisty roads and the suspension offers decent precision and comfort. Cabin quality is particularly strong, too, and the 5 door-only body style provides enough rear legroom for adults making it a practical enough choice for small families too, thanks to its large 391-litre boot.
7. Volvo V60 T6 Recharge
The Volvo V60 T6 Recharge combines value for money with efficiency in the form of a practical family car. Elegant with sporty proportions and stylish 19-inch wheels, it boasts 345bhp and 0-62mph in 5.4sec, with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
It combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors; one that acts as a generator to power the car’s accessories, the other installed on the rear axle, driving the rear wheels. The hybrid system delivers 55 miles of officially claimed electric range. Add to this a really well-packaged interior and there really is very little, if anything, not to like about this vehicle. Even the 519-litre boot comes with its own pop-up organiser.
8. Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid
The Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid makes a good company car, as it doesn’t only offer good power and great performance, but improved efficiency, lower carbon emissions and just enough electric range to fall into the eight-per cent band for benefit-in-kind tax. Toyota claims you can travel up to 41 miles on electric power alone.
When it’s not running on pure-electric power, it’s still pretty economical. It won’t quite deliver the usual efficiency, though, so regular charges will be key. The charger operates at 6.6kW AC, allowing a full refill from empty at a home wallbox in around two and a half hours. The entry model comes with some great features including 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning, a pair of 12.3-inch dashboard screens and a wireless smartphone charger. The rear cabin and boot aren’t huge but can still provide enough space for families if a compact SUV is what you’re looking for.
9. BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 230e
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is available in the form of a plug-in hybrid, the 225e and 230e, and two versions of mild-hybrid with the 220i and 223i. All versions come with a seven-speed automatic transmission to make day-to-day driving a breeze. If it’s people carrying ability, compact practicality and style that you’re in need of, you may find you have found what you’re looking for in the Active Tourer, with lower carbon emissions to boot.
The BMW 230e Active Tourer tops our list of available models, incorporating BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive electrified technology by pairing an efficient 108bhp electric motor with a 14.2kWh battery to achieve a claimed EV range of 53 miles, a decent range for any hybrid.
10. Peugeot 408 Hybrid 136
Sitting somewhere between conventional saloon, estate and SUV, this crossover drives really well on UK roads. The Peugeot 408 Hybrid 136 will appeal to company car drivers because of the low benefit-in-kind rate and decent range.
It’s pretty roomy so doubles up well as a family car with a good boot size at 471 litres and enough space, legroom and infotainment to keep everyone happy. It doesn’t fall short in terms of looks either. Some stylish details include the rear end’s integrated spoiler and 3D flashing lights, smart dashboard design and high-quality cabin materials.
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