![]() Both were available in fully-electric form as well as PHEV and traditional hybrid models. The Kia Niro is related to the Hyundai Ioniq. The batteries are known to be reliable, but we’d hold out for a lower-mileage model as it's more likely to be a privately-owned car. Many Priuses have been used as taxis thanks to their efficiency. ![]() The platform was designed with hybrid powertrains in mind, so the batteries don’t eat into space in the rear, while the 343-litre boot is still fair. You can add practicality to its broad list of attributes too. Keep things settled, and it’s perfectly refined and comfortable. The CVT gearbox means the engine can drone if you ask for maximum acceleration, but this is at odds with the Prius’s relaxed and efficient character. ![]() The 1.8-litre petrol engine and electric motor set-up claimed sub-100g/km emissions at launch, meaning earlier models are free to tax. A sophisticated suspension set-up delivers a refined ride and impressive body control, so while the Prius focuses on sipping fuel, it’s actually surprisingly good to drive. That’s because this fourth-generation Prius, which was introduced in 2015, moved to an all-new chassis, based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture platform. It’s a great option if you’re looking to minimise your fuel bills without sacrificing other features, such as comfort or technology. The Prius has a fine reputation for environmentally-friendly motoring. That said, find a series of corners and you’ll discover accurate steering and composed handling. Head out on to the open road and the petrol engine fires quietly into life, while even at motorway speeds wind and road noise are kept to a minimum. In pure electric mode the Mercedes serves up smooth and near-silent acceleration around town, while the standard air suspension smothers bumps and shrugs off potholes. While the C-Class can’t travel as far on electricity as its arch-rival, its combined power output of 275bhp is higher, and the C 350 e needs just 5.9 seconds for the 0-62mph dash – quick enough to leave some sports car drivers looking a little red-faced.īut the C-Class is more concerned with keeping its driver and occupants relaxed than getting their hearts racing. That’s around five miles less than a BMW 330e, but it should be enough for most daily commutes, especially if you frequently plug it in to charge. Comfort, refinement and quality are the Mercedes’ main calling cards, but with the plug-in hybrid you can add extremely low running costs to the mix.Ĭombining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an 81bhp electric motor and a 6.4kWh lithium-ion battery, it can deliver an EV range of just under 20 miles. If you head off with a flat battery, you'll be dragging around dead weight, but if plugging in every night becomes part of your routine, you'll make the most of the technology underneath your vehicle.The C-Class has been a multiple winner in our annual New Car Awards, and now it’s scooped a prize in our used ceremony. Therefore, optimising the fuel efficiency of a PHEV often comes down to your charging regime. This weakness might appear to contradict a plug-in hybrid's low fuel consumption figures, though it's worth noting that the litres-per-100 km figure assumes you've ventured off with a fully-charged battery. What is a plug-in hybrid EV? Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) can offer the advantages of a battery-electric vehicle without sacrificing the peace of mind that comes with having an internal combustion engine (ICE) under your bonnet.įor the average Aussie commute, most PHEVs can run on electricity for emissions-free motoring, but will function as a conventional hybrid if the battery runs out.Ī downside compared with regular hybrids is that the pure-electric driving range requires a bigger battery, which often makes for a heavier and less fuel-efficient vehicle than comparable hybrids, and even some ICE vehicles when using the engine alone.
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