Cheap Hybrid Cars UK

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on cheap hybrid cars in the UK! If you're on the lookout for eco-friendly vehicles that won't break the bank, you've come to the right place. Hybrid cars offer the perfect combination of fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and affordability, making them a popular choice for environmentally conscious drivers.

In this article, GB Vehicle Leasing explore the top cheap hybrid cars available in the UK market, highlighting their key features, advantages, and cost-saving benefits. So, let's dive in and discover the exciting world of affordable hybrid cars in the UK! First though, let’s take a look at the main types of hybrid cars available.

Types of Hybrid Cars

Understanding the distinctions between different types of hybrid cars can be overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with this technology. Therefore, we’ve decided to put together a brief explanation of the three main types of hybrid cars.

The first category is referred to as "mild hybrids", also abbreviated as "MHEVs." Generally, these hybrids employ an electric motor to provide a power boost to the engine, typically a petrol engine (though diesel hybrids are less common). However, it's crucial to note that mild hybrids are incapable of running solely on electric power.

Moving on, the second category encompasses "full hybrids." In contrast to mild hybrids, full hybrids have the ability to utilise electric motors to propel the vehicle's wheels, albeit typically over short distances. They are more fuel-efficient than conventional cars, they still emit some level of greenhouse gases and pollutants when running on petrol or diesel.

Finally, around 2012 a new variant of hybrid was introduced called "plug-in hybrids," often abbreviated as "PHEVs." Using similar technology to the full hybrid, the PHEV offers bigger battery capacity (but which is smaller than a pure electric vehicle), necessitating charging via a cable while the vehicle is parked.

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is a cheap hybrid car that combines fuel efficiency, stylish design, and a comfortable driving experience. Unlike several competitors that provide hybrid power as an optional choice, the latest Toyota Yaris exclusively comes in hybrid powertrain. This works well as the Yaris is ideally suited for city environments, where its electric-only mode proves to be remarkably useful. Under the hood, the Toyota Yaris offers a single engine option, which consists of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor, creating a petrol-electric hybrid system. This powertrain delivers a total of 116hp and can claims a fuel economy range of 57.6 - 68.8mpg. Click here to find out more about mpg. 

One notable advantage of the Yaris Hybrid is its compact size, which makes it ideal for navigating through urban environments with ease. It offers a nimble and agile driving experience, making parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces effortless. Despite its compact nature, the Yaris Hybrid doesn't compromise on interior space. It provides a well-designed cabin and has a 286-litre boot space.

In terms of technology and features, the Yaris Hybrid comes equipped with a range of modern amenities. Depending on the specific trim level and options, you can expect features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, a reversing camera and automatic air con and auto wipers. Toyota has also prioritised safety in the Yaris Hybrid, incorporating features like adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system and blind spot monitor. Overall, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid is a reliable and fuel-efficient option for those seeking a compact hybrid car.

In the UK, this hybrid car is priced from £22,125 inc. VAT and emits 92-112g/km of CO2, depending on spec. There are four trim levels available: Icon, Design, Excel and GR Sport. In particular, the GR Sport is a sporty variant, providing an exhilarating driving experience, while maintaining the practicality and efficiency of the Yaris. Key features on the trim include front sports seats, GR Sport suspension tuning and 18" Black Machined-face alloy wheels.

Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid

The newest version of the Renault Clio comes with the choice of an 'E-Tech' hybrid powertrain, which integrates two electric motors with Renault's 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine. This combination allows for impressive fuel efficiency, reaching up to 62.8mpg (WLTP) and it emits only 97g/km of CO2. In terms of performance, the Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid delivers a smooth and refined driving experience. The hybrid powertrain offers instant torque, resulting in responsive acceleration and improved low-speed performance. Differing from the plug-in E-TECH engine found in the Captur model, the Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid operates as a self-charging full-hybrid unit.

Inside the cabin, the Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid offers a comfortable interior. This hybrid car provides ample space for passengers and features high-quality materials, creating a pleasant and refined atmosphere. However, the Clio E-TECH's boot capacity is slightly smaller at 301 litres compared to the 391 litres found in its pure petrol counterpart. In terms of features, the Clio E-Tech Hybrid comes well-equipped as standard. This includes daytime running lights, automatic air con, a touchscreen multimedia system and automatic headlights. Also, standard driver assistance and safety features include cruise control, rear parking sensors, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning, just to mention a few.

When it comes to trim levels, four options are available – Evolution, Techno, E-Tech Engineered and R.S.Line. The entry-level Evolution model starts from £22,095 inc. VAT, making it one of the cheapest hybrid cars in the UK market. With its hybrid powertrain and advanced technology, the Clio E-Tech Hybrid represents Renault's commitment to sustainable mobility and provides a compelling option in the hybrid hatchback segment. Although this hybrid car isn’t as fun to drive as say a Ford Fiesta, it’s still rather good. Plus, we feel the latest Clio stands outs for having one of the best interiors in its class. So, could this be your ideal hybrid car?

Toyota Yaris Cross

The Toyota Yaris Cross is a crossover SUV that shares its name with the popular Toyota Yaris hatchback but offers increased versatility and ruggedness. Like the smaller Toyota Yaris, it comes in hybrid powertrain only and is primarily built for city driving. The Yaris Cross comes with a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, delivering 116hp and a fuel economy range of 54.3 - 64.1mpg. Plus, it emits 100-117g/km of CO2, depending on spec. This is considered a great family car as it combines the benefits of a small car with the practicality and styling of an SUV.

In terms of exterior design, the Yaris Cross displays a confident and robust appearance. It features a higher ground clearance, pronounced wheel arches, and bold character lines that emphasise its SUV characteristics. The front showcases a prominent grille with sleek headlights. Meanwhile, the interior of the Toyota Yaris Cross is designed to offer comfort, convenience, and versatility. There’s also 397 litres of boot space, which increases to 1,097 litres with the rear seats down. Furthermore, safety is a priority in the Yaris Cross, and it comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features. These include lane trace assist, reversing camera, road sign assist (RSA) and pre-collision system.

Moreover, the Toyota Yaris Cross offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, combining agility and versatility for various road conditions. The suspension system of this hybrid car is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and stability. It also offers nimble handling and the tight turning radius make it easy to navigate through crowded city streets.

The Toyota Yaris Cross is available in multiple trim levels - Icon, Design, Excel and GR Sport. The entry-level Icon model starts from £24,855 inc. VAT, rising to £29,480 for the top spec, GR Sport. Launched in 2012, the Yaris Cross remains a relatively new models compared to others on this list, but it’s already proving rather popular. It you’re a fan of the Yaris hatchback but desire a little extra space and a higher ground clearance, then this could be ideal for you.

Suzuki Swace

Over the years, the estate car market has been predominantly controlled by well-established contenders such as the Skoda Superb Estate and Audi A6 Avant. Nevertheless, in 2020, Suzuki introduced the new Suzuki Swace to the UK, providing a distinctive alternative. The Suzuki Swace is a versatile estate car that draws heavily from the Toyota Corolla Touring Sport. This particular Suzuki model is only available as a hybrid vehicle, combining an electric motor with a 1.8-litre petrol engine. With a reported 62.7mpg WLTP combined, the Suzuki Swace demonstrates impressive fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice. Additionally, in terms of CO2 emissions, it has a rating of 102g/km. If you're seeking a company car and prefer not to opt for a fully electric vehicle, the Suzuki Swace could be a favourable option.

Furthermore, the Suzuki Swace features a sleek and modern design that combines elegance with practicality. As an estate car, it offers ample space and functionality while maintaining a stylish appearance. The exterior design of the Swace showcases smooth lines and aerodynamic contours, contributing to its overall aesthetics. Stepping inside, the Swace appears well thought out and spacious. There’s a decent amount of legroom for all passengers, as well as a large 596-litre boot capacity for your luggage.

The Suzuki Swace is available in two grades – Motion and Ultra. The entry-level Suzuki Swace Motion starts from £28,999 and comes well-equipped. Key features include an 8” touchscreen multimedia, heated steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, automatic wipers and rear privacy glass. Alternatively, the Suzuki Swace Ultra starts from £30,799 and comes with additional premium features. This includes BI-LED headlights, front & rear parking sensors and wireless charging. As Suzuki's standard warranty, the Suzuki Swace comes with a three year/60,000 miles (whichever comes first) warranty, extended to five years for the hybrid powertrain parts.

Dacia Jogger Hybrid 140

The Dacia Jogger Hybrid 140, now available in the UK, marks the brand's entry into the realm of electrified vehicles. While it may not be the most impressive hybrid car, its affordable price point is definitely appealing. Also, the electrification of the Jogger has not compromised its core strengths, which include generous space, practicality and its flexibility of seven seats. This Jogger Hybrid integrates two electric motors with its 1.6-litre petrol engine, resulting in a combined power output of 138bhp. As a result, it accelerates from 0 to 62mph in a highly respectable time of 10.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 110mph. In terms of efficiency, the Hybrid 140 achieves a combined fuel economy of 56.5mpg, and its CO2 emissions stand at 112g/km.

One of the main advantages of the Dacia Jogger is its spacious and practical interior, which the hybrid models maintain. Also, the Hybrid 140 has unaffected boot capacities. With all three rows in use, the boot offers a capacity of 212 litres. However, folding down the third row expands the available space significantly, providing a capacious 699 litres for your storage needs. The overall design of the interior aims to maximise functionality and practicality, prioritising utility over lavishness. This approach allows Dacia to provide an affordable vehicle without compromising on essential features and space.

The Dacia Jogger's Hybrid 140 variant, which is only offered in the top two trim levels, comes with a range of desirable features. The base trim, known as the Expression, begins at a price of £22,995 and includes essential equipment such as front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, automatic air conditioning and an 8” infotainment system with smartphone integration. On the other hand, the higher-spec Extreme trim, starting at £23,995, adds stylish enhancements and heated front seats.

Hyundai Kona Hybrid

The Hyundai Kona Hybrid is a small SUV that combines efficient hybrid technology with the stylish design of the regular Hyundai Kona. Under the hood, this hybrid car has a 1.6-litre petrol engine coupled with an electric motor and a small battery. According to official tests, this results in a CO2 emission range of 90-99g/km, while achieving fuel economy figures of approximately 58mpg. These numbers are quite impressive considering the size and form of the vehicle.

Compared to other small SUVs, the suspension of the Kona Hybrid offers a relatively firm setup. As a result, it has a slightly sporty feel that sets it apart in its class. The Kona Hybrid is particularly well-suited for urban driving, where its smooth and composed ride makes navigating through traffic a pleasant experience. As for practicality, the Kona Hybrid has a decent amount of rom in the front, but the rear space can feel cramped compared to other small SUVs. When the rear seats are in their upright position, the Kona Hybrid provides a boot space of 374 litres. However, it's worth noting that this capacity is slightly below the average for its class. Despite that, the Kona's boot compensates with a relatively wide opening, which facilitates easier loading and unloading of luggage.

Overall, GB Vehicle Leasing feel the Hyundai Kona Hybrid is a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and efficient SUV that doesn't compromise on performance or features. This hybrid is available in three trim levels and the entry-level SE Connect starts from £26,335 (OTR). In the UK, the latest Hyundai Kona Hybrid falls into insurance groups 8E or 9E out of 50, depending on the trim.

Are hybrid cars worth it?

In an era where environmental consciousness meets ever-rising fuel costs, the question of whether hybrid cars are worth it has become increasingly relevant. Hybrid vehicles have earned their place in the automotive landscape by promising a harmonious blend of fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. But, as with any investment, the decision to go hybrid requires careful consideration of the pros, cons, and long-term benefits. Click here to read our article: Are hybrid cars worth it? In this exploration, we explore the true worth of hybrid cars in order to help you make an informed decision about whether to choose a hybrid car.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cheap hybrid cars in the UK offer an enticing opportunity for budget-conscious individuals seeking fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. With a range of affordable options available, hybrid technology provides an excellent balance between environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness. These vehicles not only contribute to lower CO2 emissions but also offer potential savings in fuel consumption. As technology advances and market competition intensifies, we can anticipate even more accessible and efficient hybrid models. 

We hope you’ve found this blog useful in discovering your ideal hybrid car. Would you be interested in leasing one of these hybrids? If so, contact our leasing specialists on 0161 667 5338. At GB Vehicle Leasing, we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and talk through the options available to you.

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