LondonMetric to buy UK's Urban Logistics REIT in a $925 million deal
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Finextra
3 minutes ago
- Finextra
Best Hybrid Cars in the UK for 2025: Top Picks for Efficiency and Reliability: By Naina Rajgopalan
The UK automotive landscape is shifting dramatically towards sustainable driving solutions. Modern hybrid vehicles offer the perfect balance between fuel efficiency and reliability. With hybrid car finance options becoming more accessible, drivers can enjoy cutting-edge technology without breaking the bank. This comprehensive guide explores the top hybrid cars dominating British roads in 2025. Why Choose a Hybrid Car in 2025? Hybrid vehicles have captured 21% of the European car market in 2024. The UK market shows particularly strong growth in hybrid adoption. Benefits of hybrid ownership include: Fuel economy improvements of 30-50% over traditional petrol cars Lower CO2 emissions reducing environmental impact Reduced running costs through efficient power management Government incentives supporting hybrid vehicle purchases Self-charging hybrids eliminate range anxiety completely. Unlike fully electric vehicles, hybrids refuel at conventional petrol stations. This convenience factor drives consumer preference across all age groups. Budget-Friendly Hybrid Champions MG3 Hybrid+ - Best Value for Money The MG3 Hybrid+ delivers exceptional value starting from £18,995. This compact hatchback features a full hybrid powertrain returning over 60mpg. Key specifications: 194hp combined output 0-62mph in competitive times Advanced infotainment system Comprehensive warranty coverage The MG3 offers genuine sports car performance when needed. Its Q-car nature surprises many drivers with overtaking capability. Renault Clio E-Tech - Stylish European Option The Clio E-Tech combines French flair with hybrid efficiency. Its sophisticated design appeals to style-conscious buyers. Interior quality impresses with premium materials throughout. The hybrid system operates seamlessly between power sources. Real-world testing shows consistent 55-65mpg achievement. Family-Focused Hybrid Excellence Honda Civic Hybrid - The All-Rounder The Honda Civic Hybrid earned recognition as 2025's best family hatchback. Its innovative powertrain switches intelligently between driving modes. Around town, the system operates purely electric. On motorways, the petrol engine drives wheels directly. This dual approach optimizes efficiency across all driving conditions. Boot space accommodates family needs generously. The dashboard design prioritizes simplicity over complexity. Physical controls remain easily accessible while driving. Toyota Corolla Hybrid - Proven Reliability Toyota's hybrid expertise shines through the Corolla range. All variants feature self-charging hybrid technology as standard. The 1.8-litre option provides adequate power for daily driving. The 2.0-litre variant offers enhanced performance for enthusiasts. Both achieve real-world economy exceeding 60mpg regularly. Toyota's 10-year warranty demonstrates manufacturer confidence. Service networks across the UK ensure convenient maintenance access. Compact SUV Hybrid Leaders Toyota Yaris Cross - Urban Living Winner The Yaris Cross claimed Urban Living category victory in 2025. Its elevated driving position suits city navigation perfectly. Real-world testing delivers 60-70mpg in mixed conditions. The hybrid system requires no driver intervention or charging. Simply drive like a conventional automatic transmission vehicle. Compact dimensions enable easy parking in tight spaces. Ground clearance handles urban obstacles confidently. Hyundai Kona Hybrid - Distinctive Design The Kona Hybrid stands out with bold styling cues. Its practical interior maximizes space efficiency impressively. Independent testing achieved 58.4mpg in comparative trials. The 127bhp output suits relaxed driving styles. Acceleration reaches 0-62mph in 12 seconds. Equipment levels provide excellent value for money. The distinctive appearance attracts buyers seeking individuality. Premium Hybrid Options BMW 330e - Executive Choice The 330e dominates company car markets through tax advantages. Its plug-in hybrid system delivers 62 miles electric range. The 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 292PS combined output. Handling characteristics maintain BMW's sporting heritage. Interior quality meets premium expectations throughout. Business users benefit from super-low BIK tax rates. The combination attracts both private and fleet buyers. Volkswagen Golf eHybrid - Best Overall Hybrid Autocar Awards named the Golf eHybrid best hybrid of 2025. Its 88-mile electric range leads the segment currently. The 201bhp output provides adequate performance for most drivers. Steering precision and handling composure impress consistently. The automatic transmission suits hybrid operation perfectly. Practicality remains Golf's strongest attribute. Boot space accommodates family requirements easily. Innovative Hybrid Technology Nissan Qashqai e-Power - Unique System The Qashqai features revolutionary e-Power technology. The petrol engine operates solely as electricity generator. This system delivers electric vehicle smoothness without charging infrastructure. Acceleration feels immediate and responsive throughout. The driving experience matches pure electric vehicles closely. According to theUK Government's transport strategy, innovative hybrid systems represent crucial stepping stones toward zero-emission transport targets. Key Factors When Choosing a Hybrid Understanding hybrid system types helps buyers make informed decisions. Self-charging hybrids charge through regenerative braking and engine operation. Plug-in hybrids offer extended electric range but require charging. This suits drivers with home charging access primarily. Real-world fuel economy often differs from official figures. Independent testing provides more accurate consumption data. Reliability records vary significantly between manufacturers and models. The BBC reports that hybrid vehicle reliability has improved dramatically over the past decade. Modern systems demonstrate exceptional durability compared to early hybrid implementations. Consider driving patterns when selecting hybrid types. Urban drivers benefit most from electric-only capability. Motorway users prefer seamless engine integration. Conclusion Hybrid vehicles offer compelling alternatives to traditional petrol cars. The 2025 lineup provides options for every budget and requirement. From budget-friendly MG3 to premium BMW 330e, choice abundance benefits consumers greatly. Technology continues advancing rapidly across all manufacturers. Reliability improvements and cost reductions make hybrid ownership increasingly attractive. The UK market shows strong support for hybrid technology adoption. FAQs Are hybrid cars reliable in 2025? Modern hybrid systems demonstrate excellent reliability records. Toyota leads with proven technology spanning decades. Most manufacturers offer extended warranties on hybrid components. What's the real-world fuel economy of hybrid cars? Real-world economy typically achieves 50-70mpg depending on driving style. City driving favors hybrid systems most significantly. Motorway cruising shows smaller efficiency gains over conventional engines. Should I choose a self-charging or plug-in hybrid? Self-charging suits drivers without home charging access. Plug-in hybrids benefit those with regular charging opportunities. Consider daily driving patterns when making this decision.
Finextra
3 minutes ago
- Finextra
The Bank of London strengthens executive bench with the appointment of Aris Asimakis as CRO
The Bank of London is pleased to announce the appointment of Aris Asimakis as Chief Risk Officer ('CRCO'). 0 In his new role, Aris will lead the optimisation of the Bank's risk and compliance framework across enterprise risk management, capital and liquidity planning, recovery and resolution preparedness, risk governance, and economic crime prevention. With over 20 years of risk, regulatory and professional services experience - including roles at the Prudential Regulation Authority and commercial banks such as Zempler Bank, where Aris served as CRO for more than six years - he brings a wealth of expertise. At Zempler, Aris led the development of the Enterprise Risk Management Framework and Board risk reporting and played a key role in securing the bank's full licence in 2021. Prior to that, Aris held senior roles at Vanquis Bank and Tesco Bank. In his new role, he will help transform the Bank by strengthening regulatory engagement, refreshing risk appetite and KRI frameworks, and enhancing risk governance. Aris Asimakis commented: 'Joining the Bank of London at this pivotal point in its growth journey, I look forward to advancing the Bank's risk governance and driving transformation - including the safe adoption of emerging technologies - as we work to create a simpler, safer, and better‑governed platform for clearing and payments.' Christopher Horne, CEO, the Bank of London said: 'Aris's proven ability to implement risk appetite across functions - meeting customers' expectations decisively and transparently - was immediately clear to me. I'm thrilled to welcome Aris to the team and am confident that together, the Bank will continue to unlock sustainable growth.' This senior appointment, the fifth announced in 2025, marks the next step in the Bank of London's transformation strategy, backed by over £75 million in committed funding and investment led by Mangrove Capital Partners. Last month, the Bank announced the appointment of Hana Rolles as Chief Commercial Officer. Under its new leadership team, spearheaded by Christopher Horne, and with new owners, the Bank is dedicated to achieving operational excellence, driving digital innovation, and shaping the future of financial services.
Finextra
3 minutes ago
- Finextra
Zopa marketing stunt invites consumers to bite into Biscuit
Zopa Bank is promoting its interest-earning current account Biscuit by parading a giant box of biscuits through London, encouraging people to check the value of their account. 0 The 10,240 biscuits stacked in a huge box and driven around central London, are equivalent in value to the £256 customers can earn in a year from cashback and interest by switching to Zopa's Biscuit account. The call to action comes as Santander closes its popular 123 Lite account this week, despite Zopa research finding more than half (51%) of customers surveyed are unaware of their accounts being deactivated. Once a market leader, Santander's 123 account has seen its value erode over time. From 21st August, 123 Lite customers will move to the Everyday account - offering no interest on balances or cashback and just £65 in annual value In contrast, Zopa's Biscuit account delivers nearly four times the value (£256) through a blend of 2.00% cashback on bills, 2.00% interest on balances, and a 7.1% AER on up to £300 deposits a month. Launched to the public in June 2025 after an initial beta phase, it has already amassed 100,000 customers. Merve Ferrero, chief strategy officer at Zopa Bank, says: 'We know that over a third of UK consumers stick with their bank out of habit, even when their loyalty goes unrewarded. At Zopa, we want to change that. With Biscuit, we've launched the UK's best free current account for everyday value - combining the peace of mind of a fully regulated bank with the ease and value customers expect from a modern digital experience."
