'We tested 10 plug-in hybrid cars and there was a surprise winner'
A group of motoring experts tested a range of plug-in hybrid cars on sale in the UK and came to a surprise winner.
The experts, from motoring publication What Car? tested cars from the likes of MG, Volkswagen, Jaguar Land Rover, and Mercedes to find out which plug-in hybrid was the best.
A plug-in hybrid is a car that has both an electric motor and petrol engine. The petrol engine does most of the work, but the car can run on electricity alone for short period of time.
The advantage of plug-in hybrids over either petrol-only or electric-only cars is that you can drive in town without using engine, and then turn it on when you get to bigger roads, removing range anxiety as that same engine can drive the wheels and charge the electric battery.
After assessing several models, the motoring experts came to the verdict that the Anglo-Chinese MG HS SUV was the top model to go for.
Part of the reasoning behind this was not just the car's equipment and practicality, but the fact it was far cheaper than most of its rivals, starting from around £29,000. Their car's list price was £31,095.
They explained: 'Think all plug-in hybrids are expensive? Prepare to think again because in our preferred entry-level SE trim, the MG HS is one of the cheapest cars of its kind.
'Don't think that just because you're paying a bargain price means it'll feel cheaper inside, either. In fact, the GS is easily a match for the more expensive Citroen C5 Aircross in terms of plushness. It's well equipped too.
'Then there's its 75-mile official electric range, which isn't far off the longest in the plug-in hybrid category – despite the fact that the HS costs far less than most rivals. The HS is very practical.'
In second was the Volkswagen Passat estate which was praised for its practicality and being better than versions from BMW and Citroen. The Volkswagen's list price was higher than the MG's, at £47,430.
They said: 'Despite carrying around a hefty battery, you'll get more into the Passat's boot than you would in most estate rivals, while the interior mixes soft touch surfaces with high quality plastics in a way that puts the [Mercedes] C-Class to shame.'
In third place was the Range Rover Sport. With a list price of £114,050, it's more expensive than the other cars on the podium.
Remarking on the car, the experts said: 'This version of the Range Rover Sport is as on trend for the wealthy as shopping at Erewhon, combing luxury with efficiency.
'As with every Range Rover Sport, you get to enjoy the view from a driving position that places you high above the road, while your passengers relax in sumptuous comfort.'
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