Latest news with #hybridcars
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota's New Car Lineup Is Growing Faster Than Anyone Predicted
A few years back, Toyota promised to electrify every model in its lineup—hybrid or fully electric—by the end of 2025, and it's right on track. That bet is paying off big time: about 80 percent of Toyota and Lexus sales are already electrified, thanks to staples like the Prius and Camry. Now, Toyota expects its U.S. EV sales to double by 2030, rolling out a wave of new electric models to match the demand. It's a huge turnaround from just a few years ago when some execs thought the electric craze was overblown. Toyota's hybrid sales are really taking off, boosted by a sleek new look for the Prius and a fully electrified Camry lineup. The RAV4 is next in line to join the hybrid club with its upcoming model refresh. But when it comes to full EVs, Toyota's still playing catch-up—they only sold about 30,000 in the U.S. last year, way behind their usual numbers for gas-powered cars. Still, the company is betting big on EVs, expecting U.S. sales to double in the next five years as the electric market heats up. For context, EVs made up around 1.3 million vehicle sales in the U.S. in 2024, showing there's plenty of room for growth. To meet rising demand, Toyota and Lexus plan to roll out seven fully electric models in the U.S. by 2027. Right now, you can find the Toyota bZ SUV—recently renamed—and its cousin, the Lexus RZ SUV, both here to stay. In the next year, Toyota will add the bZ Woodland and the newly unveiled C-HR EV to the lineup. Looking ahead to 2027, expect an all-electric version of the sleek Lexus ES, plus two brand-new EVs built right here in the U.S. Toyota's Georgetown, Kentucky plant will handle one of the still-under-wraps EV models, while another will roll off the line in Princeton, Indiana. Meanwhile, their battery facility in Liberty, North Carolina, is gearing up to produce up to 300,000 all-electric vehicle batteries—but that number includes batteries for hybrids and plug-in hybrids, too. In a Bloomberg interview, Toyota's senior VP Cooper Ericksen said: "We'll sell a little bit more every year and grow with the market. But we have to think about how many Canada will use, how many the U.S. will use, and we can then export to other global destinations." So, those two new EVs made in the U.S. could also find their way overseas. Source: Bloomberg via Automotive News, CarBuzz
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The 10 most reliable older cars that are cheap and dependable - and the lemons to dodge
For drivers on the hunt for a reliable car, there's no need to spend big on a brand new model. There are plenty of cheap older motors that provide hugely dependable at a fraction of the price. For less than £3,000, you can pick up a second-hand motor between 10 and 15 years old with a stellar track record for barely suffering problems, rarely breaking down and being cheap, easy and quick to fix. We reveal which older motors offer near fault-free ownership, according to Britons who currently drive them daily. Exclusive data provided by Which? from its annual car survey has named 10 ageing models with five-star reliability ratings - and we can tell you what percentage of owners reported faults and breakdowns, and how many days their vehicles spent off the road being repaired last year. From city cars to roadsters and large SUVs, there's an option for every driver on the hunt for a second-hand vehicle they can truly count on. Michael Passingham, senior researcher at the consumer group, said it is hybrid cars that dominate the list of most reliable 10 to 15-year-old motors. 'Why do these cars perform so well? One reason could be that the hardest part of a car's life – starting and pulling away – are mostly handled by the small electric motor,' he explains. 'These motors have fewer moving parts than combustion engines and, along with sturdy main battery packs, really don't have to work all that hard. 'The downside is that our data shows a much higher failure rate of the 12V battery (the small battery all cars have) on full hybrids; this component is worked hard so it pays to buy a quality one and get it replaced every five years or so.' He says the reliability of 'full' hybrids (also referred to as 'conventional' and 'self-charging' hybrids) bodes well for the future, with new examples given a five-year stay of execution from the 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars. This was confirmed by Sir Keir Starmer in April when he relaxed electric vehicle sales targets to support manufacturers in the immediate wake of US President Donald Trump announcing increased tariffs on all foreign car export. 'While plug-in hybrids are one of the least reliable engine types according to our data, full hybrids should provide owners with fuss-free motoring for years to come,' Michael said. So which examples of 10 to 15-year-old cars are the most dependable? Here's the countdown... 10. Toyota Auris (2012-2019) Average used price: £4,650 The Auris - replaced by the Corolla in 2019 - was for almost two decades Toyota's family hatchback rival to the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf. With the choice of hybrid drivetrains, it was considered one of the greener options, as well as one that carrying a strong reliability background. And it appears the second-generation Auris - sold between 2012 and 2019 - continues to provide plenty of dependability. With fewer than three in ten owners saying their Auris had a fault in the previous 12 months, its proving to be a car you can count on, even if some models are over a decade old. While just 7 per cent of drivers said their Toyota broke down, an average of 5.3 days off the road for repairs is higher than the rest of the cars in this list.. For around £4,650, there aren't many practical family motors that can match this level of reliability for so few pounds sterling. 9. Suzuki Alto (2009-2014) Average used price: £2,800 Launched in 2009, the Suzuki Alto was incredibly cheap. Though for a reason. This supermini was sparse on equipment, luxuries and comfort, with the aim to sell an affordable model that appealed to the masses. Produced in conjunction with Nissan - on a shared platform with the Pixo - it was budget friendly even when new. With such simplicity comes lots of reliability, it would seem. With just a quarter of owners saying their 10 to 15-year-old Altos had developed faults, it's proving remarkably robust. Just 1 per cent of drivers said their Alto broke down in the 12-month period, and just 2.6 days on average off the road for repairs is testament to how easy to fix these cars are. With used prices typically around £2,800, this is the cheapest choice from the list. What might put you off is its three-star EuroNCAP crash rating scored in 2009. By today's standards, it's probably not the most secure motor you can buy. 8. Toyota Yaris (2011-2020) Average used price: £3,100 For more than 25 years, the supermini typically recommended to drivers wanting a dependable small car has been Toyota's Yaris. Its durability has been one of its biggest selling points since the Mk1 model arrived in 1999, and this third-generation variant available new between 2011 and 2020 has carried on these traits. The Yaris has always been practical and roomy. With the addition of hybrid drivetrain, it's one of the most economical too. Less than one in four owners of this generation of Yaris said they had experienced a fault, and just 6 per cent a breakdown. And just 3.1 of the 365 days of the year off the road isn't too bad for a car that's up to 14 years old. With prices now just over £3,000, this is very good option. 7. Suzuki Swift (2010-2016) Average used price: £3,500 The second model from Suzuki to make the list of reliable older motors is the 2010-2016 Swift supermini. Criminally overlooked, the Swift is a practical package that for years has offered affordable motoring. It's also very good to drive, with a well-balanced chassis and some impressive engine options. A fault count of 27 per cent of owners in the previous 12 months isn't as high as others in this list, though with 8 per cent of cars breaking down, it has required the services of the AA, RAC, Green Flag and the likes more so than any other car in this top 10. However, spending just 1.4 days off the road for repairs in the year-long period shows the Swift is easy to put right. And with prices as low as £3,500, this is a great option for new drivers looking for a dependable vehicle. 6. BMW X1 (2009-2015) Average used price: £5,200 Luxury SUVs are rarely described as reliable, especially as they get older. But the first-generation BMW X1 appears to be bucking that trend, according to Which?... It's incredibly rare for the words 'luxury SUV' and 'reliability' to be used together. Expensive large models can often mean lots of problems and expensive repair bills, but it seems BMW's smallest SUV is bucking that trend. The first-generation X1 launched in 2009 and on sale until 2015 is one of the most reliable older family cars, according to Which?'s latest poll. While a third of owners encountered a fault or two in the last year of driving, just 7 per cent said their Beemers broke down. And with an average time off the road of 2.1 days, the X1 is being fixed quicker than other models higher in this list. As is the case for ageing SUVs, there's been plenty of depreciation as drivers steer clear to avoid potentially high running costs. But prices of £5,200 combined with this reported steely robustness makes it a strong used car candidate. 5. Skoda CitiGo (2009-2019) Average used price: £4,500 Skoda discontinued its city car, the CitiGo, just over five years ago, but it's still one of the best options if you want a brilliant little runaround that's easy to manoeuvre around town, is impressively frugal on petrol and - in most instances - free to tax. The sister model to the Seat Mii and VW Up!, these three cars were mechanically identical and produced in the same factory. But the Skoda was always the cheaper option - though typically provided a little extra equipment to satisfy its generally older customer base. Five-door models are surprisingly roomy, the low insurance group means affordable premiums for all ages and - at around £4,500, values are now invitingly cheap. As are repair bills, it would seem. Just over one in five CitiGo owners told Which? their car had developed an issue in the previous 12 months, with only 5 per cent suffering breakdowns. Time off the road being fixed is nearly 3 days on average. 4. Honda Jazz (2008-2015) Average used price: £3,800 Given the more advanced age of the typical Which? member, the Honda Jazz is unsurprisingly owned my thousands and loved eternally. But there's very good reason for why Honda's supermini is popular among a certain demographic. Easy to drive, extremely roomy, packed with clever features (like its 'Magic Seat' design) and cheap to run, there's a lot to love about the Jazz. And it's also performed incredibly well for reliability. It is another five-star rated older motor for dependability. The second-generation car, sold from 2008 to 2015, might be over 10 years old now but is still going strong. One in four owners reported a fault with their cars and the average time in the garage was 2.7 days being fixed by mechanics. Some 4 per cent of drivers said they'd suffered a breakdown in the previous 12 months, too, but it's still impressive for a small car of this vintage. And with prices now below £4,000, the Jazz is a commendably cheap and reliable option. 3. Lexus RX 450h (2009-2015) Average used price: £6,400 Which? members really love the RX. So much so, in fact, that they voted it the most satisfying car to own in 2024. So, it should come as little surprise that robust reliability has factored into this decision. Based purely on the hybrid-powered examples, just one in 16 owners of the 2009-2015 variant told the watchdog that their RX 450h had developed a problem over the 12 months prior. Zero breakdowns were recorded by owners, while those who were forced to have their big Lexus SUVs repaired typically had to do without them for two days. With average second-hand prices of this generation of RX down to around £6,400, this is a top candidate for a family car that's both dependable and relatively fuel efficient. 2. Mazda MX-5 (2005-2015) Average used price: £3,800 Sports car and reliability are two words that rarely go together, but not if you're talking about the world's best-selling roadster of all time. Mazda's MX-5 is iconic. Debuting way back in 1989, it is a staple of Britain's roads and continues to be loved by drivers today. The model in question here is the third-generation car, which is proving hugely reliable still thanks to that bulletproof Japanese build quality that has carried the MX-5 for decades. Not a single owner of this era of MX-5 reported a fault in the previous 12 months and only a quarter said they had to deal with faults. Even when these did occur, drivers were typically without their cars for just 1.7 days while they were being repaired. With prices as low as £3,820, this is both cheap and fun driving on a seriously small budget. 1. Lexus CT 200h (2011-2020) Average used price: £7,300 The Lexus CT 200h was the Japanese marque's answer to the Ford Focus and VW Golf in the medium-size family hatchback segment for a decade. Owners say they are incredibly robust still today, despite being up to 14 years old Faults: 13% Breakdowns: 0% Days off the road: 1.2 Top of models with five-star 10 to 15-year reliability is the Lexus CT 200h, a full hybrid hatchback that was first released in 2011 that remained in showrooms until 2020. Based on owner feedback, models of this car over 10 years old suffered zero breakdowns in the 12 months before completing the survey, and just 13 per cent of drivers reported any kind of fault. When something did go wrong, these cars spent just over a day off the road for repairs on average; far below the average of 4.5 days for cars this age. It can be bought for somewhere between £5,000 and £10,000 and is also loved by owners, scoring four stars out of five for satisfaction in the consumer watchdog's annual poll. While some complained about rear legroom, a small boot and clunky infotainment system, feedback from owners was generally glowing; a third specifically mentioned reliability as a thing they love about the car, while another third raved about comfort. Graham Elliott, from Scarborough, said it is 'the finest car that I have ever owned'. Another respondent's only criticism was that Lexus no longer makes them. The diesel Vauxhall Zafira B (2005-2014) is the least dependable older car between 10 and 15 years of age - and one Which? says you are best to avoid Look away now Sunderland factory workers: The first-generation Nissan Qashqai, produced at the North East car plant, is listed as the second least reliable older motor in the Which? survey Which older cars do you need to avoid? Vauxhall's Zafira (2005-2014) with diesel engines is the car Which? recommends buyers try to avoid if they want to evade high repair bills and a high risk of being stranded at the roadside. The MPV has become synonymous with fires in recent years due to issues with the heater blower motor and regulator. This is primarily due to owners replacing parts on this second-generation model with cheap aftermarket components. But it appears fixing a Zafira is a frequent task, with more than half of owners telling Which? they encountered a fault of some sort in the last 12 months - and three in ten suffering a breakdown. An average of more than a fortnight off the road for repairs is also a huge inconvenience nobody wants. Another notable poor performer is the first-generation Nissan Qashqai (2007-2013), again with the diesel engines, which suffered a high volume of faults, too many instances of breakdowns and almost a week per year in garages being repaired. Which? says that in the 10 to 15-year-old car age group, diesel is by far the least dependable fuel type with an average fault rate of 48 per cent. This compares to just 39 per cent for petrols and a mere 23 per cent for hybrids. LEAST RELIABLE OLDER CARS AGED 10-15 YEARS Car make and model Faults Breakdowns Days off road Vauxhall Zafira DIESEL (2005 - 2014) 55% 30% 16.9 Nissan Qashqai DIESEL (2007 - 2013) 61% 13% 4.8 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2007 - 2014) 62% 14% 8 Skoda Octavia Estate (2005 - 2013) 67% 9% 2.5 Audi A4 (2008 - 2015) 59% 15% 6.8 Source: Which? Car Survey Breakdowns, time off road and faults (weighted for severity of each fault) all impact the overall reliability rating for each car. Data based on an online survey of 60,448 drivers who told us about the 71,002 cars they owned, conducted April 2024 to June 2024
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I Bought a Hybrid Car: Here's How Much I Save on Gas Every Month
The national average gas price in the U.S. as of May 15, 2025, is $3.192 per gallon, according to AAA. As gas prices continue to swing unpredictably, many people are looking for ways to save money, and one of them is by switching to hybrid cars. Be Aware: Try This: GOBankingRates spoke with Bennett Barrier, founder of DFW Turf Solutions, to learn how much he's saving on gas after purchasing a hybrid car. Barrier switched from a 2015 Ford F-150 to a Toyota RAV4 hybrid XLE after realizing his truck was overkill for most daily tasks. 'It was a great truck for towing, but it drank gas like nobody's business, especially when I was using it for light-duty work where a full-size truck wasn't necessary.' While he still uses the F-150 for towing trailers and heavy-duty work, most of his time is spent visiting job sites, picking up supplies and meeting vendors — tasks that don't require a heavy-duty vehicle. A hybrid car simply made more sense. Consider This: Before switching to a hybrid vehicle, Barrier was spending more than $320 a month on gas. 'With the hybrid today, I'm solidly in the $160 zone each month. That's roughly the same mileage. Nothing sensational changed in my daily routine.' His driving is about 60% city and 40% highway, meaning a lot of stop-and-go traffic, which is where hybrids shine thanks to features like regenerative braking at low speeds. Barrier noticed a change in fuel consumption almost immediately. 'Gas savings appeared in a flash after the first tank,' he said. 'I wasn't measuring mileage like a physicist, but the pump stoppages decreased rapidly. I used to get gas every five days, now every nine or so.' He knew the gas savings would be noticeable but not jaw-dropping. For someone initially skeptical about hybrids, the savings turned out to be more substantial and more practical than expected. Beyond saving money on gas, Barrier noticed more changes in his day-to-day driving. 'I didn't think I'd miss the regenerative braking system as much as I do. In the city, it's subtle but helpful.' More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Tells Americans To Stock Up on Consumables as Trump's Tariffs Hit -- Here's What To Buy These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs This article originally appeared on I Bought a Hybrid Car: Here's How Much I Save on Gas Every Month
Auto Express
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Cheapest hybrid cars on sale 2025
Fully electric cars are the hot topic at the moment but there are plenty of affordable, efficient hybrid cars to choose from on today's market that might actually be cheaper to buy and run for some people. If you're after a bargain, the level of choice on offer means the cheapest hybrid cars come in all shapes and sizes, so there should be a low-cost hybrid model to suit you. Advertisement - Article continues below Generally speaking there are three types of hybrid car on the market: mild hybrid, full hybrid (also referred to as self-charging hybrid), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV). To keep things simple, we've rounded up the cheapest full hybrid cars for this list. We've omitted mild hybrids as the technology is now standard-fit in a large number of modern petrol cars. Plug-in hybrids, meanwhile, fall into their own category as they need to be recharged like an EV. They also tend to be larger and more expensive than full hybrid cars. Our experts have thoroughly tested every hybrid car you can buy, carefully evaluating areas such as quality, driving experience and practicality, and we've included our impressions below to help you decide which of the UK's cheapest hybrid cars is the right one for you. Read this table to see our in-depth ratings for each of the UK's cheapest hybrid cars. You can also find each car's starting price, as well our score for efficiency and the official WLTP combined fuel economy figure. Cheapest hybrid cars ranking Name Prices from Efficiency, CO2 and running costs rating (out of 5) Overall Auto Express star rating (out of 5) Max. WLTP efficiency 1 MG3 £18,995 4.5 5 64.2mpg 2 Renault Clio £21,895 4.5 4.5 67.3mpg 3 MG ZS £22,495 4.4 4 55.4mpg 4 Dacia Jogger £23,305 4 4.5 58.9mpg 5 Toyota Yaris £23,445 4.2 4 70.6mpg 6 GWM Haval Jolion Pro £23,995 N/A N/A 47mpg 7 Mazda 2 Hybrid £24,820 4.3 3.5 74.3mpg 8 Dacia Duster £24,830 4.7 4.5 55.3mpg 9 Renault Captur £25,195 4.1 4 60.1mpg 10 Toyota Yaris Cross £26,495 4.4 4 62.8mpg Scroll down or click the jump links in the table above for more on the cheapest hybrids Prices from £18,995 Max. WLTP efficiency: 64.2mpg Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The MG3 is currently the cheapest hybrid on the market, yet it's also one of the best-equipped, most efficient and most entertaining cars to drive in its class. Advertisement - Article continues below Unlike its rivals, the MG3 prioritises use of its electric motor over the petrol engine, so the driving experience is much closer to an electric car than a hybrid. When the engine does kick in, it's not intrusive and the transition is smooth. Official figures suggest the MG3 hybrid can return 64.2mpg, but we averaged 55.4mpg during testing. This is in the same region as its closest hybrid supermini rivals; the Renault Clio and Toyota Yaris. The MG3 might be a small car, but it's not too cramped inside, with plenty of head and knee room for adults in the back, as well as plenty of storage space and cubby holes dotted around the cabin. Standard safety kit is very generous, with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning featuring on all models. Overall fit and finish is decent, too, as is the seven-year/80,000 mile warranty. 'There's a huge amount to like about the MG. Its sharp-handling chassis makes it fun to drive, yet it balances this out with a compliant ride and strong refinement.' - Alex Ingram, chief reviewer, who tested the MG3 on UK roads Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest MG3 deals Prices from £21,895 Max. WLTP efficiency: 67.3mpg Advertisement - Article continues below The Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid does a highly respectable job of blending fashion with frugality. Combining two electric motors with Renault's 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine results in fuel economy of up to 67.3mpg on paper, but in the real world, we saw 58.5mpg when we tested the Clio hybrid against the Toyota Yaris. Overall, performance is brisk and 143bhp is enough for 0-62mph in under 10 seconds, so merging onto the motorway should be fairly pain-free. The Clio's sharp steering and comfortable ride also make it one of the more capable cars in its class. Despite its low starting price, the Clio comes with almost every bit of kit you'll probably need, including LED headlights, cruise control, a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and plenty of safety tech too. 'The Renault Clio refuses to relinquish its position as one of the best superminis on the market. A high-quality and well-equipped item despite its competitive pricing, the Clio feels as refined as much larger hatchbacks and handles well, too.' - Ellis Hyde, news reporter, who drove the Clio in the UK Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Renault Clio deals Prices from £22,495 Max. WLTP efficiency: 55.4mpg Advertisement - Article continues below The MG ZS is much cheaper than almost all of its small SUV competitors, but it hides its budget roots surprisingly well. Due to it using the same powertrain as the MG3, the ZS primarily uses its petrol engine as a generator to power the electric motors when needed. The result is an official economy figure of up to 55.4mpg, and we managed to get fairly close to this with a real-world average of 48.7mpg during testing on a mixture of roads. It's reasonably potent in terms of power, too, with 193bhp on tap, and the 10.5-metre makes tighter manoeuvres nice and easy. Look hard enough within the ZS's cabin and you'll find that MG hasn't quite managed to hide its cost-cutting measures. There are quite a few flimsy parts, and one of our road testers even managed to hurt themselves while using the gear selector. Mishaps aside, though, things do get a bit better when it comes to on-board tech and safety kit. There's enough room for a family of five, too. 'While the ZS is good enough to drive, spacious and economical, the real selling point is its low list price, which allows it to undercut rivals by several thousand pounds.' - Alex Ingram, chief reviewer, who tested the ZS in the UK Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest MG ZS deals Prices from £23,305 Max. WLTP efficiency: 58.9mpg Not only is the Dacia Jogger one of the cheapest hybrid cars currently on sale, it is also one of the cheapest seven-seater cars on the market. The Jogger offers families a huge amount of space, low running costs and a decent amount of in-car kit for very little money. The best thing, though, is that the efficient hybrid power doesn't come at the cost of practicality. You will need to spend a bit more to buy one compared to the petrol model, but the upside of the hybrid-powered Jogger is fuel economy of well over 50mpg as well as more power and torque. The Jogger's van-like appearance may not be as stylish as some of the SUVs on this list, but if you're in the market for a hybrid family car then few models can match the sheer level of versatility on offer here — especially at this price. It's not exactly posh inside, but the materials and trim feel durable, and the essential tech is all included. 'The Jogger is relatively compact for a seven-seater, with a long, narrow body where most other options are wide. That means it's just as easy to manoeuvre as the Dacia Sandero at low speeds, and the light steering also helps you to thread through small gaps.' - Dean Gibson, senior test editor, who tested the Jogger in the UK Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Dacia Jogger deals Prices from £23,445 Max. WLTP efficiency: 70.6mpg The latest Toyota Yaris is only available as a hybrid, as opposed to a number of rivals that offer hybrid power as an option. Fortunately, this technology suits the Yaris perfectly in the city, where the car spends a surprising amount of time in electric-only mode. It may look a bit funkier than previous generations of Yaris, but the latest model still focusses on the sensible stuff. Due to its aversion to using its 1.5-petrol engine, the Yaris can lean heavily on electric power and officially achieve up to 68.9mpg. As is somewhat typical, though, this figure could not be matched when we pitted the Toyota Yaris against a Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid in a twin test, but we did get a respectable 56.2mpg nonetheless. While the Yaris struggles a bit on the motorway with its 114bhp, the steering is a joy around town, and anyone in the market for a supermini, hybrid or otherwise, should strongly consider it. Build quality is typically Toyota (that's a very good thing) and it's a comfortable car to sit on on longer journeys, although the interior is a bit bland to behold. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below 'The fourth-generation Yaris is a great performer in the urban environment. However, it isn't the cheapest hybrid around, there's limited room for people in the back, and a small boot could limit its appeal for a family.' - Max Adams, online reviews editor, who drove the Yaris on UK roads Latest Toyota Yaris deals Prices from £23,995 Max. WLTP efficiency: 47mpg It's a very recent entry into the UK market, but the GWM Haval Jolion Pro is already making waves with its starting price — even if its name is a bit of a mouthful. The Haval Jolion Pro comes from the same brand that brought us the Ora 03 (formerly known as Funky Cat). Unlike its groovy electric city car sibling, though, this is a hybrid-powered mid-size SUV. In typical Chinese car fashion, it undercuts the price of several competitors, too, at less than £24,000. However, it's worth noting that the GWM is one of the thirstier cars on this list with an official MPG figure of just 47mpg. Inside you'll find a digital driver's display along with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's not the most exciting SUV out there, but there's little denying this car's potential to disrupt this extremely popular market Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest GWM Haval Jolion Pro deals Prices from £24,820 Max. WLTP efficiency: 74.3mpg No, we haven't added the same car twice. The Mazda 2 Hybrid is essentially a rebadged Toyota Yaris but this isn't a bad thing. Not only do Mazda and Toyota superminis look identical, but they also share the same 114bhp 1.5-litre full hybrid powertrain. The Mazda does have a slight edge in the WLTP efficiency stakes, though, as it boasts a higher headline figure of 74.3mpg, compared to the Yaris's 70.6mpg. Just like the Yaris, the 2 Hybrid is enjoyable and easy to drive on urban roads, and it will spend a lot of its time in pure-electric mode. If you're considering a Yaris or 2 Hybrid, it'll be worth looking at the best finance and leasing deals on both models before deciding. Do keep in mind that both the Mazda 2 Hybrid and Toyota Yaris aren't the most refined cars at higher speeds, so if you do lots of motorway miles, you might want to consider other options. "There are some harsh plastics dotted around, but overall the Mazda 2 Hybrid feels built to last, and one of the plusher superminis on sale." - Alastair Crooks, senior news reporter, who drove the 2 Hybrid in Germany Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Mazda 2 Hybrid deals Prices from £24,830 Max. WLTP efficiency: 55.3mpg It's chunky, robust and a little bit old-school on the outside, but the Dacia Duster can be specced with an utterly modern hybrid powertrain. While you'll have to forego four-wheel drive to accommodate the Duster's full-hybrid system, the good news is that this model's real-world economy comes very close to the figures it claims on paper. We achieved 52.3mpg during testing, which really isn't far short of the claimed The hybrid variant is also the most powerful Duster, but performance is still rather reflective of this SUV's boxy appearance - only 138bhp and a top speed of 99mph. We doubt many Duster buyers are particularly bothered about speed, though, so if you're more concerned about practicality and quality, we have good news. While there's no hiding from low-rent materials, the cabin feels as sturdy as the car looks, and there's even a reasonable amount of up-to-date features thrown in. A stonking 594-litre boot sits at the back for big shops or long trips away with the family. 'The latest Duster uses the same CMF-B platform as the likes of the latest Renault Clio and Captur, and that means the current model takes a significant step forward from its predecessor, with an improvement in tech and a grown-up feeling on the road.' - Alex Ingram, chief reviewer, who tested the Duster on UK roads Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Dacia Duster deals Prices from £25,195 Max. WLTP efficiency: 60.1mpg The Renault Captur is a two-time Small SUV of the Year winner, and it's still as tempting as ever. The Captur E-Tech is the hybrid version, and this shares its powertrain with the Clio supermini, along with several other components. This system consists of a 1.6-litre engine combined with two electric motors. The first motor can drive the wheels outright, while the second helps to smooth the gaps between gear changes. We lived with a Captur E-Tech for six months as part of our long-term fleet, and during that time it held a steady 53.2mpg average, and this included plenty of motorway trips. The Captur's practicality does suffer a slight sacrifice in order to accommodate this hybrid setup, but the E-Tech should still take a family of four and their luggage with ease. A 10.4-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, and Renault's Google-based infotainment software is a firm Auto Express favourite due to its performance and ease-of-use. 'It's not as sharp to drive as some rivals, and the cabin design is starting to look and feel a little dated, but fundamentally this car's focus on what its buyers will appreciate is enough to keep it at the sharp end of the class.' - Alex Ingram, chief reviewer, who road tested the Captur in the UK Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Renault Captur deals Prices from £26,495 Max. WLTP efficiency: 62.8mpg Toyota is no stranger to producing efficient small hybrid cars, but the Yaris Cross represents a new approach from the brand The Cross takes all the best bits of the Yaris supermini and places them into a larger and more practical package. The additional bulk does mean the 1.5-litre powertrain has to work a bit harder, but it's still capable of up to 62.8mpg (provided you avoid the AWD models). It would seem the WLTP testers had their foot down during testing, though, as we managed an average of 64.7mpg when the Yaris Cross spent six months on our test fleet. This is a winning combination that makes the Yaris Cross an ideal choice for a small family. It's also a rather eco-friendly one, emitting less than 100g/km of CO2. On the road, the Yaris Cross is just as easy to drive around town as its supermini sibling, and the reversing camera makes parking the small SUV a doddle. Toyota has identified that Yaris Cross buyers will most probably live in more built-up, urban areas, so it's important that the small SUV is comfortable and easy to pilot around town. Has it succeeded? For the most part, yes.' - Ellis Hyde, news reporter, who drove the Yaris Cross on UK roads. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Latest Toyota Yaris Cross deals There are different types of hybrid car, and working out the difference can feel daunting if you're unaccustomed to this technology. We won't go into great detail about the differences between each type of hybrid here, although there are three main ones you should be aware of. The first are 'mild hybrids'. These typically use an electric motor to give an engine (usually petrol, diesel hybrids are rarer) a boost under acceleration. Crucially, mild hybrids cannot move under the power of an electric motor alone. The second are 'full hybrids'. Unlike mild hybrids, these can use electric motors to drive the wheels, although this is usually only for very short distances; no more than a mile or two. Their limited electric range is caused by their typically small batteries, which collect energy lost while braking or directly from the engine itself. The third are 'plug-in hybrids', often abbreviated to 'PHEVs'. Their batteries are much larger than those of full hybrids, so much so that they need to be charged via a cable when parked. The very latest PHEVs can offer more than 60 miles of electric-only range, so it's realistic to complete short journeys without needing to use the engine (or any fuel in the tank) at all. Looking to cut out combustion entirely? Check out our list of the cheapest electric cars … New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini's potential return New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini's potential return The Ford Fiesta could be coming back as an electric car, and here's everything we know so far Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution Half a million extra PHEVs could reach UK roads by 2030 in place of cleaner EVs due to changes surrounding the ZEV Mandate Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers?
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Honda slashes plans to invest in electric vehicles
Honda has slashed its plans to invest in electric vehicles (EVs) by 30 per cent, or £15billion, after lowering its expectations for EV sales in the coming years . The Japanese automotive giant says it now expects around 20 per cent of its car sales to be electric by 2030, rather than 30 percent, amid dwindling demand. The company has also cut its budget for new EV projects by almost a third to seven trillion yen (£36.2billion) - and will invest more immediately in expanding its range of hybrid vehicles instead. It comes amid industry predictions that demand for electric cars will wane as governments, including Britain, ease the pressure on car makers to go fully electric. US President Donald Trump has revoked an executive order made by his predecessor Joe Biden to require all new cars in the States to be electric by 2030. The UK, meanwhile, has given car makers permission to continue selling hybrid vehicles - which still have internal combustion engines - until 2035, but will still ban the sale of purely fossil fuelled vehicles by 2030. Honda's cuts come just days after Nissan scrapped plans to build an £822million battery production plant in Kitakyushi, Japan and said it would cut 20,000 jobs . It had originally hoped to make 30 per cent of its car sales electric by the end of this decade, scaled back from a target of 40 percent that was set in 2021. But Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe told a press conference: 'It's really hard to read the market, but at the moment we see EVs accounting for about a fifth by then.' He added: 'EV investment hasn't been abandoned, just pushed back.' Mr Mibe suggested that the changes in regulation made by the US and UK Governments, among others, were stopping people from buying electric cars - and hit out at the recent tariff wars for creating 'increasingly uncertain' trading conditions. He said of the demand for hybrids, however: 'Current market demand for our HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) models is high.' Honda has been slower than other manufacturers to embrace hybrid technology, having originally invested heavily in hydrogen fuel cell technology which has not been widely adopted as an alternative fuel. Its range of UK vehicles is, however, now available as hybrid, including the Jazz supermind, Civic hatchback and CR-V and HR-V crossovers. It offers one pure electric model, the e:Ny1, in Britain. The company is now pushing hybrids as part of a transition towards EVs - seeing them as a stepping stone on the way to pure electric for drivers. It now expects to sell around 2.3million hybrids by 2030, out of a total of 3.6m cars. By comparison, Honda's forecasts suggest sales of no more than 750,000 EVs. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) suggests demand for electric vehicles is stagnating in Britain. Car makers have been slashing the prices of their electric models in a bid to drive sales - and are pleading for government intervention to encourage EV uptake. Under the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, car makers are expected to make 28 per cent of their sales electric by the end of this year, a target they are unlikely to hit. As of April, 20.7 per cent of new car sales to date in 2024 are electric, while almost half are still petrol. On average, just over a fifth of cars sold in the last 12 months were electric, according to SMMT data. Car firms have called for greater government support for electric cars to encourage people to ditch petrol and diesel. The Government has not offered grants towards new electric cars for three years. Mike Hawes, chief executive of the trade body, said earlier this month: 'EV uptake is still being heavily and unsustainably subsidised by the industry - which is why a compelling package of measures from government is essential if consumers are going to make the switch.'
