HYBRIDS AND PLUG-IN hybrids combine a petrol engine with an electric motor to give you the benefits of both traditional and electric powertrains: good fuel economy, smooth, quiet performance and a long range.
The main benefits of hybrids are low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions – both of which can benefit your pocket as well as the environment.
We’ve rounded up five hybrids and plug-in hybrids on the market now for a variety of budgets.
Under €50k
2018 Volkswagen Passat GTE, €43,725
The Volkswagen Passat GTE hybrid is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI engine delivering 153hp and an electric motor producing 113hp. Together, the two units generate 215hp. In all-electric mode, the Passat GTE has a range of up to 50km and a range of more than 1,100km when the tank is full and battery fully charged.
Under €35k
2018 Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, €32,995
The Hyundai Ioniq plug-in hybrid has low Co2 emissions of 26g/km and costs just €170 a year to tax. It is powered by a 104hp, 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, which is supplemented by a 60hp motor and an 8.9kWh battery pack, giving it a fully-electric range of about 60km.
Under €32k
2018 Kia Niro, €31,295
Kia combines two big motoring trends with the Niro – the desirability of a compact crossover and the fuel saving, lower emissions technology of a hybrid. Powering the Niro is a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol GDI engine, combined with a 32kW electric motor.
Combined, the Niro has maximum power and torque outputs of 141hp and 265Nm. It emits just 88 g/km CO2 (combined), which places it in tax band A2 (€180 a year).
Under €30k
2018 Toyota C-HR, €29,900
The futuristic-looking Toyota C-HR is a very good hybrid with lots of room in the back, especially across the rear seat. The cabin has a quality feel to it and it comes with generous levels of equipment. It costs €180 per year to tax and on 17-inch wheels returns 3.8 litres/100km (74.33mpg).
Under €25k
2018 Toyota Yaris, €22,000
The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is a great city car and its full hybrid system means the two power sources can work together to drive the vehicle or can each be used in isolation.
The Yaris Hybrid can disengage the petrol engine entirely and run solely on battery power in EV mode for 2km up to a speed of 50km/h. That means it is perfect for the crawling speeds experienced in most Irish cities.
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