Top 5: Best hybrid cars - Performance Technology

Performance Technology - Top 5: Best hybrid cars

There was a time when hybrids were very rare and very specialized with oddball looks and a hippie image.

Nowadays, though, hybrids come in all shapes and sizes with loads of mainstream models being offered in hybrid format. Whether you're looking at a basic hybrid or an even cleverer, more efficient plug-in hybrid, there's plenty of choice.

So which one should you consider? Here's our rundown of the best on offer.

The Passat GTE is a really compelling solution to eco-friendly motoring. Its plug-in hybrid technology gives you more than 30 miles of electric only range and it still has you covered when you need to go further, it's estate car practicality also makes it really good for families.

The Yaris hybrid is pretty expensive compared with other Yarises, but compare it with other hybrids and it's one of the cheapest available. It's also very well equipped very solidly built and it's backed up by a 5 year 100,000 mile warranty.

The GTE looks like the Golf GTI hot-hatch and it has enough pace to keep up with most hot hatches, but it has something none of those have. Average fuel economy of more than 150 miles per gallon and it's a Golf so you get the class and quality that fires love.

The fact it can travel around 20 miles on electric only power is just one of the big selling points of the XC90 Hybrid. It's also one of the very few plug-in hybrids available with seven seats. It looks the business, inside and out, and it has more safety features than you can shake a stick at.

Just look at the styling of the i8 and then look at the figures. It does nought to sixty two in just over four seconds, has a top speed of 155 miles per hour, yet it's official average fuel economy is over 130 miles per gallon. A super car with a conscience? This is it.

The Ioniq is a bit unique in that it's available in three eco-friendly forms: Hybrid plug-in, hybrid, and fully electric. It's the plug-in hybrid that we think is the best eco mobility solution for most people as it can give you a limited amount of electric only motoring but with no range anxiety.