Top 10 Hybrid Cars in Europe

The hybrid powered cars segment gains more and more ground in Europe, and some manufacturers are beginning to bet big on the future of this kind of power instead of diesel.

The hybrid powered cars segment gains more and more ground in Europe, and some manufacturers are beginning to bet big on the future of this kind of power instead of diesel. Toyota has the biggest offer of hybrid cars in Europe, with no less than seven models on sale. But the other manufacturers are playing catch up.

1. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Best selling hybrid car in Europe is a SUV. It seems a bit far fetched but it’s true and confirms the Europeans appetite for crossover cars. Mitsubishi seems to have hit the jackpot with the Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid. It’s one of the most popular hybrid powered cars in Holland and Belgium. It was helped by hefty government grants in Europe and this is the reason why this car costs as much as a standard diesel Outlander on the UK market, for example. It combines a high driving position and cavernous interior space with low running costs: 123 mpg fuel economy and 44g/km CO2 emissions. Outlander PHEV can run 30 miles in electric-only mode. The only downside is a 14 liter reduction in boot space compared to the standard Outlander.

Pros:

  • Accessible price
  • Exempt from road tax in some European countries
  • Excellent fuel economy

Cons:

  • Reduced boot
  • Same looks as standard Outlander
  • Good dynamics

UK price: 34.300 – 45.500 GBP

2. Volkswagen Golf GTE

Volkswagen Golf GTE is marketed as a performance hybrid promising no less than 156 mpg fuel economy. Performance figures are also impressive: 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 138 mph. It is not as fast as a Golf GTI or a Golf GTD, but it’s quick enough. Volkswagen Golf GTE is capable of running for about 30 miles on electric power alone.

Pros:

  • Low running costs
  • No range anxiety
  • Similar to drive with the normal model

Cons:

  • The ride is firm
  • Less fun-factor than GTI and GTD
  • Electric-only range lower than e-Golf

UK Price: 17,595 – 27,700 GBP

3. Audi A3 e-tron

Audi A3 e-tron is based on the five-door A3 Sportback and is quite similar to the Volkswagen Golf GTE. It uses an electric motor paired with a 1.4-liter TFSI turbo gas engine to offer a quite considerable electric-only range along with the ability to match a normal car’s driving range. And so you get the plush quality of the Audi brand.

Pros:

  • Spacious interior
  • Excellent range
  • Quality build

Cons:

  • Pricey compact hybrid
  • No Quattro version
  • No streaming music apps

UK price: 19,500 – 35,700 GBP

4. Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid

Volvo also embraced the hybrid power combo and this power source is featured on the V60 estate. It’s a plug-in hybrid, so it can also be charged at a standard house power outlet. Electric-only range is only 30 miles, but it’s enough for standard daily commute. Like the standard V60, the hybrid is comfortable, solid and spacious. The only notable difference is the smaller boot.

Pros:

  • High safety standards
  • Powerful and fast
  • Excellent mileage

Cons:

  • Expensive to buy
  • Small boot
  • Firm suspension

UK price: 45,000 GBP

5. Mercedes-Benz C350e

The brand new C-Class comes with a new hybrid version. In the past, Mercedes-Benz has sold a diesel plug-in hybrid, the C300 Bluetec. Today, it is replaced with the gas-electric C350e, which has a 2.0 liter engine. It has the same classy interior design as the standard C-Class and will make complete sense as a company car. The charging point is mounted in the rear of the car.

Pros:

  • New engine combo it’s a good choice
  • Classy interior
  • Rear mounted charging point

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Similar looks with E-Class and S-Class
  • Cramped rear seats

UK Price: 28,000 – 70,000 GBP

6. Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Europeans can enjoy also small cars in hybrid guise. Toyota sells in Europe one of its smallest models: the Yaris. Toyota Yaris Hybrid makes do with 1.5 liter gasoline engine and an electric motor. Compact dimensions, light steering and the automatic gearbox make the Yaris a very good city car. Boot space hasn’t been reduced by batteries, Yaris Hybrid having the same 286 liter luggage capacity as the standard powered Yaris.

Pros:

  • Cheap to run
  • Spacious interior
  • Plenty of kit

Cons:

  • Some interior plastics feel cheap
  • Not quick
  • Unpleasant gearbox

UK Price: 11,000 – 17000 GBP

7. Lexus IS300h

The Lexus IS is an expensive alternative, but you get a wholekit for your cash: sat nav and heated front seats are both standard equipment. Unlike other hybrid premium models, the Lexus IS300h can’t move on electric power only. The electric motor is ment to help and boost the gas engine.

Pros:

  • Cheap to run
  • Very reliable
  • Comfortable ride

Cons:

  • Expensive to buy
  • Not so good dynamics
  • Not enough power

UK Price: 28,995 – 35,750 GBP

8. Toyota Prius

Prius has enjoyed some success on European markets also. Originally, Prius was a mild hybrid, but today you can buy a plug-in hybrid version. Electric-only range is not impressive, just about 12 miles. Also, the new generation is coming to Europe. The Prius comes with decent standard equipment such as leather and satellite navigation.

Pros:

  • Low running costs
  • Very practical
  • Comfortable

Cons:

  • Ugly looks
  • Limited rear headroom
  • Gearbox is perfectible

9. Toyota Auris Hybrid

Toyota has a range of hybrids on sale on the European market and one of the most successful is the Auris hybrid. Auris is a Golf sized hatchback. It doesn’t shine in any particular area but it has low running costs and it’s a model preferred by companies who want to offer a car to their employees.

Pros:

– Impressive reliability

– Low running costs

– Good practicality

Cons:

– Unexciting design

– Patchy interior quality

– Automatic gearbox can get noisy

UK Price: 15,600 – 24,800 GB

10. Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

It’s the sedan from Porsche and now it’s available also as a hybrid. After the launch of the powerful gas versions, Porsche has expanded the range to include hybrid and diesel versions, which offer reduces running costs but maintain the Panamera’s fine handling.

Pros:

  • Beautifully finished interior
  • Impressive performance
  • Practical

Cons:

  • Controversial design
  • Expensive to buy
  • Small boot

Price: 64,000 – 130,000 GBP