October 7, 2024
Sara Davies
A hybrid car incorporates a battery-powered electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. By using less fuel, hybrids achieve better efficiency and lower carbon emissions. The lower carbon emissions of hybrids mean they qualify for much better benefit-in-kind rates as company vehicles than most non-electrified models, although these aren’t generally as attractive as pure electric vehicles which receive the best rates due to the fact they don’t have any tailpipe carbon emissions at all. Hybrids come in three main forms: mild hybrids, self-charging hybrids and plug-in hybrids . You can read more about the different types of hybrid vehicles available to lease in our hybrid guides.
So which models make our list of top 5 hybrids for drivers in 2024?
1. BMW 5 Series 530e
Possibly the ultimate executive saloon company car, the four-cylinder BMW 5 Series 530e ticks all of the boxes in terms of its performance and great handling combined with competitive range and efficiency. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, teamed with a 181bhp electric motor and a 19.4kWh battery pack give a combined output of 295bhp. BMW claims it can return up to 470.8mpg and cover up to 63 miles on electric power alone. The interior is plush, the technology impressive. Its Curved Display infotainment system combines a user-friendly 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen.
2. Honda Civic 2.0 eHEV Sport
The Honda Civic 2.0 eHEV is great to drive, affordable, and practical, with a bigger boot than most. Regular long commutes can deliver around 51.4mpg making it a good vehicle for business drivers too. It uses a hybrid system based around a 2.0-litre petrol engine and ‘e-CVT’ gearbox. ‘Self-charging’ hybrid tech provides good acceleration from 0-62mph in just 7.9 seconds and the twin electric motors enable travel for short distances at low speed without using the engine at all. Sport trim adds a touch of luxury to this traditional family hatchback and includes part-leather seats, 18in alloys, LED front fog lights, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and wireless phone-charging.
3. BMW 3 Series 330e
One of the most popular company cars and best all-rounders on the market, the BMW 330e has a purely electric range of 52–62 miles which makes the company car tax advantages particularly attractive but without compromising on performance, since it achieves 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds. The 330e combines the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine in the regular 320i with an electric motor, neatly integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. All packaged together with the high level of the best-selling BMW 3-series styling, comfy seats and great tech, it is no wonder the BMW 330e is considered by many to be one of the best hybrids currently on the market.
4. Toyota Corolla 2.0 Hybrid
An ideal family car, the Toyota Corolla 2.0 Hybrid offers low CO2 emissions, great fuel economy and plenty of standard kit including a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and powerful LED headlights.Though it doesn’t have a huge amount of rear passenger room, it is one of the most comfortable models in the family car class. The Corolla 2.0 Hybrid is one of Toyota’s ‘self-charging’ hybrids which work well for drivers looking for an economical car that they can treat like a petrol car. Efficiency and performance is achieved through its small battery which is topped up automatically when the brakes are applied, in turn powering the electric motor.
5. Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI Life 5 Hybrid
The Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI Life 5 Hybrid comes in two PHEV forms; the standard eHybrid and the DSG – offering up to 88 miles of e-range. Whether used as a business vehicle or on the school run, it is both comfortable and roomy, yet sophisticated enough to hold its own in the carpark at a business event. It drives with composure, handles well and adapts brilliantly to most driving situations. This hybrid starts journeys in all-electric mode if the battery is sufficiently charged (except at battery temperatures of below -10°C). It can also be driven in all-electric mode at speeds of up to 80mph. It is possible to reserve electric energy during longer journeys in order to guarantee availability to drive with zero local tailpipe emissions in built-up areas further along in your journey.
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