A renowned motoring publication has announced what they feel is the best PHEV car on sale in the UK as more people away from purely petrol powered cars
A motoring publication has unveiled the best PHEV in the UK(Image: Getty)
Although electric cars have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, particularly following geopolitical tensions affecting global fuel markets, other forms of propulsion remain popular, including petrol and diesel.
However, there is also a fourth option: hybrid. Hybrid cars are powered by a combination of fossil fuels and electricity, effectively offering a middle ground between conventional and fully electric vehicles.
Within the hybrid category, there are several sub-types. One such sub-type is the plug-in hybrid, which pairs an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor connected to a rechargeable battery. These are best known by their acronym, PHEVs—short for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
A group of automotive experts from WhatCar? have put together a list of the best plug-in hybrids currently on sale in the UK and have identified a clear winner.
Coming in first place was the MG HS, an Anglo-Chinese model with a starting list price of £18,966. The car was praised for having a premium interior, being good to drive, and offering a strong electric-only range.
An MG HS Plug-In Hybrid SUV(Image: Getty)
However, it was criticised for poor reliability, while some rivals offer more luggage space. In their summary, the reviewers said: “Think all plug-in hybrids are expensive? Prepare to think again, because in our preferred entry-level SE trim, the MG HS is one of the cheapest cars of its kind.”
Will Nightingale added: “The HS may be cheap to buy by PHEV standards, but I don’t think it feels that way inside.”
Coming in second behind the MG HS was the Skoda Superb Estate, which has a starting list price of £30,771.
A Skoda Superb estate(Image: Getty)
The Skoda’s practicality, comfortable suspension and value for money were praised, but its “grabby brakes”, interior quality, and the fact it wasn’t as fun to drive as BMW’s 3 Series Touring were noted as drawbacks.
What Car? said: “Over the years, the Skoda Superb Estate has cultivated a reputation as being one of the most practical cars around, and the latest version is no exception.”
Completing the podium was the Volkswagen Passat, starting from £34,990. The Passat, like the Skoda, has been around in various forms for decades, and this PHEV variant was similarly noted for being spacious and comfortable.
A Volkswagen Passat estate(Image: Getty)
The Passat was also praised for being cheap to run as a company car. However, it lost marks for not being as sharp to drive as it could be, for lacking physical controls, and, like the MG, for some concerns over reliability.
The reviewers recommended: “Go for mid-range Elegance trim, as we suggest you do, and you’ll have all the luxuries you could want, including massaging front seats with heating, and a wider range of ambient colour choices for the interior.”
