The latest DS 7 Crossback is a practical choice, but rivals including the Audi Q3 and Lexus NX are better to drive. The hybrid system also isn’t the most smooth or refined, even though the official electric-only range is quite good at 40 miles.

DS 7 Crossback E-Tense

best-plug-in-hybrid-cars-2024-–-best-and-worst-phevs-named

plug-in-hybrid-cars

Mercedes

Estate

Lexus

Saloon

C-Class

Hatchback

Audi

Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

3 Series

Hyundai

Santa Fe

Sportage

It's a case of 'better late than never' for this plug-in hybrid version of the Mazda MX-30. You see, the electric <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n26435">MX-30</a> doesn't rank among our favourite electric cars, being hampered by a short official range and fast depreciation. The R-EV looks to address the first of those problems directly, by using a tiny engine to act as a generator for its battery – allowing you to go further.

The R-EV is also more powerful than regular MX-30, with 168bhp rather than 143bhp – resulting in a lower 0-62mph sprint time of 9.1 seconds.&nbsp;

As a cash buy, you'll pay less for the R-EV than you would for rivals including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ds/ds-4/hatchback/review/n17141">DS 4 E-Tense</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/niro/estate/review/n17190">Kia Niro</a> PHEV, and you should also benefit from lower running costs – although, as with most plug-in hybrids, you're unlikely to match the official economy figure of 283mpg unless you're able to plug the car in regularly.

Downsides? Well, the MX-30 shares the same space issues as its electric sibling, because there isn't much of it. And while its odd reverse-hinged rear doors add some visual drama of getting in and out, they can be tricky to use in narrow parking bays.&nbsp;

At the time of writing, prices for the Mazda MX-30 R-EV start from £31,495.

“Pressing the brake pedal on the MX-30 R-EV requires a bit more pressure than the one in the DS 4 E-Tense, but I don't think that's a bad thing, because its more precise response makes it easier to bring the Mazda to a halt smoothly.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a>

<h3>Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30 R-EV&nbsp;review</a></h3>

Mazda MX-30

With its official electric-only range of 80 miles, the Mercedes GLC 300e has one of the longest ranges of any plug-in hybrid on sale.

However, there’s more to the GLC 300e than just range. The system is very smooth and refined, while performance is brisk. And while the plug-in hybrid GLC doesn't handle with quite the same agility as regular models, but it still offers plenty of grip and composure, and the steering is accurate enough to let you place the GLC wherever you want it.

As with many other new Mercedes models, the GLC is offered with a shedload of tech, with an infotainment system that’s responsive and easy to navigate. The boot is also a good size, while rear space is better than in the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/nx/estate/review/n132">Lexus NX</a>. Overall, it’s a brilliant package that’s ideal for both company car drivers and families alike.

At the time of writing, prices for the Mercedes GLC 300e&nbsp;start from £58,710.

“With standard air suspension at the rear, the GLC does a fine job of soaking up bumps, plus it remains hushed even at motorway speeds” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor</a>

<h3>Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/4x4/review/n17345">Mercedes GLC review</a></h3>

Mercedes GLC 300e

Choice is the order of the day in the latest E-Class, because you can have it in petrol mild hybrid, petrol plug-in hybrid or even diesel forms. And that's before you get to the fully electric <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/eqe/saloon/review/n25101">Mercedes EQE</a>.

The E300e plug-in hybrid is our recommended choice, and gets a combined 328bhp from its 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor. In fact, it's currently the most potent E-Class you can buy, accelerating from 0-62mph in a hot hatch-rivalling 6.5 seconds.

As a luxury car counting the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a> among its key rivals, you'd expect the E-Class to be comfortable inside, and to be surrounded by premium materials. That's largely the case, although the E-Class' infotainment system is neither as slick nor as intuitive to operate as the 5 Series' iDrive setup. And while the interior is visually appealing, the materials aren't as plush as those used on the A6.

This sixth-generation E-Class is larger in every respect than its predecessor, and that means there's lots of head and leg room throughout, and while plug-in hybrid models lose some boot space compared with regular versions, there's still likely to be enough for your family's holiday luggage.

At the time of writing, prices for the Mercedes E-Class E300e start from £68,020.

“I like the E-Class' rear seats – the space is generous, and the seatbacks fold down in a handy 40/20/40 split, so you can load longer items with ease while still keeping space for a passenger or two.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a>

<h3>Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class review</a></h3>

Mercedes E-Class E300e

Given that its models occupy three spaces on this list, you'd be right in assuming that Mercedes clearly knows a thing or two about building tempting plug-in hybrids. Indeed, this version of the C-Class shares many of the same positive attributes as its GLC and E-Class siblings, but crucially will cost you less to buy.

Plug-in hybrids tend to be less comfortable than their conventionally powered siblings, because the extra weight of the batteries requires a stiffer suspension set-up, but the C300e comes with rear air suspension as standard, which helps to solve this problem.&nbsp;

In addition, being able to run on elecrtric power for up to 68 miles at a time – according to official figures – helps it to qualify for a super-low company car tax rating.

The C300e can be a relatively practical choice, too, with a boot that’s just as long and wide as that of the regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">C-Class</a>. And while interior build quality&nbsp;falls some way behind rivals such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/review/n105">Audi A4</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a>, there’s no denying the visual wow factor.

At the time of writing, prices for the Mercedes C-Class C300e start from £52,025.

“It's easy to get comfortable inside the C-Class. All versions come with plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, while AMG Line Premium cars and above get electric seat adjustment – useful if, like me, you have a long commute.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/stuart-milne/n25965">Stuart Milne, Digital Editor</a>

<h3>Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes C-Class review</a></h3>

Mercedes C-Class C300e

Only a handful of plug-in hybrids can travel further on a charge than the BMW X5, which is particularly impressive given that it’s a big, luxurious SUV.

In fact, if you commute less than 30 miles each way to work, the 65-mile electric range of the X5 xDrive50e could mean you’ll not burn a drop of fuel. Keep the battery charged, and you could see the official figure of 235mpg, although we recorded 27mpg when driving with a flat battery. Most drivers should see fuel economy between those two extremes, and company car drivers will enjoy low tax bills regardless.

Like the rest of the X5 range, the plug-in hybrid is superb to drive, with comfortable yet sure-footed handling and responsive steering. Its trump card here is straight-line performance: it takes 4.8sec to accelerate from 0-62mph – fractionally faster than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-sport/4x4/review/n74">Range Rover Sport</a>.

Inside, the X5 – in any guise – is hard to fault. The quality is exceptional, and the tech is brilliant, easy to use and plentiful. It’s just a shame it’s not quite as practical as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/review/n99">Volvo XC90</a>.

At the time of writing, prices for the BMW X5 xDrive50e start from £80,835.

“It's very efficient, but the X5 comes with very wide tyres as standard, and these generate a fair amount of road noise as you drive along. Thankfully, the X5's standard stereo speakers can drown the din&nbsp;out.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/darren-moss/n1005">Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor</a>

<h3>Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5 review</a></h3>

BMW X5 xDrive50e

The plug-in hybrid P300e is our favourite engine in the Range Rover Evoque. It's the fastest model in the range (0-62mph takes just 6.1sec) and is smooth around town yet punchy on the motorway. It combines a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and 15kWh battery, and can officially travel up to 38 miles on electric-only power.&nbsp;

As you’d expect from a car that bears the Range Rover name, the Evoque’s interior is beautifully finished, with most of the surfaces you touch regularly coated in high-end materials. The driving position is also spot on, giving you a great view out and placing you higher than in most rival SUVs. Lots of adjustment means that it's easy to get comfy, too.

The Evoque is also surprisingly spacious for its size, having more space for rear passengers than most other family SUVs, although the boot isn’t as big as you’ll find in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x1/estate/review/n25006">BMW X1</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>.

At the time of writing, prices for the Range Rover Evoque P300e&nbsp;start from £49,000.

“The Evoque is a good choice if you regularly need to fill every seat in your car – that's because its rearbench is nice and wide, meaning fitting three adults side by side is less of a squeeze than in most rivals.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta, Head of Video</a>

<h3>Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/4x4/review/n109">Range Rover Evoque&nbsp;review</a></h3>

Range Rover Evoque P300e

If you’re in the market for a relatively compact plug-in hybrid with a premium badge on its nose, we’d recommend taking a look at the Audi A3 40 TFSIe.&nbsp;

As well as having a high-quality interior, the A3 impresses with an excellent driving position and a comfy ride. Yes, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n88">Mercedes A-Class</a> A250e has a slightly cheaper purchase price and a marginally better electric-only range – the A3 manages 25 miles in real-world driving –&nbsp;but it’s not as refined, it doesn’t handle as well and at times its ride is more fractious.&nbsp;

The A3 is peppy, with a combined 201bhp from its 1.4-litre petrol engine and electric motor, resulting in a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.6sec.

Front-seat passengers will have nothing to complain about in the A3, and while six-feet passengers in the rear won't be sprawling in luxury, they will be comfortable – the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/leon/hatchback/review/n89">Seat Leon</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/octavia/hatchback/review/n39">Skoda Octavia</a> are both better bets if space is your top priority. The Octavia also has a bigger boot, though the A3's should take your weekly shop or a couple of suitcases without any trouble.

At the time of writing, prices for the Audi A3 40 TFSIe&nbsp;start from £36,400.

“There are two sides to every coin, so while you'll pay slightly more for the Audi A3 than you would for equivalent versions of the BMW 1 Series, it'll hold on to its value better over the years – meaning you'll get a bigger percentage of your money back when you come to sell it.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a>

<h3>Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3 review</a></h3>

Audi A3 40 TFSIe

The latest Lexus NX is one of the most compelling reasons to go green that we've yet seen, with a long electric-only range that should not only slash your running costs, but also makes for tempting company car tax rates.&nbsp;

This <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/large-suvs/n17006">large SUV</a> is good to drive, too, and has an interior that's hard to fault in any respect – indeed, it places you higher above the road than the rival <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">Audi Q5</a>, giving you a more commanding driving position. Plus, it’s a car your family will enjoy, because they’ll have more room to stretch out than they would in some rivals, and the boot will have no trouble swallowing your holiday luggage.

In short, Lexus has proved that driving an electrified car without accepting compromises need not be a fantasy.

At the time of writing, prices for the Lexus NX 450h+ start from £54,950.

“If you're the kind of driver who likes to make a quick getaway from traffic lights, then you'll appreciate the extra pulling power that the 450h+ has over lesser NX models – its 305bhp is enough to reach 60mph in 5.8 seconds, which is faster than the Mercedes GLC 300e could manage.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/mark-pearson/n1035">Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor</a>

<h3>Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/nx/estate/review/n132">Lexus NX review</a></h3>

Lexus NX 450h+

You’re probably familiar with the BMW 3 Series;&nbsp;it’s long had a reputation for being among the best <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-executive-cars-2023/n2004">executive cars</a> you can buy, and these days, our preferred version is also a plug-in hybrid.

The 330e model combines an electric motor with a punchy yet smooth 2.0-litre petrol engine, for an official electric range of 37 miles –&nbsp;that could be enough to cover your daily commute without using a drop of fuel.

Elsewhere, the 330e is nearly as rewarding to drive as any 3 Series, with sharp handling and a firm, well-controlled ride. The interior, meanwhile, is classy, comfortable&nbsp;and exceptionally user-friendly. Indeed, BMW's infotainment system is easier to get along with than the touchscreen setups you'll find in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/review/n105">Audi A4</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes C-Class</a>.

At the time of writing, prices for the BMW 3 Series 330e&nbsp;start from £46,985.

“Like a lot of plug-in hybrids, pushing down on the 330e's brake pedal activates a regenerative braking system which, to the uninitiated, can feel a bit odd. It's useful, though, and I found it&nbsp;more confidence-inspiring than the brakes of some rivals.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/george-hill/n23609">George Hill, Staff Writer</a>

<h3>Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series&nbsp;review</a></h3>

BMW 3 Series 330e

There are lots of impressive facts and figures associated with the Hyundai Santa Fe plug-in hybrid. There's the 36 miles that it can officially cover before it needs to burn any fuel. Then there's the 173.7mpg and 37g/km of CO2 that it averaged in official tests. But perhaps the most significant number of all is seven, because it’s one of the few plug-in hybrids that can carry that many people.

Altermatively, you can fill its massive boot with luggage instead – in our tests, we fitted 10 carry-on suitcases inside, which is more than the rival <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/x-trail/4x4/review/n51">Nissan X-Trail</a>.

The Santa Fe also impresses for value, because you get so much equipment as standard. Even entry-level cars come with adaptive cruise control, heated leather seats and keyless entry.

Just be aware that an all-new Santa Fe is due to arrive in the UK very soon, and should offer an improved all-electric range.

At the time of writing, prices for the Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 T-GDi plug-in hybrid 4WD&nbsp;start from £48,385.

“The third row of the Santa Fe is amazingly spacious relative to rivals, and no longer means that anyone relegated to the rearmost seats will feel like they've drawn the short straw.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/claire-evans/n1100">Claire Evans, Consumer Editor</a>

<h3>Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/santa-fe/4x4/review/n68">Hyundai Santa Fe review</a></h3>

<hr />
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Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 T-GDi PHEV

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

MX-30

We all want the world to be a cleaner, greener place, but when it comes to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), what's good for the planet can be good for your finances too. That’s because their low CO2 emissions make them affordable <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/company-cars">company car</a> choices, and if you charge them regularly  they can be cheap to run for all.By combining a small petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be topped up via mains electricity, there's the potential to eke out incredible fuel economy, without suffering the range anxiety that’s often associated with fully <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>.

After thousands of hours spent testing all of the latest plug-in hybrids, our highly experienced <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-cars/n17596">road testers</a> have concluded that the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30 R-EV</a> is the best of the bunch – but you'll need to read on to find out why it’s our pick, and which version is best.

Please note that the prices you see here will in some cases reflect the non-hybrid version of the car – we've noted the prices for hybrid versions as of the time of writing alongside each model where that's the case, but you can also find them by following the links through to the relevant model.

If you decide that the MX-30 or any other car on this list is right for you, you can click on the review links to discover more or follow the deals links to find more discounts with our free <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals</a> service.<hr /><a href="https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90474827/d77b5cae5b94&amp;rdt=4">The 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey is live, tell us about your car now</a>

We all want the world to be a cleaner, greener place, but when it comes to plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), what's good for the planet can be good for your finances too. That’s because their low CO2 emissions make them affordable <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/company-cars">company car</a> choices, and if you charge them regularly  they can be cheap to run for all.

By combining a small petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be topped up via mains electricity, there's the potential to eke out incredible fuel economy, without suffering the range anxiety that’s often associated with fully <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>.

After thousands of hours spent testing all of the latest plug-in hybrids, our highly experienced <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-cars/n17596">road testers</a> have concluded that the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30 R-EV</a> is the best of the bunch – but you'll need to read on to find out why it’s our pick, and which version is best.Please note that the prices you see here will in some cases reflect the non-hybrid version of the car – we've noted the prices for hybrid versions as of the time of writing alongside each model where that's the case, but you can also find them by following the links through to the relevant model.

Best plug-in hybrid cars 2024 – best and worst PHEVs named

plug-in hybrid cars

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Usefully long electric-only range</li> <li>Exceedingly frugal</li> <li>Cheap company car tax rates</li> <li>Smooth switching between electric and petrol power</li></ul>

If you're not ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle&nbsp;but have the capacity to charge your car at home or at work, a plug-in hybrid could be the perfect compromise. Electric batteries paired with a petrol or diesel&nbsp;engine means you'll never be left short of charge&nbsp;but can capitalise on cheap running costs, thanks to a surprisingly long electric-only range.

There's plenty of choice, too, whether you're after a sporty saloon like the BMW 3 Series, the 330e variant of which providing up to 36 miles of electric-only driving on a full charge, or a large load-lugging large SUV, including the Volvo XC90 T8, which claims an extraordinary&nbsp;113mpg.

Throw in competent handling and driving prowess, despite the added weight of the electric batteries, and a plug-in hybrid&nbsp;makes a compelling case for frugal buyers.&nbsp;

Plug-in hybrid

Plug-in hybrid cars can reduce fuel consumption to an absolute minimum, but which models are the best all-rounders and which ones should you avoid?

Best plug-in hybrid cars 2024 – best and worst PHEVs named        

A former motorsport team and independent tuning company, Abarth is now owned by Fiat and responsible for the firm’s sportiest cars.

In recent years, Fiat has even tried to establish Abarth as a standalone brand – in the same way that Citroën has split off its DS luxury division. However, the major difference is that DS cars look completely different from the Citroëns on which they’re based, whereas Abarths rely on bodykits and big wheels to mark them out.

The Abarth 595, for example, is a beefed-up Fiat 500 hatchback, while the Abarth 124 Spider is a hotter version of its Fiat namesake.

ABARTH

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive and has performed very well in the annual What Car? Reliability Survey, while the closely related Stelvio competes in the booming SUV class.

Smaller and larger SUVs are planned, as is a two-door coupé version of the Giulia that will take on the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

BMW ALPINA

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition, featuring paintwork-protecting ‘Airbumps’ and eschewing the sporty looks favoured by most rivals.

Indeed, Citroën tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from small hatchbacks (such as the C1 and C3) to big, family-friendly seven-seaters (the Spacetourer and Grand C4 Spacetourer).

The C3 Aircross SUV is another of its popular models, while a larger C5 Aircross is planned.

CITROEN

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

There's just one car in the line-up at the moment: the Cupra Ateca SUV. However, Cupra versions of the Ibiza and Leon hatchbacks are also planned, as is a bespoke model which –&nbsp;initially, at least –&nbsp;won't be offered in regular Seat from.

Don't think that the first Cupra is just an Ateca with a bit more power and a sporty bodykit, either. Its&nbsp;engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system are actually very similar to what you'll find in Volkswagen's flagship Golf R hot hatch, and the car can hit 62mph in just 5.4sec.

CUPRA

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds Britain’s cheapest new cars, the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the PSA Group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

In 2018, DS stated that it planned to launch a new model every year, with all of these influenced by the French fashion industry and&nbsp;designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

First to arrive (that same year) was the&nbsp;DS 7 Crossback – a large SUV that competes with the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Then in 2019 this was followed by the smaller DS3 Crossback SUV, which is not only available&nbsp;with petrol and diesel engines, but also in fully electric E-Tense form.

More recently, DS&nbsp;unveiled its answer to the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class luxury saloons. And while this DS 9 won't now go on sale until 2021, when it does arrive it will be offered with a choice of petrol, hybrid and fully electric power.

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

GWM ORA

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Polestar is a relative newcomer to the new car market, having been born as a motorsport team later bought by Volvo. Today it produces a range of upmarket, fully-electric vehicles and as a brand now sits independently of Volvo.

Its models are given numerical names, and unusually these don’t denote the size of the model, rather they indicate the order in which they’re launched. The now-discontinued Polestar 1 was the firm’s first model and the Polestar 2 is an executive hatchback which is a direct rival for the Tesla Model 3. The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV, Polestar 4 a coupé and Polestar 5 a performance car.

Polestar has a focus on sustainability: in 2020 was the first car maker to release a study to show the carbon footprint of its cars, and in 2021 it started a project to ensure rare-Earth materials such as cobalt – used in many electric car batteries – are sourced responsibly.

POLESTAR

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

Owned by Mercedes-Benz and with a reputation for making small, clever cars, Smart offers a striking, upmarket alternative to more conventional rivals.

It currently has a two-car line-up, the smaller of the two being the distinctive Fortwo, which, as its name suggests, is an ultra-short two-seater that uses an unusual rear-engined configuration to deliver the sort of turning circle that even London taxis can only dream of. It's a doddle to park in small spaces, too.

Smart's 'family car' is the Forfour, which is little more than a stretched version of the Fortwo, with a second row of seats and a larger boot. It's more of a natural rival for cars like the Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

On paper, both cars come at a considerable price premium when compared with rivals, something it says is justified by its badge appeal and the technology in the cars.&nbsp;However, sales have been slow and there are often keen Target Price deals to be found.

SMART

Ssangyong has made giant strides in recent years, after it was taken over by a new owner and given a injection of investment to help its bid to become a credible car maker.

The result so far is a range of cars dominated by SUVs (as well as a single pick-up), most of which are below the class average standard but all of which have merits, including the amount of space and practicality they offer for the money.

The highlight in the range is currently the Korando, a Nissan Qashqai rival that offers all the space of that car but for a price closer to the much smaller Nissan Juke’s. It is very roomy and has decent engines, but it’s let down a bit by interior quality, high running costs and poor resale values.

SSANGYONG

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

2 Hybrid

CX-30

The arrival of the Mazda MX-30 R-EV is a great example of the phrase "better late than never". You see, this plug-in hybrid small SUV – arriving a few years after the fully electric <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n26435">Mazda MX-30</a> – appears to have been worth the wait.

While the pure electric version has an official range of just 124 miles, the R-EV has a smaller battery but adds a compact petrol engine and a 50-litre fuel tank to give a total range of around 400 miles. That makes the R-EV far more flexible for buyers who want the option of doing long journeys without worrying about charging up.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wYJl6VmWxBg?si=UUDYtFgTIAc_Aa5M" width="560"></iframe>

Other than a couple of details,&nbsp;the R-EV looks just like the EV. To tell the difference, you'll need&nbsp;to look out for badges on the front wings, a badge on the boot, wheels that come in a darker finish and the absence of a green strip on the numberplates.

So, is the Mazda MX-30 R-EV the best version to go for, and how does it compare with rival <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid&nbsp;SUVs</a>? Read on to find out...

The plug-in hybrid MX-30 is&nbsp;good to drive and relatively cheap to run

Mazda MX-30 R-EV

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Running costs that won’t break the bank </li> <li>Generous kit</li> <li>Pokey engine and tidy handling</li> <li>Spacious interior</li> <li>Boot big enough to cope with family life</li></ul>

The car-buying public has fallen in love with small SUVs, or crossovers as they’re often called, with thousands turning away from conventional hatchbacks in favour of something that rides that little bit higher.

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