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Electric Car Awards 2026: Best hybrid estate car

With fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars now coming in all shapes and sizes, we’ve named the best new and used buys in every class. Here we look at the best hybrid estate cars

WINNER: Best hybrid estate

Skoda Superb Estate 1.5 TSI iV SE Technology

Skoda Superb Estate review Skoda Superb Estate deals

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Skoda Superb Estate rear driving

When you break it down, the job of an estate is pretty simple: it needs to be practical. When an estate also needs to be a good plug-in hybrid (PHEV), things get more complicated.

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You see, batteries take up quite a lot of room, and that often has an effect on how much space you have, both for passengers inside the car and for luggage in the boot. The Skoda Superb Estate PHEV, though, manages to pull off quite a coup.

You see, despite karting around a sizeable, 19.7kWh (usable capacity) battery, it still manages to be hugely practical. In the front, you have more than enough space for a pair of broad and tall adults, plus loads of storage spaces for all of their odds and ends.

Skoda Superb Estate dashboard

The same is true in the rear. Even with those tall folk in the front, a pair of similarly tall adults will find lots of head and leg room – noticeably more than they’re offered by rivals such as the Audi A4 Avant. There’s even enough shoulder room for three to sit side by side without being too cramped.

List price

£41,875

Leasing

0-62 mph

8.1 sec

Top speed

136 mph

Official economy

235.4 mpg

C02 emissions

28 g/km

Insurance group

29E

It’s true that the PHEV has a smaller boot than other Superb Estates, but its 510-litre capacity beats most PHEV estates; only the bigger, pricier BMW 5 Series Touring tops it, at 570 litres.

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The Superb Estate isn’t just a great estate, though; it’s also a great PHEV. Its official electric range of up to 85 miles should cover most commutes, to and from the office, without using any petrol.

Other than the closely related (and pricier) Volkswagen Passat, you won’t find another PHEV that gets close to the Superb’s electric range; comparable versions of the BMW 3 Series Touring, Mercedes C-Class Estate and Mercedes E-Class Estates all promise between 60 and 70 miles. So, Superb owners have more to celebrate when it comes to low petrol bills, while company car tax is kept to a minimum.

The Superb Estate isn’t as engaging to drive as the 3 Series Touring, but its steering is accurate and builds weight naturally in corners, inspiring confidence on a twisty road.

Skoda Superb Estate front driving

The Superb excels most, though, as a long-distance cruiser. Progress is especially hushed when you’re motoring on electric power, but even when the engine does kick in, it’s pretty subdued and fades away into the background at speed. And while the Passat has a plusher ride, the Superb’s is comfortable enough even on a lengthy jaunt.

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Throw in a lengthy roster of standard kit, even in this entry-level trim, and the Superb adds value to its long list of virtues.

Key facts

Engine 4cyl, 1498cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor Power 201bhp Torque 184lb ft Gearbox 6-spd automaticOfficial electric range 85 miles

Best used hybrid estate

Volkswagen Passat 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life

Volkswagen Passat front driving

On sale from 2024-present Prices from £23,000

The latest Passat is a capacious and refined load-lugger. It can be bought at a year or two old for half its new price, making it a bargain too good to ignore.

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