Recommendations for hybrid family car

Michael Knight

Michael Knight

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Looking for a affordable family hybrid for wifey. One option is corolla hybrid 1.8 - any recommendations in this segment? We have had VWs in the past but service has gone worse in late years here so kind of looking the other side of the fence now
 
New or used?

Doing much short trips or long ones too? If I bought a new car today with an electric motor, I wouldn't buy one without plugin capability...
 
mattipuh said:
Looking for a affordable family hybrid for wifey. One option is corolla hybrid 1.8 - any recommendations in this segment? We have had VWs in the past but service has gone worse in late years here so kind of looking the other side of the fence now
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The CEO has a 2.0 C-HR as her car which she uses for business and general duties. She likes the SUV driving position and looks of the C-HR. The 2.0 has a bit more go than the 1.8 but after living with it I’d say it’s probably not required. Toyota Hybrid platform works really nicely , so far very happy with it 👍
 
Onehp said:
New or used?

Doing much short trips or long ones too? If I bought a new car today with an electric motor, I wouldn't buy one without plugin capability...
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Most likely 1-3 year old
95% short 5-25km
 
The 1.8 Corolla does 60+mpg and it's an easy car to drive. A bit dull though, and won't raise the pulse at all. It will drive 70% of the time on electric in the city, it's really good at that. Alternatively the 2.0 is a bit quicker and less economical. A Yaris Hybrid would be a good choice too, especially if it's for short journeys.
 
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RAV4's any good these days? :unsure:
Drove one in Oz and it was fine... but now they're all hybrid... :unsure: o_O
 
Corolla looks quite okayish - 2.0 would be my choice but let's see if we get there. ;)
 
Just picked up a Ford Kuga today. Only taken it for a short drive so far but it already feels much nicer to drive than the XC60 it replaced. And by nicer I mean more like a warm hatch in the handling than a wallowy tank like the Volvo.

It’s currently plugged in via a 10A 3 pin plug, and charge time estimated at 5 hours. It does around 30 miles electric only so is perfect for all the school runs and local drives my wife does, but without the range anxiety when we head to Wales, which we do a fair bit.

The steering feels a little light but I think there’s a sport mode which adds weight and it has the 225bhp 2.5 engine so plenty of grunt for what it is! The seats are a bit flat and unsupportive laterally too, but lumbar support is good.

Heads up, another shitty low light iPhone snap incoming.
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I’m eagerly waiting what the next Prado will be like. It’s supposedly coming next year and will feature a hybrid drivetrain.
 
We will most likely go with Corolla 1.8 hybrid though trying to stay out from decisions. Our middle one (3yrs) was praising GR again how wonderful car it is 😉
 
Steve said:
Just picked up a Ford Kuga today. Only taken it for a short drive so far but it already feels much nicer to drive than the XC60 it replaced. And by nicer I mean more like a warm hatch in the handling than a wallowy tank like the Volvo.

It’s currently plugged in via a 10A 3 pin plug, and charge time estimated at 5 hours. It does around 30 miles electric only so is perfect for all the school runs and local drives my wife does, but without the range anxiety when we head to Wales, which we do a fair bit.

The steering feels a little light but I think there’s a sport mode which adds weight and it has the 225bhp 2.5 engine so plenty of grunt for what it is! The seats are a bit flat and unsupportive laterally too, but lumbar support is good.

Heads up, another shitty low light iPhone snap incoming.
View attachment 992
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Slight misconception, the engine is a 2.5 Atkinson cycle 156bhp engine mated in parrallel to a electric motor to produce 225bhp. So it’s not the 2.5L that’s giving it the grunt but the additional power from the electric motor. But it’s a good sign your unable to tell as it shows it works seemlessly
 
Kaxe said:
RAV4's any good these days? :unsure:
Drove one in Oz and it was fine... but now they're all hybrid... :unsure: o_O
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I have a 70 plate Excel and it suits me. Plenty of grunt plus around 220 horses combined when you need it. Seems to average around 45mpg but gets just into the 50's on a run, could probably do better but I'm a lead foot! Cabin is nice and spacey, panoramic roof, heated seats and steering wheel and comfortable. Love it!!
 
The new Octavia plug in hybrid was reviewed on 5th gear last night and trounced the equivalent VW, Peugeot & Beemer models. Worth checking out the program if not the car.
 
Went to test drive Corolla Touring 1.8 Hybrid today
- suprisingly comfortable ride and plush driveline - of course its not sporty but really easy and relaxing to drive
- nice interior and materials
- sat nav in that older model is not good but if equipped with phone sync it doesn't really matter as you can use phones nav
- Averaged 4ltr/100km in the city

If we had more budget MY20 Rav4 would be tempting but it costs almost 15k€ more so it litte too expensive.
 
My wife has a Yaris Cross hybrid, All Wheel Drive and likes it. I drive it occasionally and am impressed. A good option for a family car and 50+ mpg with the 1.5 three cylinder engine.
 
I test drove now both 2.0 and 1.8 Hybrid Corolla and actually preferred the driveline of the 1.8. Don't know if its the lighter weight of the car but 2.0 felt heavier (which it is by 70kg). It might be better in road driving but as we drive 90% in the city I prefer the lighter feel of 1.8. In addition, felt like 1.8 was going more with electric power than 2.0, even though it has a smaller battery.
 
If you are thinking about a 1-3 year old Corolla and plan to use finance then you may be better off getting a new one. They are still on 0% PCP with a deposit contribution and you can get a few thousand off via Carwow on top.

I did the sums and it's cheaper than a used one on PCP/loan.

The Yaris hybrid might be better if you plan to drive locally most of the time. They are on 0% and a new one may be better than a used Corolla.
 
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