The best plug-in hybrids

THE PLUG-IN HYBRIDS TO CHECK OUT

THE plug-in hybrid market is expanding rapidly. Nearly all manufacturers are producing their own versions, which means there are more of these battery-assisted cars to choose from. But with so many, how do you choose? We’ve picked out some of the best plug-in hybrids on sale today.

BMW X5 45E

BMW isn’t a stranger to the plug-in hybrid segment, either. While its compact 330e has been a hit for some time it’s the latest X5 45e, above, that really changes things up. It’s fitted with a 24kWh battery – far larger than many others here – which means it can return up to 60 miles of electric-only range.

But once that charge is used up, you’re still left with a silky-smooth straight-six petrol engine. However, the X5 hasn’t been designed to accept a rapid charge and can only be topped up at speeds of up to 3.7kW. It means a 0-80% charge will take more than five hours.

AUDI A3 TFSI E

Audi is hell-bent on adding plug-in hybrid versions of nearly all of its cars. The bestselling A3 is no different, and has been given a new plug-in hybrid powertrain as a result. Badged A3 TFSI e, it combines a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and batteries. You should be able to get up to 37 miles of electric-only power, while a full charge from a home wallbox will take four hours.

PEUGEOT 508 HYBRID

Peugeot’s cars have undergone quite the transformation of late, with a radical new design language changing them into some of the best-looking vehicles on the road. The 508 stands out as one of the best of the lot and now the package has been made that bit sweeter with the introduction of a hybrid version.

It uses a powertrain found in many PSA Group cars, linking up a petrol engine with an 11.8kW battery that allows for an electric-only range of between 33 and 39 miles. A full charge from a 7kW home charger will take less than two hours.

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTE

Fancy something with a slightly sportier edge? The Volkswagen

Golf GTE could be the car for the job. It’s based on the latest Golf platform, which means that it features a cabin jam-packed with technology and features.

It uses a powertrain similar to that in the Audi, with a 1.4-litre engine partnered with an electric motor and 13kW battery. When fully topped up, it should return 40 miles of electriconly range, while a 0-100% charge will take three hours and 40 minutes using a 3kW charger.

CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS PHEV

Citroen’s C5 Aircross has already made a reputation for itself, and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain only helps to add to that. In fact, with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine combining with an 80kW motor, it’s the most powerful Citroen you can buy. You also get an electric range of 40 miles, while a full charge will take around two hours from a home wallbox.

SKODA OCTAVIA IV

Skoda’s latest Octavia has knocked its rivals for six, offering a new level of build quality and standard equipment while retaining the firm’s legendary value-for-money reputation. Available in either hatch or estate layouts, it’s impressively practical too. It uses the tried-andtested Volkswagen Group’s 1.4-litre petrol engine, and you should get up to 43 miles of electric drive from a single charge, while a full charge should take three-and-a-half hours.