As more and more of us consider buying low emission cars, we take a look at the top ten hybrids on offer at the moment.
The 2011 Toyota Prius has more power and is bigger than its predecessor but still offers the top mpg for any hybrid. It can achieve 50 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
In second place is the Honda Civic Hybrid. The 2012 Civic Hybrid has an updated exterior and interior and averages 44mpg, both on the highway and around town. It’s also the first Honda hybrid to use a lithium ion battery.
Hybrids are also now available on the luxury platforms. The Lexus CT 200h combines the practicality of owning a hybrid along with style and sporty driving. This is Lexus’ fifth hybrid and it has 42 mpg in the city and highway. It is the first luxury vehicle to achieve more than 40 mpg.
The Honda Insight can achieve 40 mpg around town and 43 mpg on the highway. The 2011 version has improved suspension to its predecessor, giving more comfort and a better ride.
Toyota’s 2012 Camry Hybrid has a high torque electric motor with nickel-metal hydride batteries and four-cylinder engine. Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system directs power to the front wheels through continuously variable transmission.
Ford gave its 2010 Fusion hybrid a major rework, so the 2011 model is largely unchanged. The Ford Fusion hybrid is a family sedan that received much praise in 2010 for combining all the benefits of being a hybrid with being fun to drive. It can get 41 mpg in the city.
The Lincoln MKZ hybrid is Ford’s first luxury hybrid. It’s a parallel hybrid – meaning that it can operate in three different modes – solely electric, petrol or a combination of the two. On a full charge, the battery pack can power the car as an electric vehicle for around two miles at 47mph.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a mainstream hybrid that will achieve 37 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid has a 2.4 litre engine with six speed transmission. It has the same hybrid drivetrain as the Sonata hybrid: with a 2.4 litre engine, six speed transmission, a 30kW electric motor with lithium polymer batteries. Its mpg is 36 in the city and 40 on the highway.
The Honda CR-Z combines hybrid technology with the look and feel of a sports car. The two-seater achieves 35 mpg around town and 39 mpg on the highway. Drivers can choose between three operation modes – Sport, Normal and Econ. Selecting Sport improves the throttle response and adds more electric power. Econ mode is the best for fuel efficiency.
