Best hybrids to buy

By Martin Pretorius

They represent the first indication that the beloved internal combustion engine is nearing the end of its reign, which is probably the reason why most motoring enthusiasts hate hybrids and all they represent. But technology has no regard for tradition, and hybrids have become a lot more agreeable since the earliest examples of this genre trundled onto our roads. Far from soul-sucking appliances, most of the latest hybrids actually offer a compelling blend of efficiency and performance, making them eminently sensible for the city-bound driver and long-distance cruiser alike. Here are some of the best currently available hybrids.

Volvo XC90 T8

This is a massive, heavy 7-seater SUV, yet it is quite capable of storming performance the one moment, and zero-consumption electric motoring the next. As we found in our test of the XC90 T8 , your results may vary: if you use it mainly in heavy traffic, it will most likely use very little fuel, but it becomes significantly less enticing in long-distance driving.

It compensates for this with a combined power output of at least 300 kW (more if it's Polestarred), yet it's still significantly more economical to operate than any other large SUV with comparable performance. Think of it as a very fast SUV with the potential for great economy in town. It's also quite expensive, but that is more or less expected when you buy something which represents the current state of the automotive art.

Toyota Prius

Let's leave all the typical Prius stereotypes at the door, because there's good reason why this pioneering vehicle is still going strong well into its fourth generation: it's really good at its intended job, even if it's very weirdly styled and still not particularly enjoyable to drive. Under the bonnet, you'll find a 1.8-litre petrol engine mated to something Toyota calls Hybrid Synergy Drive, which is basically a fancy CVT-type drivetrain which incorporates the electric motors and transmission in one unit.

All-electric range is rather limited (expect to barely get into the double digits in town, and only at low speeds), but the clever bit is the way in which Toyota harvests wasted energy from the brakes to provide a usable on-demand performance boost for the wheezing petrol engine. If the Prius is just too weird-looking for your taste, you can get almost the same efficiency (and more power) in an Auris as well, along with a R 40 000 price drop and considerably more palatable styling.

The Germans

Both Mercedes-Benz and BMW offer hybrid variants of their compact executive saloon cars, and BMW has hybrid 7-series and X5s as well. These are more traditionally-minded hybrids, in the sense that they attempt to boost economy without adding significantly to the cars' performance. The petrol component of their drivetrains are all 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinders, with varying levels of electrical assistance to boost the power on tap.

They're significantly less potent than the Volvo, for instance, with the BMW 330e only offering 185 kW as a combined output, the Mercedes C350e sitting at the 205 kW mark and “40e” variants of the X5 and 7-series managing 230 kW and 240 kW, respectively. They are however the only German hybrids currently on offer locally, so if you want that prestige badge along with some electric motivation, you'll have to take whatever you can get.

Infiniti Q50S Hybrid

Also playing in the executive saloon arena, the Infiniti Q50S takes a different approach to that of the Germans. At the heart of the beast is a 3.5-litre petrol V6, mounted in series with an electric motor and 7-speed automatic gearbox. This combination results in explosive performance, as we found in our road test.

And yet, for all its eco credentials, it's a real road-burner, with the 0 – 100 km/h sprint dispatched in a mere 5.1 seconds, while at the same time sipping petrol to the tune of a commendable test average of 8.0 ℓ/100 km. It really is the best of all worlds, offering storming performance and admirable frugality in a package with surprising dynamic flair. It may just take you some time to get used to that drive-by-wire steering. Not even the best hybrids are without some flaws, you see... 

We're sure to see sustained growth in the hybrid arena for the foreseeable future, as more and more manufacturers move away from diesels into cleaner, greener pastures. And, as technology progresses, the cars will become more agreeable as well. But even with currently available technology, hybrids are already far from a fringe alternative. If you choose the appropriate one, you may even have some fun behind the wheel as well.