Hybrid small cars 2024 at a glance

Overview: Hybrid species

Hybrid vehicles have evolved a lot in recent years, offering a variety of technologies that reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions. There are different types of hybrid powertrains, which differ in how they work and their advantages. Well-known types are mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)

A mild hybrid system supports the combustion engine with a small electric motor and a battery. The electric motor cannot drive the vehicle on its own, but supports the combustion engine in accelerating and enables the use of start-stop systems. This leads to an improvement in fuel efficiency and a reduction in CO2 emissions. .

Full Hybrid (HEV - Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

A full hybrid has a larger electric motor and battery compared to a mild hybrid. The electric motor can drive the vehicle on its own, but this is more suitable for city traffic. The combustion engine is only switched on when necessary, such as on longer journeys. The battery of the electric motor recharges when the combustion engine is switched on and can spare energy, such as when driving downhill.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

A plug-in hybrid can be charged from an external power source as well as use the combustion engine. These vehicles have larger batteries that allow for longer distances in all-electric mode. The combustion engine is only used when needed or when the battery is discharged. Plug-in hybrids offer the flexibility to drive longer distances electrically while maintaining the range of a conventional vehicle.

8 affordable hybrid small cars at a glance

Fiat Panda 1.0 GSE (mild hybrid)

In November 2020, the Fiat Panda 1.0 GSE 51kW got its facelift. The 3-cylinder engine has an output of only 51 kW (71 hp) and thus it can be assumed that the Fiat Panda lacks liveliness. The maximum torque is given as 92 Newton meters and if you go for it and cheerfully shift through the six gears, you will first accelerate to 100 km/h within 13.9 seconds and then reach speeds of up to 164 km/h a little later.

The operation in the Fiat Panda is not a problem, the trunk volume is given as 200-870 liters, the tank capacity as 35-38 liters and this brings us to the crux of the matter. Despite the mild hybrid, consumption is 5.0 - 5.2 liters per 100 km and other vehicle manufacturers can now do better. Due to the lack of safety and assistance systems, the Fiat Panda received zero stars in the Euro NCAP crash test in 2018. This low-cost hybrid vehicle has two rear seats, four airbags, manual air conditioning and a payload of 365 kg ex works. Cost point from 13,340 euros upwards.

Discover Fiat Panda at AutoScout24.de now.

Hyundai i20 Hybrid (mild hybrid)

At a price starting at 18,920 euros, the Hyundai i20 is available with the mild hybrid drive. A 74 kW / 100 hp 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine is available for propulsion, which has a maximum torque of 172 Newton meters. The 4.07-metre-long and 2.04-metre-wide vehicle has comfortable seats and sufficient space on the two front seats, while the space is somewhat more cramped in the rear. With a luggage compartment volume of between 262 and 1,165 liters, the Hyundai i20 can score points in its segment, similar to a drawbar load of up to 75 kg. The tank holds 40 liters, so those who manage the standard consumption of 5.4 l/100 km can drive about 700 kilometers on one tank of fuel. The payload is at least 352 kg, and the roof may be loaded with a maximum of 70 kg. In addition to the six airbags, the standard equipment already includes emergency braking, lane departure warning and traffic sign assist. Cruise control helps to maintain speed on country roads and motorways.

Discover Hyundai i20 at AutoScout24.de now.

Kia Rio Hybrid (mild hybrid)

The Kia Rio 1.0 T-GDI with 48-volt mild hybrid system not only has a good amount of space and good workmanship, but also numerous assistance systems as standard. The 4.07-metre-long and 2.00-metre-wide Kia Rio got its last facelift in August 2020. As a mild hybrid variant, the vehicle has an output of 88 kW/120 hp, driven by the front axle. The torque of 200 Nm is transmitted to the front wheels either via a 6-speed manual transmission or via a 7-speed automatic.

With acceleration within 10.2 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 190 km/h, this mild hybrid is the fastest in our list to date. With a consumption of 5.4 l/100 km, the Kia Rio is on par with the Hyundai i20, but thanks to the 45-liter tank, it can cover up to 750 kilometers on one tank of fuel. In terms of price, the Kia Rio 1.0 T-GDI with hybrid drive starts at 23,690 euros.

Discover Kia Rio at AutoScout24.de now.

Opel Corsa Hybrid (full hybrid)

The Opel Corsa Hybrid represents an innovative addition to the range of the small car bestseller and is equipped with advanced 48-volt technology. This new hybrid variant combines a 1.2-liter gasoline engine in two power levels, specially designed for use in a hybrid vehicle. The combustion engine is supplemented by an electrified six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 21 kW (28 hp) electric motor.

The hybrid technology of the Corsa aims to increase efficiency, especially in urban traffic. At low speeds, the vehicle can be operated completely electrically for a short time, resulting in a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of around 18 percent compared to exclusively conventionally powered models. In addition, the compact system does not require any additional interior space and does not require external charging. The Opel Corsa Hybrid is available at a starting price of 26,100 euros, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious drivers.

Discover the Opel Corsa at AutoScout24.de now.

Mazda 2 Hybrid (Full Hybrid)

At prices starting at 17,000 euros, the first Mazda with a full hybrid drive is rolling on the roads. The Mazda 2 Hybrid is based on the Toyota Yaris and shares not only the technology, but also many visual details. A 68 kW/92 hp 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine is responsible for the propulsion of the Mazda 2 Hybrid, which is supported by a 59 kW/80 hp electric motor. The four-stroke gasoline engine installed transversely at the front drives the front wheels, the electric motor also affects the front axle and is powered by a battery capacity of 4.3 Ah.

The battery itself is recharged by recuperation. This vehicle does not offer an external charging option either. But a system output of 85 kW/116 hp. The gasoline engine has a torque of 120 Nm, the electric drive 141 Nm. The 3.94-metre-long and 2.02-metre-wide Mazda 2 Hybrid, including exterior mirrors, has a boot capacity of between 286 and 935 litres. The Exclusive Line equipment variant is available from 26,500 euros at market launch. Regardless of the equipment, the vehicle accelerates to 100 km/h within 9.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 175 km/h.

Discover Mazda 2 at AutoScout24.de now.

Renault Clio E-Tech 140

The Renault Clio Hybrid has a system output of 105 kW/143 hp, and the small car accelerates to 100 km/h within 9.3 seconds. The 5-seater offers enough space and a good chassis and, in direct comparison to other models, also has an extensive range of assistance systems. However, with a base price starting at 24,850 euros, the hybrid model is also 7,850 euros more expensive than the entry-level variant. With a top speed of 180 km/h, the hybrid Clio is fast enough for the motorway.

Thanks to a 39-liter tank, ranges of over 1,000 kilometers (theoretically) are possible with one tank of fuel. The luggage compartment volume is stated to be between 254-1,069 litres, but loading is rather cumbersome due to the high loading sill. The drawbar load of the trailer hitch of 63 kg should only be sufficient for two light bicycles plus bicycle racks. Compared to most of the other vehicles in our list, the Renault Clio E-Tech 140 has a rather large displacement: 1.6 liters and a four-cylinder engine, which also drives the front wheels in conjunction with the electric motor.

Discover Renault Clio at AutoScout24.de now.

Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift also rolls off the production line from 18,140 euros with a 1.2-liter mild hybrid drive. The model is available from 19,540 euros with an all-wheel drive variant. The gasoline engine has a belt starter generator. The 3.89-metre-long, 1.74-metre-wide and 1.50-metre-flat small hybrid vehicle has a luggage compartment size of between 265 and 947 litres. The payload is 350 kg, the maximum drawbar load of the towbar is 60 kg.

Within 13.1 seconds, the entry-level model accelerates to 100 km/h and the top speed is 175 km/h. The 1.2-liter gasoline engine has four cylinders and an output of 61 kW/83 hp. The driver can choose to shift manually through five gears or let a continuously variable CVT transmission take over the shifting task.

Jetzt Suzuki Swift bei AutoScout24.de entdecken.

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid starts at 21,000 euros with a continuously variable automatic transmission, a 1.5-liter VVT-i engine with 68 kW/92 hp and an electric motor that has an output of 59 kW/80 hp. Since the power is available at different speeds in both drive variants, it is not easy to add them together, the system output is 85 kW/116 hp (as in the Mazda 2 Hybrid). The Yaris comes in seven different equipment lines.

Analogous to its sister model, this vehicle also measures 3.94 meters in length and 1.50 meters in height. The driving values are also identical, the Toyota Yaris 1.5-liter hybrid accelerates to 100 km/h within 9.7 seconds and has a maximum speed of 175 kilometers, shifting is always done via a continuously variable automatic transmission. Five seats, a boot capacity of between 286 and 768 litres and a maximum drawbar load of 50 kg. With the optional trailer hitch, a maximum of 450 kg can be towed on the hybrid version of the Toyota Yaris.

Discover Toyota Yaris at AutoScout24.de now.

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Are there small cars as plug-in hybrids?

 The Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e is no longer a small car, but at less than 40,000 euros it is the brand's cheapest and most compact plug-in hybrid.

Ein entscheidender Unterschied zwischen herkömmlichen Hybriden und Plug-In-Hybriden (PHEV) liegt in der Batteriekapazität und deren Nutzung. Während normale Hybridfahrzeuge eine kleine Batterie besitzen, die die beim Bremsen rekuperierte Energie speichert, verfügen Plug-In-Hybride über größere Batterien, die per Kabel aus dem Stromnetz geladen werden können. Dies ist zu Hause an einer Steckdose, an einer Wallbox oder an öffentlichen Ladestationen möglich.

This difference enables plug-in hybrids to drive significantly longer distances purely electrically than conventional hybrids. Under optimal conditions, the latest PHEV models can cover 80 to over 140 kilometers without local emissions. The electric range depends on the efficiency of the drive and the energy capacity of the battery.

There are currently no real small cars with plug-in hybrids. Here you have to let your gaze wander to the offers up to less than 40,000 euros. Below is an overview of the price top 10 of the available plug-in hybrid models:

Good to know

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Which is the cheapest hybrid?

The Fiat Panda Hybrid is the cheapest hybrid model with a base price of 13,340 euros. The cheapest plug-in hybrid is currently the Hyundai IONIQ plug-in hybrid from 32,000 euros. The highest purely electric range at a price of less than 40,000 euros is currently achieved by the Mercedes-Benz A 250 e with 76 kilometres.

Find the cheapest hybrid cars now at AutoScout24

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When is a hybrid worthwhile?

A normal hybrid is worthwhile if you often drive in the city and have a lot of stop-and-go traffic, where the small electric motors can play out their advantages and reduce consumption. Plug-in hybrid models are particularly suitable for shorter commutes, for example from home to work, school and shopping, because they make it possible to cover these distances purely electrically. Since electricity is currently (even) cheaper than fuel, the purchase of a PHEV model can therefore pay off not only in terms of taxes, but also in terms of monthly fuel costs. However, there should be a charging option for the vehicle either at home or at work, because due to the often very low peak charging capacities, the full charging process sometimes takes several hours.

Result

From mild hybrids to full hybrids to plug-in hybrids, the development is constantly ongoing. In the higher price range, there are already vehicles at prices of around 60,000 euros with purely electric ranges of over 100 kilometres, making them a good alternative for those who can and want to drive purely electrically in everyday life, but often do not have the time or desire for longer charging processes on long distances. However, electricity consumption must always be added to a cost and environmental balance, i.e. even if low consumption (on the first 100 kilometers) is tempting, the power consumption (plus charging loss) is often not quite marginal. Those who often have to drive long distances are usually still more efficient with a diesel.

FAQs about Hybrid Small Cars