Hitting the hybrid notes

These hybrid family cars add the promise of low running costs to their repertoires. Which used example will have us singing its praises the loudest, though?

GEORGE HILL george.hill@haymarket.com

*Price today is based on a 2023 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing

HONDA CIVIC

1 Flick the driving mode switch to Sport and you’ll hear a digitised engine sound that’s piped in through the speakers

2 Sport trim’s instruments are part-analogue (for the speedo) and part-digital. Top-spec Advance (pictured) is fully digital

3 Physical buttons and rocker switches on the steering wheel are particularly easy to find and operate by feel

Photography: John Bradshaw

TOYOTA COROLLA

1 Corolla doesn’t look quite as fancy as the Civic, but both cars feel robust and have plenty of soft-touch materials

2 Heated seat buttons and phone charging tray aren’t particularly easy to access in their position under the dashboard

3 Even with the seat in its lowest position, you sit higher than you do in the Civic and get great visibility at junctions

PRICE TODAY £22,000*

HONDA CIVIC

2.0 e:HEV Sport

List price when new £31,795

Available from 2022-present

Unusual hybrid system promises to combine strong performance with fine efficiency

PRICE TODAY £18,000*

TOYOTA COROLLA 1.8 Hybrid Design

List price when new £31,780

Available from 2019-present

Cheaper to buy used than the Civic, Toyota’s family hatch majors on comfort and fuel economy

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