THE BEST HEVs and PHEVs of the year
COTY continues with the finalists in our two Clean Car hybrid categories
This week we’re continuing to reveal the finalists in the AA DRIVEN New Zealand Car of the Year awards for 2022. Following last week’s focus on SUVs of all sizes, this week we’re showcasing hybrid electrified vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and (when you turn over the page) battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
As with other categories, the focus is on cars launched in the last 12 months, but in fact we have considered all cars on sale as long as they have a five-star crash rating. Assuming they can actually be purchased, which has meant temporary ineligibility of Toyota’s Yaris and RAV4 Hybrids.
HEV
HEVs combine a combustion engine (usually petrol) with a small battery pack and electric motor(s). They are the ideal entry point to electrification because you don’t have to plug them in; instead, the battery is recharged by energy recaptured during braking or coasting, or sometimes (when the driving conditions are right) by the petrol engine.
HEVs can only drive for short distances on electric power (1-2km is typical), but because they recharge little and often they still offer 30 per cent better fuel economy than a comparable petrol or diesel vehicle. Sometimes even better.
Chinese brand Haval has made huge leaps in quality and ability with its latest SUVs. The new H6 HEV impresses with its seamless hybrid technology; there are four different operating modes, but the car makes the big decisions and you simply get on with driving and enjoying 5.8l/100km thrift.
The Honda Jazz e:HEV is another complex hybrid that presents a simple driving experience. The technology is fascinating: most of the time it’s a range-extender, meaning the petrol engine is running mainly to charge the battery, which in turn drives the wheels through an electric motor. Combine 3.8l/100km fuel economy with the Jazz’s legendary Magic Seat cabin and you have one of the cleverest superminis around.
This year also sees the return of the Toyota Highlander. We had decided to put the RAV4 Hybrid to one side this year, because you simply can’t get one: Toyota NZ is quoting delivery in 2024 for this popular model. But the Highlander offers the same hybrid/ E-Four AWD technology in a larger seven-seat package that ticks a lot of boxes for eco-conscious Kiwi families who still need large-SUV space.
PHEV
PHEVs also bring a combustion engine together with a battery and motor — but the electric component is more substantial, providing anywhere between 40100km of EV running and the ability to plug in and recharge.
The Eclipse Cross PHEV takes Mitsubishi’s proven plug-in technology and packages it in a great-value compact-SUV format. The battery provides a claimed 55km range and Mitsubishi was one of the first PHEV makers to give its models DC fast-charging capability — so when it’s convenient, you can plug into public stations and make the most of that electric running (charging in about 20 minutes). The powertrain also features Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control AWD system.
It’s a Mitsubishi double in this category. The larger Outlander moves the company’s PHEV tech on considerably (it also costs more, of course). It’s based on a new platform, has a new petrol engine and a larger battery pack that gives a claimed 84km of electric range — and the same ability to fastcharge as its smaller sibling.
For a complete change of pace/ shape, we’ve also been quite taken with the Volkswagen Multivan T7 this year. It’s a truly refined people mover with 50km of pure-electric range and a load of clever seating configurations. Despite the size and specification, VW NZ has also managed to keep the entry-level model under $80k, meaning all three of our finalists come with $5750 Clean Car Discount.
Vote in People’s Choice to win $5k of fuel at DRIVEN.co.nz/vote.