CONSIDERING A HYBRID? You’re not alone

Hybrids strike a good balance between clean credentials and affordability

More Kiwis are now looking for the most fuel-efficient car options, including electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids.

The reality is that while we are starting to see more EVs arrive on our shores, “pure” battery models are not always an option, whether that’s due to the total purchase cost or the limited range and long charging times. But hybrids are certainly popular alternatives.

Last year, during some of the most difficult periods the industry has faced, hybrid vehicles performed surprisingly well — up around 48 per cent over the previous year. Year-to-date, sales of hybrid vehicles are up 52 per cent.

The Government has announced a new Clean Car Standard, which will take effect next year, requiring car importers to work towards meeting a 105g of C02/km average by 2025. If they don’t, they could face fines from 2023.

The same target was met in Europe in 2020 but New Zealand is way behind — we currently have an average rating of 171g/km. Japan also hit the same target back in 2014.

The move is designed to de-carbonise the incoming fleet, which will further push the demand for electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle technology. There are currently no new cars with conventional internal combustion engines that meet the 105g/km target. The closest is the 1.2-litre manual Suzuki Swift, which is 106g/km.

Here are three new hybrids available today in NZ that are worth considering if you have fuel efficiency at the top of your carbuying priorities and you aim to meet the Clean Car Standard for emissions.

Yaris GX Hybrid

(From $28,490, 3.3l/100km, 76g/km)

The Yaris is now in its fourth generation, and has a sportier and bubblier appearance than before. The price point of the GX hybrid is only $2000 more than the equivalent conventional-petrol Yaris.

The new compact lithium-ion battery and electric motor combination provides a perky drive, with decent torque around town. The new engine develops 85kW of combined power, which is only about 3kW less than the petrol variant.

The entry model includes Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a respectable sixspeaker audio system included as standard. Despite its size, the Yaris still boasts a boot capacity of 270 litres with all the seats up.

Kia Niro EX

(From $39,990, 3.8l/100km, 88g/km)

This car is pitched as a compact SUV, but it probably looks more like a jacked-up hatch to most of us. Nevertheless, the 160mm of ground clearance is useful for getting in and out of the car, particularly if you have mobility issues.

The base EX has modern features like Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go to further enhance fuel savings.

The Niro makes use of a 1.6 litre Kappa engine which, combined with the electric motor, produces 136kW. It also uses a Lithium Polymer battery and a six-speed dual clutch transmission, instead of the CVT type found in other hybrids.

The Niro is well ahead of the other two hybrids we’ve listed in terms of storage, with 401 litres in total (seats up).

The Niro would be a good choice if you’re after something a bit different and you desire an elevated driving position. If you have kids, there’s reasonable room for back-seat occupants and this model also incorporates child seat anchor points along with rear occupant alert.

Lexus UX250h

(From $63,300, 4.5l100km, 103g) The Lexus UX250h is a luxury crossover that uses a global Toyota/Lexus architecture, which possesses a low centre of gravity to provide hatchback-like driving dynamics. It includes three selectable driving modes for a more engaging driving experience, along with an eight speaker sound system and a

10.3-inch EMV display with sat nav. It’s powered by a thrifty 2.0-litre petrol engine and has a combined power output of 135kW with a consumption of 4.5l/100 km, which is pretty impressive for this class of vehicle. In terms of space, it’s the smallest on this list with just

220 litres of luggage capacity with the tonneau cover in place and seats up.

The Lexus UX250h also features a comprehensive safety package thanks to the second generation of the Lexus Safety System+, with Night Time Pedestrian Detection, a Pre-Collision System, as well as Lane Tracing and Road Sign Assist.

The Lexus marque is often the go-to luxury choice for many Kiwis, and the latest hybrid model is arguably more enticing than ever.

So, shall I go hybrid?

The new hybrid figures from last year suggest that there’s an evergrowing interest in New Zealand. 2021 should prove another good year for Hybrid vehicles, with models like the Mazda CX-30, Suzuki Swift and Subaru Forester/ XV Hybrids adding to the mix.

If you’re in the market for a new car and want to keep an eye on your carbon footprint, there are many more hybrid choices.