5. Hyundai Kona
- Prices from £30,685
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable and refinedSpacious cabinChoice of petrol, hybrid and EV power | Not especially fun to driveHybrid and 1.0-litre versions are slowToo futuristic-looking for some |
Although the Hyundai Kona Hybrid’s rivals are starting to catch up, our 2023 Car of the Year is still a top buy. Not only does this small SUV offer an impressive level of practicality for its size, but its low running costs and distinctive appearance also help to make it an appealing family car.6. Toyota Yari
- Prices from £23,140
| Pros | Cons |
| Great fuel economyLots of standard safety featuresEntry-level models well-equipped | Not as spacious as rivalsNoisy engine when extendedFirm suspensionSmall boot |
The basic template for the Toyota Yaris’s petrol/electric set-up is largely similar to that in the brand’s first production hybrid, the Prius: an Atkinson Cycle petrol engine (in this case a 1.5-litre unit) drives a CVT transmission with assistance from an electric motor and a small battery.
But constant honing of that formula has resulted in a superbly smooth, lively and efficient small car. Officially it’ll hit as much as 70.6mpg, and we achieved a figure very similar to that during testing. Better still, the Yaris is among the more fun cars to drive in its class. While it’s more suited to getting around town, the small supermini can also hold its own on the motorway, making it a sensible all-rounder.
7. Dacia Jogger
- Prices from £23,100
- Best for families
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable priceInterior spaceHolds its value well | Hybrid has an inconsistent feeling brake pedalHybrid model has limited towing abilityOne-star Euro NCAP safety rating |
There’s no doubt about it, the Dacia Jogger offers incredible value for money. If you want a seven-seat car, it’s much cheaper than almost any other brand-new alternative. You will miss out on some of the luxuries in pricier rivals, but it’s not short on tech under the bonnet.
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A 1.6-litre petrol engine works alongside electric motors and a clever multimode gearbox to deliver reasonable performance and return up to 58.9mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. According to Dacia, the Jogger Hybrid can run in pure-electric mode for up to 80 per cent of the time when you’re driving in town. There’s only one downside here; the base pure-petrol Jogger is thousands of pounds cheaper, so unless you do huge miles (or you really need an automatic car), you’re unlikely to recoup that cost with lower fuel bills. But as hybrids go, it’s still a star.
8. Hyundai Tuscon
- Prices from £35,990
| Pros | Cons |
| Hybrid powerGreat on-board techPremium feel | Expensive plug-in hybrid modelEngine thrashy at higher revsNot especially fun to drive |
Its bold styling won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but there’s no denying the Hyundai Tucson’s deep-seated quality as a family SUV. In fact, it’s so good that we’ve named it our Mid-size SUV of the Year for four years on the trot now at our New Car Awards. The Tucson Hybrid utilises a 1.6-litre electrically assisted powertrain with 212bhp, and its efficiency figures are respectable for what is a roomy, tech-packed machine.
Like the Kia Sportage, the Tucson drives with finesse without veering towards sportiness, and its relaxed gait makes it a pleasant companion for long trips. Inside, you’ll find a well built, attractive cabin that offers a generous level of standard kit.