Remember: in 2015, the Volkswagen Golf VII tried to democratize plug-in hybridization with a new GTE version equipped with a 100 hp electric motor powered by an 8.7 kWh battery capable of covering 50 km before recharging or that its 1.4 turbo petrol does not start. Its price at the time: 34 990 €after deduction of the government bonus of €4,000 at the time. Better, in 2020, when the government support had completely disappeared for connected thermal engines, Renault launched a Captur PHEV at 34 250 €.
What about today? The hybrid Captur is no longer available in Plug-In version, and a Golf VIII demands at least 43 990 €. Of course, its large 19.7 kWh battery allows more than 140 km in the WLTP combined cycle, but do the majority of motorists looking for a plug-in hybrid need such electric range? Not sure. Note that the Seat Leon cousin does not do better, 43 750 €… Neither does the Peugeot 308, with a base price of 42 820 € for 180 hp “only”. And we can no longer count the new premium products capable of technical prowess but overpriced. The editorial staff therefore reviewed the less reputable and less expensive models…
Citroen C5 Aircross
It was one of the first SUVs to believe in plug-in hybridization. Let’s be honest: its engine is somewhat dated, but the Frenchman’s early retirement ensures attractive discounts on this ultra-comfortable, spacious and clever vehicle with its three independent and sliding rear seats. So the herringbone brand offers it from 40 830 € on its Citroën Store website. Knowing that the brand announces a WLTP mixed electric range of 64 km (a little over 50 km in real life) and 225 cumulative hpdifficult to find cheaper for equivalent services. Only complaint: the 1.6 turbo petrol requires almost 8 l/100 km once the battery is emptythe electric motor only intervenes on too rare occasions.
Ford Kuga
Leading a rather discreet career but benefiting from a restyling to remember us, the Kuga offers one of the most economical plug-in hybrid engines on the market. Shown from 46 090 €he promises 66 km electric in mixed cycle thanks to a battery of 14.4kW. Better, its b2.5 liter petrol loc with Atkinson cycle and the epicyclic gear train guarantee average consumption less than 7 l/100 km once the battery is discharged, at the same time as a 0 to 100 km/h in 7s3 thanks to a cumulative power of 243 ch. Unfortunately, the engine does not accept Ethanol 85 unlike that of the classic hybrid. And no 4×4 drivetrain either.
Hyundai Tucson
You are tempted by Rafale PHEV 300 but its entry ticket at €54,500 puts you off? Same observation for the last one Tiguan at €53,900 or its big brother Tayron at €56,200? Think about Hyundai Tucsonproposed from 47 200 €, and not ridiculous with its cumulative power of 252 ch (204 for VWs) guaranteed in part by its four-cylinder 1.6 turbo petrol engine with 160 hp (3 legs 1.2 150 hp for the Renault). And if its accumulator may seem modest in the category with 13,8 kWhhe still promises until 69 km in one go without burning unleaded (mixed cycle). Too bad: the Korean will lack a little restraint with an empty battery (approximately 8 l/100 km).
Kia Ceed
From €37,540 in the compact sedan version with a crossover tendency and €38,940 in the SW station wagon, the Korean will prove less efficient than a Golf PHEV, both in electric (60 hp) and in hybrid (141 hp combined for 0 to 100 km/h in 10s8), but driving pleasure is there thanks to a successful double-clutch automatic gearbox. If the 8,9 kWh of the battery seems fineTHE 50 km maxi in electric on the mixed cycle can be enough for daily use, especially if you can recharge during the day (2 hours 20 minutes at best). With 437 l under shelf, the trunk of the SW station wagon unfortunately lacks a little volume. And the image deficit will not facilitate resale.
Toyota C-HR
Who says hybrid says Toyota, but not necessarily rechargeable. However, the Japanese brand has also made it its specialty and is taking advantage of its strength to reduce prices. This is demonstrated by its C-HR SUV, more compact than a Peugeot 3008 PHEV (-18 cm long) but also less expensive thanks to great discounts. By granting €2,000 upon handshake, the trendy Japanese starts 38 400 €even 36 900 € for models in stock which are entitled to an additional €1,500 discount. If his stack only offers 13,1 kWh compared to 17.8 for the Peugeot, it already allows 66 km in electric on the WLTP mixed cycle. In addition, the cumulative power reaches 223 chand we know that the four-cylinder 2.0 will remain sober once the empty rechargeable battery thanks to the efficiency of hybridization. But all is not rosy: the trunk only offers 310 liters and the glazed surface reduced at the rear complicates rear vision.
Toyota Prius
Exclusively rechargeable since the arrival of this 5e opusthe Prius is not left out since it benefits, like its little brother, from interesting commercial gestures: Toyota tells us €5,000 in discounts currently, unconditionally. Either an entry ticket to 38 900 €. And if it uses the same mechanical assembly as the C-HR, it makes exemplary use of it thanks to its aerodynamics typical of a sedan. 4,60 m profiled. So his little pile promises 86 km electric before connecting, on a mixed WLTP cycle. And 2.0 will then be able to be satisfied with 5 l/100 kmaccording to our records. Too bad the trunk is not up to the size (284 litres), and that the fall of the flag requires you to lower your head at the rear…
