Compare the best small hybrid cars
High quality small hybrid cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Last updated May 17, 2024 by
Tom Wiltshire
Best small hybrids of 2024
More and more small cars are being offered as hybrids nowadays - it's a great way to offset emissions and improve fuel economy, but without the expense and re-engineering required in making them fully electric, especially since it's often more cost-effective to build large electric cars than it is small ones.
Hybrid engines actually work really well with small cars, offering seriously impressive fuel economy as there's less weight for the battery and electric motor to lug around. This does usually come at the expense of a few factors, though - cabin and boot space can be reduced, as can driver enjoyment. But if you reckon that's worth it for the potential fuel savings, keep reading for our pick of the best small hybrid cars in the UK.
What's good
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The Clio hybrid uses a clever two-motor system, inspired by Renault’s F1 experience, to deliver over 60mpg in the real world, and it looks pretty smart doing it. It's good fun to drive, though the hybrid system can be a little clunky at full throttle. The interior's a great place to sit, with high-quality materials and a big, easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system. There's also a decent 301-litre boot, even if that has shrunk compared to the standard petrol Clio.
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The old MG3 was a pretty rubbish car with an antiquated engine - but the new one couldn't be more different. Not only is it a proper hybrid with surprisingly perky acceleration, a smooth powertrain and real-world economy in the mid-50s, but it has a much-improved interior packed with tech - even if it's not quite as nice inside as a Renault Clio. To top it all off, it undercuts any other hybrid car this size, making it the cheapest full hybrid car in the UK as well as one of the best.
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The little Yaris looks sharper now than it has done since the late nineties, and it’s far more enjoyable to drive than you might expect, with well-balanced responses in corners. The 1.5-litre petrol hybrid engine is available with two power outputs, but both are capable of more than 60mpg in the real world without even trying - drive really carefully and you'll see over 70mpg. It’s tiny in the back seats and the boot, though, and an MG3 is more fun to drive and significantly more powerful.
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Not to be confused with the regular Mazda 2, the Mazda 2 Hybrid is in essence a Toyota Yaris with Mazda badges on it. That means it shares that car's brilliant hybrid system, though you can't get the more powerful 130hp model. Not to worry, as the regular 116hp car has more than enough power for most and will still return fantastic fuel economy. It's priced similarly to the Toyota so which one you go for depends on your preference of brand and aftercare.
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What's good
What’s not so good
Peugeot's recently added a 1.2-litre hybrid engine to the 208 hatchback, which frankly makes an already excellent car just a little bit better. It's not as smooth a hybrid system as a Toyota Yaris, and it does add a bit to the 208's already substantial price tag - but you'll soon see where the money's gone when you step inside. Plus an easily achievable 55mpg in the real world should help cut your fuel bills.
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The Jazz has long been one of the most practical small cars you can buy, and that hasn’t changed thanks to a generous 304-litre boot, and those clever ‘Magic Seats’ in the back, that flip up vertically (for tall, narrow loads) as well as folding down flat. Its tall silhouette makes it much more capacious for rear passengers than a Renault Clio or Toyota Yaris, too. The 1.5-litre hybrid engine is very efficient, and is cleverly designed to run on electric power almost all the time making it extremely smooth around town.
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The Vauxhall Corsa is mechanically identical to the Peugeot 208 (above) but is positioned as more of a budget offering - it's a little cheaper, but feels it especially inside where the design and build is just that bit too plain. It's great to drive and very efficient, though, even if the rear seat space is a little tight.
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What's good
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The third car on this list with the same powertrain - the Yaris Cross is basically just a taller, more practical Toyota Yaris. That certainly solves the issue of boot space and rear seat space, though you pay more for the privilege and it's not quite as sharp to drive. You don't lose much in efficiency though, which is impressive.
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What’s not so good
The Suzuki Ignis is only a 'mild' hybrid, which means it's not capable of running exclusively on its electric power like the other cars on this list. That means it's a lot more like a regular petrol car, even coming with a manual gearbox - but combined with the Ignis' featherweight body means exceptional fuel economy. The Ignis is also great fun to drive, and you can even have it with four-wheel drive.
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The Puma is about the same size as the Toyota Yaris Cross (above) but comes with only a mild hybrid engine, so fuel economy can't match that car. It's fantastic fun to drive though, especially if you chuck it through the corners on a twisty road. And with reasonable rear seat space and a really clever, flexible boot, it's ideal for family use.
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