![]() ![]() Not that saloon buyers will appreciate the effort the four-door plug-in has an astonishingly small compartment (just 335 litres) tacked on to the back, with a very obvious ‘step’ in the floor. The C350e has a relatively small battery of 6.4kWh, but that saves weight – and space. Mercedes-Benz has a tendency to introduce cutting-edge features on bigger models, but as ‘the baby S-Class’ the C-Class does get a few nice things and designs without waiting too long. ![]() Versatile, luxurious, and refined, but saloon’s boot is tiny.The only caveat when buying a plug-in hybrid car is to check the specs carefully, as they often lose boot space or practicality to fit the batteries in. There’s a varied selection of used plug-in hybrid cars available now and they can be extremely effective.Īlmost all of these cars offer a bridge between the economy of the smallest engine/lowest power option and the performance of the hot-hatch or similar equivalent, with that eco-friendly EV mode for short trips as well. Plug-in hybrid family cars: a perfect, plugged-in compromiseĪ few years ago the plug-in hybrid car made little sense next to a diesel, for new buyers – but then company car tax rules ditched derv, and having some electric range could save a lot when it comes to benefit-in-kind. Restrained styling underlines the substance, rather virtue signalling’ Wrapping up cutting-edge running gear in a conservative package is a winning combination, clearly.ĬAR verdict: ‘Mitsubishi found what Britain’s drivers want in a plug-in hybrid, and the Outlander is a best-seller as a result deservedly so. Decent kit levels are available, too, though nothing too plush. Ride comfort is good in and out of town, and the Outlander handles surprisingly well for a high-riding SUV. Post-2015 facelift models have nicer trim, but we recommend looking for the 2.4-litre, upgraded model introduced in 2018 – it’s just better in every respect. As a used PHEV, the Countryman offers good value for money and accessible style’Īll models share user-friendly controls, and a rather dull, but unintimidating interior rather than ‘futuristic techno showcase’ any driver will feel at home in a used Outlander PHEV. ![]() The styling is distinctive, the build quality and equipment levels generally high (though a lot is optional, of course), and you’ll find lower mileage four-year old examples for less than the cost of all but the cheapest new cars.Īs always, take time to shop around as the Countryman has a lot of personalisation and option packs, meaning more choice than just silver with black interior.ĬAR verdict: ‘Consumer catnip thanks to its SUV bodystyle and trendy plug-in powertrain, it’s also surprisingly fun to drive. New buyers have plenty of alternatives, such as Kia and Hyundai’s recent small SUVs, but at this budget you won’t get as much character, or such a pleasing experience behind the wheel. It’s this high in the ranking because of the price, however. Add the all-wheel drive ability of ALL4, and the spice of Cooper S performance justified by a sub-7.0 second 0-62mph, and the plug-in’s appeal goes beyond just 26 miles of electric range. Get past the comments about ‘it’s too big to be mini’, and the Mini Countryman is simply a pleasant to drive small family SUV with handling that reflects the brand’s sense of fun (and BMW connections).
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