While hybrids are not as expensive as all-electric cars, they’re certainly not as cheap as conventional combustion engine vehicles either. So, hybrid car buyers are looking for models that can offer them the best value for money possible, and we’re going to help with that.
The best hybrid car for the money in Australia is the 2021 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid, priced at approximately $27,000. It's a hybrid with entry-level performance specs but exceptional efficiency and comfort, with lots of amenities to offer. This model can fit four adults comfortably with plenty of cargo space in the boot as well.
In this article, we’re going to start by exploring the qualities that make a hybrid car ‘good’ in the first place. That way, you’ll know what to look for when shopping for the best hybrid car to suit your budget. Then, we’ll show you our pick for the best hybrid car for the money in Australia.
Keep reading!
What Makes a Good Hybrid Car?
Before we look at the best value-for-money hybrid car in Australia, let's first take a broader look at hybrid vehicles. These days, you can find several leading automotive brands that produce hybrid models. But what makes a hybrid model 'good' in the first place?
Here are a few things you’ll want to look out for when comparing hybrid cars.
Seamless Switching Between Powertrains
It’s not called a ‘hybrid’ for nothing – it can switch between two powertrains at a moment’s notice. An excellent hybrid seamlessly switches between its internal combustion engine and electric motors without a hitch.
To determine whether a hybrid model can do this smoothly, you'll want to take it for a test drive and see for yourself. If that's not possible, but I don’t see why not, you can refer to other people's test drives or reviews and see what they say about the switching.
Boot Space
Boot space is also something that separates hybrid models. But, again, that is pretty straightforward: hybrids need space to place their batteries AND IC-engine, and this typically eats into the space normally reserved for cargo.
As far as ‘good’ hybrids are concerned, boot space is a very subjective quality. What you might consider ample boot space might not be enough for someone with different needs.
So, you’ll want to think hard about how much cargo space you’ll need in the foreseeable future.
Natural Braking
Hybrid cars slow down using two different braking mechanisms: conventional braking, like any other car, and regenerative braking. The latter is a way for the vehicle to slow down while also converting some kinetic energy into electricity, which is then stored in the vehicle's batteries.
If you’re able to do a test drive, I want you to observe something. When you bring a hybrid car to a gradual halt, there is a point where it switches from regenerative braking to mechanical braking. When that occurs in a good hybrid, you won't feel a thing. The entire process will be seamless.
In lesser hybrids, you might feel the car jolt or jerk when the switching between the two braking mechanisms takes place.
Interior Comfort
Besides the mechanical aspects mentioned above, an excellent hybrid must also have all of the qualities you’d expect from any motor vehicle. For instance, the hybrid’s interior must be comfortable enough for you and your passengers to enjoy.
That’s especially crucial if you plan on driving long distances, or if you’re using the car for your daily rush-hour commute to and from work.
Exterior Aesthetics
Hybrid cars once had a reputation for being pretty bland on the outside. That’s not true these days, as there are plenty of different models to choose from. So, a ‘good’ hybrid car should also look nice on the outside, just as it should be comfortable on the inside.
Price, Incentives, and Rebates
Hybrids offer plenty of value, and that value should match the price tag you’re paying for. So, a good hybrid is one that’s reasonably priced.
When it comes to hybrids, it might interest you to know that it is eligible for various government incentives and rebates.
All of those incentives and rebates will affect the final price you pay, so you should also factor them into your decisions when searching for a good, value-for-money hybrid.
Which Hybrid Car Offers the Most Value for Money?
If you had to pick one hybrid car that offers the most value for money, it should be the 2021 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid, priced at approximately $27,000.
Overview
The 2021 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid is a small sedan comfortable enough to fit four adults plus cargo. This model has entry-level specs with nothing too fancy to shout about. However, it boasts comfort, high efficiency, and high safety, most notably with its 5-star ANCAP rating.
Maximum Outputs
This hybrid carries a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that Toyota has paired with two electric motors. The electric side of things is powered by a 1.3kWh battery pack. At its best, this car can produce 72kW of power and 142 Nm of torque.
As mentioned before, the design of this car is mainly focused on efficiency, comfort, and safety. So, this isn’t the kind of car you’d want to take to a drag race.
Still, the power and torque are more than enough for regular day-to-day driving like taking the kids to school and going to and from work.
Range
Armed with a full tank of petrol, this car can leverage both the combustion engine and its electrical motors to take you as far as 1,200 km.
Boot Capacity
Earlier, we mentioned that the size of the boot is a crucial factor in choosing a hybrid car. Well, this Toyota hybrid boasts a total boot volume of 470 litres. So rest assured, that’s plenty of cargo space for you to load up with your luggage or golf clubs without any worries.
Interior
The interior has entry-level features, but it’s still incredibly comfortable. We’re talking about simple cloth seats combined with single-zone climate control. Plus, there’s an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is a must-have in cars these days.
Learn More!
Be sure to check out the blog at Carpart.com.au, where you’ll find plenty of resources about cars, buying and selling auto parts, and everything that has to do with the automotive industry. It’s also the best place to search for car parts, so make sure to bookmark our parts request tool.
By Ray Hasbollah