Looking for a budget hybrid? Here are seven under R1m
It seems that record fuel prices have ignited an interest in hybrid cars in SA
05 October 2022 - 17:54
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Though full electric vehicles (EV) eliminate the use of expensive fuel, there’s still much to say and be attracted by hybrids. Hybrids offer the best of both worlds in that they possess a conventional engine and an electric motor powered by a battery system. These engines can work in tandem or separately depending on conditions.
Hybrids operate by cutting off the conventional engine in favour of the battery-powered electric motors, usually below speeds of 40km/h, thus making savings a reality. The conventional engine powers the car at higher speeds while charging and topping up the batteries.
Hybrids are considered as the perfect solution for customers who drive long distances yet need to save money due to record high fuel prices. Modern hybrids are getting in on the act, with some providing full EV mode at speeds up to 100km/h while others can also be charged at home from a wall charger as plug-in hybrids.
There are plenty alternatives from a variety of brands, some very expensive, some rather large and some as the sophisticated plug-in-hybrid variety. Below is a list of hybrid cars under the “R1m” bracket on sale in SA.
Who would have thought it: a Corolla with real design flair and a hybrid drivetrain. Picture: SUPPLIED
Toyota Corolla Hybrid 1.8 XS
The Toyota Corolla sedan is a sales success in this market. In 2021 it introduced a hybrid version that comprises a 1.8lpetrol engine and electric motor to provide 90kW output and 163Nm. Fuel consumption is claimed to be a paltry 3.5l/100km. It is geared by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and has a top speed of 180km/h. It costs just R447,800.
Toyota Corolla Cross is essentially the most affordable hybrid crossover on the market. Picture: SUPPLIED
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The larger Corolla Cross Hybrid crossover, which also uses a 1.8lpetrol engine coupled to an electric motor and CVT gearbox pushing out 90kW and 163Nm is next. Toyota claims overall fuel consumption of 4.3l/100km. It costs R425,400 and effectively the cheapest hybrid crossover you can buy. Soon it will be available in GR Cross hybrid guise.
The Honda Fit has an innovative seat packaging system and also available in hybrid guise. Picture: SUPPLIED
Honda Fit Hybrid
Another affordable hybrid on the market is Honda Fit e:HEV. This is the flagship model of the clever hatch range and pairs a 1.5l petrol engine with two electric motors for a total 80kW and 235Nm output. The switch between petrol engine, full electric or hybrid happens automatically according to power train load conditions and travel speeds. Honda claims the hybrid sips 3.7l/100km. It cost R509,600.
The new H6 HEV hybrid claims a fuel consumption of 5.2l / 100km.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Haval H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury
This is the latest model to join the SA hybrid class and the first of its kind from Chinese Haval. It is powered by a 1.5l petrol turbo engine mated to an electric motor for a combined output of 179kW and 530Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.2l/100km and CO2 emissions of 121g/km. It costs R669,950.
The Toyota Rav4 model range now has an updated hybrid system. Picture: PHUTI MPYANE
Toyota Rav4 2.5 GX-R CVT Hybrid E-Four
Toyota is the current leader in hybrid options in this market and earlier this year the Japanese brand introduced its popular Rav4 crossover with a new generation hybrid system. Badged E-Four, they use a 2.5l petrol engine now linked with electric motors on the front and rear axles to create an electrified all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration. Total system output is 163kW and 221Nm with a top speed of 180km/h. The price starts at R676,700.
The Lexus ES is stylish, smooth driving hybrid luxury sedan. Picture: SUPPLIED
Lexus ES 300h SE
The Lexus ES offers typical Lexus luxury with above-average sedan legroom. If it is bought in ES 300h SE form it brings with it a fourth-generation, self-charging hybrid drive system of a 2.5l four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. Outputs are of 160kW and it is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Total fuel consumption is claimed to be 4.6l/100km with a top speed of 180km/h. Prices start from R813,600.
The Lexus IS range is a mix of luxury, sporting prowess and fuel parsimony in 300h specification. Picture: SUPPLIED
Lexus IS 300h SE
The Lexus IS also brings hybrid technology and cultured Lexus luxury, but to the sport sedan niche instead. All models are powered by a hybrid power unit that mates a CVT transmission to a 2.5lfour-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor for total system outputs of 164kW and 221Nm. You also have a choice between two grades that cost below R1m: the entry-level EX and mid-tier SE. Prices start at R924,200.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Feature
Looking for a budget hybrid? Here are seven under R1m
It seems that record fuel prices have ignited an interest in hybrid cars in SA
Though full electric vehicles (EV) eliminate the use of expensive fuel, there’s still much to say and be attracted by hybrids. Hybrids offer the best of both worlds in that they possess a conventional engine and an electric motor powered by a battery system. These engines can work in tandem or separately depending on conditions.
Hybrids operate by cutting off the conventional engine in favour of the battery-powered electric motors, usually below speeds of 40km/h, thus making savings a reality. The conventional engine powers the car at higher speeds while charging and topping up the batteries.
Hybrids are considered as the perfect solution for customers who drive long distances yet need to save money due to record high fuel prices. Modern hybrids are getting in on the act, with some providing full EV mode at speeds up to 100km/h while others can also be charged at home from a wall charger as plug-in hybrids.
There are plenty alternatives from a variety of brands, some very expensive, some rather large and some as the sophisticated plug-in-hybrid variety. Below is a list of hybrid cars under the “R1m” bracket on sale in SA.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid 1.8 XS
The Toyota Corolla sedan is a sales success in this market. In 2021 it introduced a hybrid version that comprises a 1.8l petrol engine and electric motor to provide 90kW output and 163Nm. Fuel consumption is claimed to be a paltry 3.5l/100km. It is geared by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and has a top speed of 180km/h. It costs just R447,800.
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The larger Corolla Cross Hybrid crossover, which also uses a 1.8l petrol engine coupled to an electric motor and CVT gearbox pushing out 90kW and 163Nm is next. Toyota claims overall fuel consumption of 4.3l/100km. It costs R425,400 and effectively the cheapest hybrid crossover you can buy. Soon it will be available in GR Cross hybrid guise.
Honda Fit Hybrid
Another affordable hybrid on the market is Honda Fit e:HEV. This is the flagship model of the clever hatch range and pairs a 1.5l petrol engine with two electric motors for a total 80kW and 235Nm output. The switch between petrol engine, full electric or hybrid happens automatically according to power train load conditions and travel speeds. Honda claims the hybrid sips 3.7l/100km. It cost R509,600.
Haval H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury
This is the latest model to join the SA hybrid class and the first of its kind from Chinese Haval. It is powered by a 1.5l petrol turbo engine mated to an electric motor for a combined output of 179kW and 530Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.2l/100km and CO2 emissions of 121g/km. It costs R669,950.
Toyota Rav4 2.5 GX-R CVT Hybrid E-Four
Toyota is the current leader in hybrid options in this market and earlier this year the Japanese brand introduced its popular Rav4 crossover with a new generation hybrid system. Badged E-Four, they use a 2.5l petrol engine now linked with electric motors on the front and rear axles to create an electrified all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration. Total system output is 163kW and 221Nm with a top speed of 180km/h. The price starts at R676,700.
Lexus ES 300h SE
The Lexus ES offers typical Lexus luxury with above-average sedan legroom. If it is bought in ES 300h SE form it brings with it a fourth-generation, self-charging hybrid drive system of a 2.5l four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. Outputs are of 160kW and it is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Total fuel consumption is claimed to be 4.6l/100km with a top speed of 180km/h. Prices start from R813,600.
Lexus IS 300h SE
The Lexus IS also brings hybrid technology and cultured Lexus luxury, but to the sport sedan niche instead. All models are powered by a hybrid power unit that mates a CVT transmission to a 2.5l four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor for total system outputs of 164kW and 221Nm. You also have a choice between two grades that cost below R1m: the entry-level EX and mid-tier SE. Prices start at R924,200.
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